Founded in 1907, the Deutsche Institut für ägyptische Altertumskunde became affiliated with the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut in 1929. Since 1957 the department is situated in a villa in Cairo-Zamalek.

In cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of State for Antiquities and other international partners, the department researches all Egyptian periods from the prehistoric age to modern times. The main focus of research is on settlement and landscape archaeology, the design and function of ritual spaces, on living environments and on the reconstruction of cultural competence and experience. Further key topics are the relationship between continuity, transformation, and innovation as well as the perception of ancient Egypt and it‘s role in the construction of cultural identities, both in Egypt and in Europe.

The DAI Cairo maintains the second largest archaeo­logical library in Egypt as well as important archives and its own editorial office. It regularly organizes conferences and and lectures that are open to the public. The institute also promotes the qualification of Egyptian scholars by granting scholarships and running courses and it encourages contact and exchange between Egyptian and German researchers within its projects and events.

Library

The reference library comprises ca. 40,000 volumes and over 300 magazines and series currently. The focus is on Egyptology and associated sciences, complemented by an extensive collection of Islamic studies and an exquisite collection of travel literature. The entire inventory can be researched in the central online catalogue ZENON.

Photo Archives

 Some 250,000 photos are included in the Institute's photo archives.

Archive

The Institute's Archive contains mainly the scientific heritage of Ludwig Keimer (1892-1957) which is accessible in a separate room. Additional archival material is not yet documented.

Publications

The »Mitteilungen des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts Kairo« appears yearly, also the series »Archäologische Veröffentlichungen«, Egyptian, Coptic and Islamic »Abhandlungen«, »Quellen zur Geschichte des Islamischen Ägyptens«, »Sonderschriften« and »Studien zur Archäologie und Geschichte Altägyptens« .

Rundbrief - Newsletter of the DAIK in German:

Rundbrief 2011 ( PDF 3875 KB)

All Rundbriefe of the department since 1957 can be found here.

Scholarships

Research scholarships

In accordance with the Cultural Agreement between the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the German Archaeological Institute of Cairo welcomes initiative applications for research scholarships from Egyptian scholars and employees of the Ministry of State for Antiquities. Applications will be handled according to availability of funding.
Download PDF research scholarship application form here.

Travel scholarships

Download summer 2013 travel scholarship advertisemet here.
Download PDF travel scholarship application form here.

Events

The department's public lectures are being announced in the events calendar of the DAI. They take place at the institute's premises if not mentioned otherwise. Please note that seating is limited. If you wish to receive information about our lecture program via e-mail, please write to sekretariat@kairo.dainst.org

International Workshop: Archaeology and Cultural Studies in Egypt
Jointly organized by the German Archaeological Institute Cairo, the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo and the American University in Cairo
15 December 2012, from 8.30 am
Location: German Archaeological Institute
Program: ( PDF 65 KB)

Here you can find a retrospective on the lecture series and events of the department.

Further Information

Telephone:

20-(0)2-2735-1460; 20-(0)2-2735-2321

Fax:

20-(0)2-2737-0770

E-Mail:

sekretariat@kairo.dainst.org

E-Mail (Administration):