Egyptian Networking and Social Activities (ENSA)

Welcome to the Museum of Classical Antiquities Tour!

Join us for an exciting journey through ancient history at the Museum of Classical Antiquities Tour at the University of Ottawa! Explore artifacts from Greece, Rome, and Egypt with our knowledgeable guide. Discover the stories behind these treasures and immerse yourself in the wonders of the past.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the beauty and grandeur of classical antiquity up close. Book your spot now and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

Renowned Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz was widely regarded as one of the most influential literary figures in the Arab World. While his primary contribution was as a novelist, he was also extensively involved in creating cinematic works as scriptwiter. Several of his novels were adapted into films and television series, bringing his stories to a wider audience through visual media. Some notable adaptations include "The Cairo Trilogy" (Palace Walk, Palace of Desire, Sugar Street), The Thief and the Dogs, Night and Day Talks, among so many others. Besides his literary achievements, Naguib Mahfouz contributed directly to cinema by writing original scripts. His involvement in screenwriting is a significant part of his creative legacy, although it is less widely known than his novels. Mahfouz wrote scripts for several Egyptian films, bringing his narrative talent and social insights directly to the cinematic medium. His scripts often reflected themes from his literary work—such as social change, human struggles, and cultural identity—but adapted for the visual and dramatic form of film. His work in the film helped bridge literature and visual storytelling, enriching Egyptian cultural production and influencing Arab cinema.

Guest Speaker: Dr. May Telmissany – Egyptian–Canadian novelist, translator, film critic, and Associate Professor of Arabic Studies and Cinema at the University of Ottawa. She is the author of acclaimed novels such as Dunyazad and Heliopolis—with her debut winning France’s Ulysses Prize and Egypt’s State Prize.

Discover Egypt: Food Tasting

**Come experience the rich and flavorful world of Egyptian cuisine!**Join us for a mouthwatering food-tasting event featuring beloved dishes like koshari, mousaka, and stuffed vine leaves—all prepared with authentic ingredients and love.A variety of vegetarian options will be available, so there's something delicious for everyone!

Step into the timeless world of Om Kalthoum, the legendary Egyptian singer whose powerful voice and emotional depth shaped the sound of a generation. This session explores both her remarkable career and personal journey, uncovering what made her voice so unique and why her songs still resonate across Egypt, the Arab world, and far beyond. Discover how Om Kalthoum became a symbol of artistry, pride, and cultural unity, with a legacy that continues to inspire to this day.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Fekri Saleh is an Egyptian-born biomedical engineer, educated at Ain Shams University and later at McGill University in Canada. He was one of the early pioneers in biomedical engineering and worked extensively in Canada’s healthcare system, including with the Federal Ministry of Health. He published numerous scientific papers, contributed to major medical innovations—especially in neonatal care—and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Science in 1985. Life Magazine listed him among the 25 people who significantly improved life on Earth.