A S U

In an atmosphere evoking the essence of modern Egyptian history, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, welcomed today, King Ahmed Fouad II, along with his family and accompanying delegation, at Al-Zafaran Palace.

The University President expressed his warm welcome, emphasizing the historical and symbolic significance of King Ahmed Fouad II as part of Egypt’s contemporary history. He also highlighted the university’s commitment to preserving the architectural and historical heritage of Al-Zafaran Palace, which witnessed pivotal moments in Egypt’s history before becoming the administrative headquarters of one of the country’s most prestigious universities.

He noted that the palace has undergone restoration by the Ministry of Antiquities since 2022 until its handover earlier this year.

The visit included a tour inside the palace, where the King and his delegation explored the royal hall and the unique architectural decorations that blend European and Islamic styles.

The guests also toured the basement level of the palace, which has recently been transformed into a museum showcasing ancient Egyptian artifacts in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities under the name “Zafaran Museum.” The museum houses rare collections that narrate the history and development of the university.

For his part, King Ahmed Fouad II expressed his great admiration for the level of maintenance and restoration carried out at the palace, stating his pleasure at seeing this historical landmark serve as a beacon of knowledge and as the headquarters of Ain Shams University. He also praised the university’s enlightening role in graduating generations that contribute to building Egypt’s future.

Meanwhile, Prof. Mamdouh Eldamaty, Professor of Egyptology and former Minister of Antiquities, reviewed the history of Al-Zafaran Palace, explaining that it was built in 1902 for the widows of Khedive Ismail, Jananyar Hanem and Gashm Aft Hanem, on the same site as the original Zafaran Palace, which had been constructed in 1869 by Khedive Ismail for his mother, Khoshyar Hanem. During the tour, Prof. Eldamaty provided a detailed explanation of each artifact displayed in the Zafaran Museum.

The visit was attended by Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; and Prof. Rami Maher Ghali, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs. Also present were Prince Mohamed Ali, son of King Ahmed Fouad II, Mr. Hussein Fakhry, grandson of Princess Fawzia (daughter of King Fouad), along with several members of the royal family.

At the conclusion of the visit, the President of Ain Shams University presented King Ahmed Fouad II and his delegation with a trilingual (Arabic, English, and French) edition of the Zafaran Palace book. The visit concluded with commemorative photographs taken inside the palace.