page_title: Egypt–France relations
section_title: The Institut d'Égypte
hierarchical_section_title: Egypt–France relations / Education relations / The Institut d'Égypte
caption_attribution_description: Français&#160;: Salle dans l'Institut d'Egypte -J C Protain (c 1800)
context_page_description: Egypt-France relations refers to the bilateral relationship between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the French Republic. Relations between the two countries have spanned centuries, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Following the French occupation of Egypt, a strong French presence has remained in Egypt. Egyptian influence is also evident in France, in monuments such as the Luxor Obelisk in Paris. The relationship is also marked by conflicts like the Algerian War and the Suez Crisis. As of 2020, relations are strong and consist of shared cultural activities such as the France-Egypt Cultural Year, tourism, diplomatic missions, trade, and a close political relationship. Institutions like the Institut d’Égypte, the French Institute in Egypt and the French University of Egypt also aid in promoting cultural exchange between Egypt and France.
context_section_description: The Institut d’Égypte or Egyptian Scientific Institute was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798 to facilitate French scholarship in Egypt. In 2011, the Institute caught fire during protests, and 192,000 books and journals were damaged or lost. This included the 24-volume Description de l’Égypte or Description of Egypt, a handwritten work that contained observations by over 150 French scholars and scientists begun between 1798-1801 during French occupation in Egypt. In 2012, the Institute was reopened after extensive restoration. Works that had not been damaged in the fire were returned, as well as donated collections. The restored Institute is two levels. The first houses a reading area complete with computers, and the second level comprises lecture and seminar halls, meeting rooms, a lounge for high-profile guests, an event hall and a main hall which includes the library.
caption: Artwork depicting the Institut d'Égypte by French artist J C Protain c. 1800
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