Embedded Files
The American University in Cairo (AUC), Downtown Campus, Tahrir Square pictures are some of the earliest, dating from the ‘late 1960s’ and 1970s onwards. Also, I have now strong anecdotal evidence of 1966, at least, from Margaret Shabka, who studied at the AUC from 1966, and seemed to recall the pavings back then. Possibly, these may be even earlier; investigations are ongoing. The AUC pictures are the most significant, in both chronology and substance. There are many pictures to be found in the Rare Books and Special Collections Library and Archives, at the AUC, shown here with permission. However, dating these is problematic; a major hindrance to chronology matters is that, for the most part, the pictures are not dated in the archives, but rather a rough indication is given instead, such as '1960s–1970s'.
Figure 1. AUC 1960s–1970s
© Courtesy of the Rare Books and Special Collections Library and Archives, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.
This is possibly the oldest photograph of the AUC; and indeed, is one of the clearest. Observe the striking contrast between the tiles, appearing new. A possible explanation is that they were cleaned at a later date!
Figure 2. AUC Bartlett Fountain Area, 1970s.
© Courtesy of the Rare Books and Special Collections Library and Archives, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
This area is named after Thomas A. Bartlett, a past president of the AUC (1963-1969). The paving, unfortunately, is not of the greatest clarity here.
Figure 3. AUC Main Campus, 1978
© Courtesy of the Rare Books and Special Collections Library and Archives, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Figure 4. AUC Bartlett Fountain Area, 1975
© Courtesy of the Rare Books and Special Collections Library and Archives, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Figure 5. AUC Bartlett Fountain Area, 1970s, as seen from balcony (of Ewart Hall?)
© Courtesy of the Rare Books and Special Collections Library and Archives, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Acknowledgments
With thanks to Gregg De Young for archive detail, Steven Urgola and Nada Yassen of the archive for initial photographs, Pam Garnett for a visit to the archive and further photographs, and Margaret Shabka for her recollections concerning the paving.
References
Murphy, Lawrence, R. The American University in Cairo: 1919–1987, American University in Cairo Press,1987, p. 254.
The paving is not discussed as such in the book, but rather appears in the pictures by chance, as background, the author being unaware of the significance.
Page History
23 July 2025. Although a 'new' page in the strictest sense, in that an 'American University in Cairo' page was not shown as a distinct page in its own right, this is rather misleading. Rather, the material was placed under 'First Photographs', along with bibliographic references seen elsewhere. Also, the 'old' had the findings of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (as links) at a later date (2015?). Simply stated, that page was badly dated and needed a reappraisal. Upon due consideration, I deemed the page irredeemable; hence, I decided to delete that page (preserved at the Wayback Machine) and instead have a new page, specifically on the AUC paving in isolation, using the existing photos and text. The new page was judged deserving on the basis of historical importance, at a significant institution, and with numerous photos.
To be added to after this initial establishment of the page.
'First Photographs' Created 4 July 2012. Updated 14 December 2012, with Margaret Shabka account.
Page updated
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