Czech traces in Egypt
Czech traces in Egypt a long-term project that maps the traces of Czechoslovak and Czech presence in Egypt – from scientists and artists to architects and merchants. It focuses on their activities, influence, and relationships that they developed or left behind in Egypt.
In Cairo, the project comes to life through thematic walks at sites associated with significant personalities or events. An equally important component includes targeted online campaigns and composed evenings that bring this history to a wider audience in Egypt and the Czech Republic.
Research
The project systematically maps places, institutions, and personalities that have strengthened cultural ties between Egypt and Czechoslovakia / the Czech Republic.
systematic tracking of traces of Czech presence in Egypt
ongoing work with archival materials and expert sources
as of June 2025, more than 150 traces recorded
Walks in Cairo
The project "revives" Czech traces in Cairo through guided walks led by Czech experts.
May 2023
Following the traces of Czech and Czechoslovak Egyptologists in Cairo
Guide: Prof. Ladislav Bareš (Czech Egyptological Institute)
Focus: work and everyday life of Czech researchers active in Egypt
December 2023
Following Czech traces in Cairo
Guide: Štěpán Macháček (Czech Radio)
Focus: life and activities of the Czech and Czechoslovak community and representatives of Czech companies in Cairo
October 2024
Following the traces of Czech and Czechoslovak researchers and travelers
Guides: Adéla Jůnová Macková and Libor Jůn (Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and National Museum)
Focus: Czechoslovak community in Cairo with a special emphasis on the 1920s, diplomatic relations between Czechoslovakia and Egypt
May 2025
Following the traces of the Houska brothers
Guides: Miroslav Houska and Ivan Houska (Czech-Arab Society, Gema Art, Pastry – Houska & Douda)
Focus: the activities of the Houska brothers in Cairo in the 1960s – studying metalworking at the Khan al-Khalili bazaar and sports activities (rowing).
November 2025
Commented walk at the Czech Embassy in Cairo
Guide: Prof. Pavel Kalina (Czech Technical University)
Focus: history and architecture of the embassy building, including details of the exterior and interior.
Photo gallery
Online campaigns and other materials
The project actively presents Czech traces also through digital content.
thematic series on social media, including dedicated to The Year of Czech Music
searching for and processing archival photographs
documentation of selected places and topics, e.g., a video report from the bookstore Lehnert & Landrock (guide: Štěpán Macháček)