Czech Footprints in Egypt
Czech Footprints in Egypt is a long-term project that maps traces of Czechoslovak and Czech presence in the country – from scientists and artists to architects and traders. It focuses on their activities, influence, and the relationships they developed or continue to develop in Egypt.
In Cairo, the project comes to life through thematic walks across places connected to significant personalities or events. An equally important component consists of campaigns and curated evenings that bring this history and its present relevance closer to wider audiences in Egypt and in Czechia.
Research
The project systematically maps places, institutions, and personalities that have strengthened cultural ties between Egypt and Czechoslovakia / Czechia.
systematic tracking of Czech presence in Egypt
ongoing work with archival materials and expert sources
as of June 2025, more than 150 footprints / traces recorded
Map
Online campaigns
The project presents Czech footprints through digital content. Below you can find episodes of the Czech Footprints series on Instagram.
Episode 1
Episode 2
We also search for and process archival photographs and document selected places and topics, for example a video report from the Lehnert & Landrock bookshop with guide Štěpán Macháček.
Guided walks around Cairo
The project "revives" Czech footprints in Cairo through guided walks led by Czech experts.
May 2023
Following the footprints 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 footprints 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 footprints 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 footprints 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
