During the conversation some questions the meaning of cultural diplomacy, strategies the institution follows, the challenges it faces, the projects and collaborations it has on their agenda and its connection to Germany served as guidelines to get a better understanding of the initiatives of the Embassy and its position in the cultural and diplomatic sphere. On this article, we´ve tried to reflect the essence of the historical journey Amb. Elbadri embarked us on during our visit.

Ambassador Mohamed Elbadri described cultural diplomacy as a contemporary dimension of diplomacy that has gained prominence in recent decades. He explained that diplomacy itself is a broad umbrella encompassing multiple layers of interaction—ranging from culture, sports, antiquities, museums, politics, and strategic affairs to military, economic, investment, and trade relations. Within this spectrum, cultural diplomacy has emerged as a relatively modern concept, or at least one with an innovative practical application, even though its roots can be traced back to classical thinkers such as Hans Morgenthau, who referenced cultural elements in Politics Among Nations.

According to Amb. Elbadri, the notion accrued significant momentum through the work of Joseph Nye, who introduced the concept of “soft power.” Nye sought to articulate how non-material factors most notably culture contribute to a state’s influence. This framing helped elevate cultural diplomacy into a recognized and essential component of diplomatic practice. For Amb. Elbadri, cultural diplomacy serves as a tool for bridging cultures and civilizations, functioning as a strategic asset that strengthens relationships between peoples and states. In the Egyptian–German context, he noted, cultural engagement has become an integral element of bilateral relations.

The Ambassador emphasized that Nye regarded cultural diplomacy as an instrument through which states can shape international perceptions beyond political, military, or economic leverage. Examples such as film, museums, and music demonstrate how cultural assets can cultivate deep, enduring connections across societies.

Amb. Elbadri also situated the rise of cultural diplomacy within broader intellectual debates, particularly following Samuel Huntington’s 1996 “clash of civilizations” thesis. Huntington’s argument that future conflicts would occur along civilizational fault lines heightened global sensitivity to cultural identity. Amb. Elbadri, however, firmly rejected the notion of a clash of civilizations, asserting that such frameworks fall outside the reality of practical politics. Civilizations, he argued, transcend states; they encompass wide communities of peoples, which makes the theory conceptually weak and overly reductive.

In contrast, he views cultural diplomacy as a means to present culture as a bridge rather than a boundary. He recalled how, in 2005, the Spanish foreign minister launched the “Dialogue of Civilizations” initiative at the UN General Assembly one of several international efforts that sought to institutionalize cross-cultural understanding. Many such initiatives emerged partly in response to Huntington’s thesis but also to conflicts that were mischaracterized as religious clashes, such as those in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia, where underlying issues of nationalism were more decisive than religion.

Through this historical and conceptual evolution, Ambassador Elbadri concluded, cultural diplomacy has developed into a vital mechanism for fostering dialogue, countering divisive narratives, and reinforcing mutual understanding among nations.

The Embassy of Egypt in Berlin employs a multifaceted approach to promote Egyptian culture and heritage within the German context. As the Ambassador explained, this mission benefits from a long-standing foundation of fascination with ancient Egypt, which dates back to Napoleon Bonaparte’s expedition to the country and the ensuing wave of Egyptomania that spread through Europe. This deep-rooted curiosity continues to serve as a natural tie between the two nations. Today, nearly 1.75 million German tourists are expected to visit Egypt, reflecting sustained cultural interest and historical ties.

Within the Embassy itself, Egyptian identity is represented through a blend of its diverse cultural layers from Pharaonic statues symbolizing its ancient civilization to the legacy of the Coptic Church of Alexandria and the Christian heritage that remains an integral part of Egypt’s cultural narrative. The city of Alexandria, for instance, embodies this multifaceted past through landmarks such as the Greco-Roman Museum, home to an extensive collection of ancient statues.

Over the centuries, German orientalists have shown remarkable interest in Egypt and the Islamic world. One such scholar, Wellhausen, authored an esteemed work on the life of the Prophet Muhammad. This intellectual engagement continues today through German archaeological missions actively operating in Egypt, such as those conducting excavations in Fayala. As the Ambassador described, these ongoing collaborations are vital expressions of cultural diplomacy in action.

Another pillar of Egypt’s cultural diplomacy lies in education and religious scholarship. Al-Azhar University one of the world’s oldest centers for Islamic studies, founded in the early 900s plays a pivotal role in promoting moderate interpretations of Islam. The University sends imams abroad to communicate messages of tolerance, helping counter rising waves of extremism and fundamentalism that distort the true essence of the faith. These exchanges reinforce educational and cultural dialogue between Egypt and the wider international community.

The educational connection between the two nations is further strengthened through active German institutions in Egypt. The German University in Cairo, the German International University inaugurated by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in September and the University of Saxony all stand as beacons of bilateral academic partnership. Additionally, the Deutsche Schule, one of the largest and most respected schools in Egypt, reflects the strong educational link between both countries. Egypt today hosts 550 schools, and approximately 50,000 Egyptians speak German fluently a testament to the depth of cross-cultural engagement.

For the Embassy, culture ultimately serves as a bridge for people-to-people connection. Whether expressed through tourism, religion, or education, these cultural exchanges embody the spirit of coexistence, harmony, and mutual understanding. As the Ambassador emphasized, even when conducted under the framework of the state, cultural diplomacy’s ultimate purpose is to foster direct human connections the most enduring foundation of cooperation between Egypt and Germany.

