Mansoura University honors head of the Acting Professions Syndicate, during the Cultural Salon symposium, “Art and its Impact on National Identity”

The Cultural Salon at Mansoura University hosted Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Acting Professions Syndicate, during a symposium entitled “Art and its Impact on National Identity,” at the University’s Faculty Club. In the presence of Prof. Cherif Youssef Khater - President of Mansoura University, Prof. Yahya Al-Mashad, President of Delta University, and Dr. Abdel Qader Mohamed Abdel Qader, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Faculty Members Club.

The dialogue was moderated by Prof. Mahmoud El-Gaidi, Dean of the Faculty of Arts. The meeting witnessed the presence of members of the Cultural Salon, members of the Parliament, deans, vice deans of faculties, the executive director of hospitals and medical centers, and faculty members.

At the beginning of the symposium, Prof. Cherif Youssef Khater welcomed Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Syndicate of Acting Professions at Mansoura University, stressing that art is a message that must reach every Egyptian and is a means of forming awareness and conscience of national identity, indicating that the university has a responsibility to develop awareness, enrich culture, and advance topics concerned with forming the Egyptian character, and art plays an important role in shaping the national identity and works to enhance belonging among young people. There is a responsibility to choose the means of art and influential personalities that work to enhance cultural taste, sense of patriotism and developing loyalty and belonging to the homeland. The role of art and influence in the conscience of the Egyptian people has extended inside and outside Egypt, among Egyptian communities abroad and their keenness to adhere to Egyptian art

Dr. Ashraf Zaki said that art influenced the conscience throughout the ages, he added “I’m admired by the song Taslam Al-Ayadi”, one of the best patriotic national songs.

He pointed out that Mansoura University is at the forefront of Egyptian universities at all levels, as it achieved excellence in artistic, cultural, scientific and technological activity. The university has 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 artists, and the Arab peoples are still attached to the stars of Egyptian art such as Adel Imam, Mahmoud Yassin, Fouad Al-Mohandis and others. He added that a series like “Al-Ikhtiyar (The Choice)” was watched by young people, and they witnessed events that they experienced, instilling within them a sense of belonging to what they saw and they learned about many of the events.

He pointed out the story of Hassan-El Sabbah and Omar Khayyam, was portrayed in an Egyptian TV series, which retells the story of The Assassins, is considered one of the most anticipated and watched series. He added that there is a need for the return of art in schools and universities, which plays an important role in preserving the Egyptian national identity.

He said that when he traveled to Vienna with the puppet theatre, he saw that the communities knew the puppets by names, so we are a great country artistically and a country whose Allah is its protector and which has security and stability. He added that there is an artistic renaissance in most Arab countries, but Egyptian art is still firmly established in the minds of generations and there is an appreciation for Egyptian artworks and Egyptian art stars. Therefore, Egyptian art needs improvement to keep pace with modern developments and the diversity of trends among young people.

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.