This evening, Monday, April 29, 2024 AD, the Cultural Salon at Mansoura University hosted Dr. Ashraf Zaki, Head of the Acting Professions Syndicate, in a cultural symposium entitled “Art and its Impact on National Identity,” at the University’s Faculty Club.

This was in the presence of Professor Dr. Sherif Youssef Khater - President of Mansoura University, Professor Dr. Yahya Al-Mashad, President of Delta University, and Professor Dr. Abdel Qader Mohamed Abdel Qader, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Faculty Members Club.

The salon was managed by Professor Dr. Mahmoud Al-Jaidi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and the meeting witnessed the presence of members of the Cultural Salon, members of the House of Representatives, deans, deans of colleges, the executive director of university hospitals, and members of the university’s teaching staff.

At the beginning of the symposium, Professor Dr. Sherif Youssef Khater welcomed Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Syndicate of Acting Professions, stressing that art is a message that must reach every Egyptian, because it is a means of forming awareness and conscience of national identity, indicating the university’s keenness on its role and responsibility in developing awareness and enriching Culture, through interest in multiple cultural activities that present topics concerned with building the Egyptian character and art, which in turn contribute to shaping the national identity and enhancing the sense of belonging among young people. Pointing to the importance of working to support refined and purposeful art that contributes to improving refined taste and sense of belonging. Patriotism and developing loyalty and belonging to the homeland.

Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Acting Professions Syndicate, stated that art shapes the conscience of people throughout the ages, noting that he loved Egypt because of art, in addition to that when he walked in the streets and heard national songs, he felt reassured.

He praised the leadership and excellence of Mansoura University at all scientific, research, cultural, artistic and technological levels inside and outside Egypt in international forums, and that Mansoura University includes distinguished artistic teams and talents, including the theater team at the Faculty of Pharmacy, which won first place in the Theater Festival for Universities.

He explained that the Arab countries appreciate Egyptian art and Egyptian artists, and the Arab peoples are still attached to the stars of Egyptian art such as Adel Imam, Mahmoud Yassin, Fouad Al-Muhandis and others. He added that a series such as “The Choice” was watched by young people, and they witnessed events that they witnessed, instilling within them a sense of belonging to what they saw and being informed of many of the events. He also pointed out that the series "The Assassins", and the great image in which it appeared, was created by the Egyptians, and in the parallel line of Hassan al-Sabah, Omar Khayyam played a parallel role, as art enters into everything.

He continued that there is a need for the return of art in schools and universities, to preserve the Egyptian national identity. He added that when he traveled to Vienna with the puppet theater, he saw the communities know the puppets by name, which confirms the excellence of Egyptian arts and their success in Egypt and abroad.

He pointed out that there is an artistic renaissance in most Arab countries, but Egyptian art is still firmly established in the consciousness of generations, and that there is an appreciation for Egyptian artworks and Egyptian art stars. Therefore, Egyptian art needs continuous development in art methods and the way it is presented to keep pace with modern developments and the diversity of trends among young people, so that He continues on the path of excellence and success on the same path.

He concluded his speech by asking for an operetta to be created within the university to showcase the most important influential figures and symbols of art and culture from the people of Dakahlia and to present their role in providing role models for young people.