Ambassador Elbadri emphasized that Egyptian culture enjoyed a remarkably strong appeal in Germany. He noted that both Germans and foreign residents showed significant enthusiasm for many aspects of Egypt’s heritage. This interest became especially evident during cultural events, including moments when the Embassy participated in initiatives such as the Berlin Film Festival, which consistently attracted attention and appreciation. He highlighted that one of the elements that resonated most with the public was Egyptian cuisine. During events hosted at the Embassy, guests often expressed particular enthusiasm for traditional dishes. For this reason, he made a point of serving Egyptian food when inviting German officials, emphasizing that cuisine was a powerful cultural component: it created a welcoming atmosphere, encouraged interaction, and offered a direct way for people to connect with Egyptian identity.

Representing a strong and ancient culture, he concludes, is in itself a diplomatic asset. It helps the Embassy carry out its cultural work smoothly, as people approach Egyptian culture with openness and interest rather than resistance.

Amb. Elbadri explained the Embassy’s cultural priorities using the example of an event hosted at the Embassy before Christmas, which focused on showcasing Egypt’s Christian heritage, particularly the Church of Alexandria. He explained that many people in Germany were unaware of the historical significance of the Church or of the origins of monasticism, which began in Egypt with figures like Saint Anthony. “Monasteries played a crucial role in Europe—not only religiously, but culturally,” he said, noting that they preserved literacy and education during the so-called Dark Ages and contributed to the broader development of European civilization.

He further emphasized Egypt’s impact on European history and culture, from the establishment of the Nicene Creed to Arab and Islamic intellectual exchanges in southern Spain and Sicily. Ambassador Elbadri concluded that the Embassy aims to communicate through such cultural events the depth and diversity of Egypt’s contributions, highlighting its multi-layered history as a significant connection to Europe.

The Embassy maintains a robust and engaged relationship with German cultural entities, capitalizing on the longstanding "fascination" with ancient Egypt. A close professional tie exists with the museum world, exemplified by the curator of the Berlin Museum, Professor Federica, who is described as a constant presence and the "number one on our guest list". She is recognized as one of the best Egyptologists globally, with specific authority on hieroglyphics. Furthermore, German archaeological expeditions are currently operating successfully in Egypt (in Fayala and other locations).

In terms of institutional exchange, the Embassy acknowledges the Goethe Institute operating in Egypt, noting they are "doing a magnificent job". The Embassy also facilitates crucial religious and communal dialogue, hosting imams for certain mosques and a patriarch of the Coptic Church of Alexandria, showcasing the breadth of Egypt's multi-layered culture. The Ambassador highlighted specific events, such as hosting a speech, mentioned before, to explain the fundamental role of the Christian Church of Alexandria (from which monasticism originated) in solidifying Christianity and contributing to European culture.

The Embassy employs a dual strategy involving both legal promotion and legal protection of its antiquities. For cultural promotion, Egyptian law permits the use of exhibitions abroad, citing the example of the King Tut exhibition, which was a "major success" in London and New York. These artifacts are often referred to as the "best ambassadors of Egypt abroad". However, strict regulations apply: artifacts on tour are only allowed to stay abroad for one year.

Regarding illicitly obtained items, the Embassy has established arrangements for the repatriation of antiquities and relics. This effort is vital because the powerful "fascination" with Egyptian culture means people highly desire original artifacts. A smuggled original can command values up to "tens of millions of euros" due to the high valuation placed on them by those knowledgeable about Egyptian culture.

When asked about cultural diplomacy as an academic field, Amb. Elbadri noted that it has potential; however, there are fundamentally difficult things about social sciences in academia, for example epistemology. He emphasized that it is difficult to derive hypotheses and theories when it comes to people-to-people relationships and culture, because these aspects are hard to judge or quantify. Politics or economics are more tangible, therefore cultural diplomacy is only a pseudoscience, however it is still an important factor and so it will be, according to Mr. Elbadri. He demonstrated this with Egyptomania (people obsessed with ancient Egypt), which is also hard to quantify because of its broadness (some people visit the country or the institutions, some buy Egyptian replicas). But even though you cannot quantify it, it does not mean that it does not exist.

As an important note, Ambassador Elbadri highlighted that Egyptian culture is basically in every society and they are a large population. He added that the past can have a huge impact on the present and Egyptians have excited for the last 7,000-8,000 years. As Egypt is a founding member of the African Union and the Arab League, it is a cultural asset for the country to be seen as a civilization that belongs to more than one specific region. He noted that Egyptian’s genes are unified, because a lot of people conquered the country since 332 AD, so beside Egyptians blood they have different as well.

His Excellency emphasized that there is always power in diversity and if someone knows how to harness it, they have influence. Diversity can foster peace or enhance closer connections, which the United Nation realized and uses to this day. Their initiative, called the culture of peace, is an important asset, because they use diversity for stabilizing relations.

Egyptian culture has long been a source of inspiration around the world. Egypt -through its ancient legacy and contemporary creativity continues to influence and enrich European culture today. As the Ambassador added, you can influence with your culture or when you project your country’s history. You have to offer some aspects of your culture to the globalized world, from food to historical landmarks.

Approaching the end of the conversation, when asked about the upcoming projects or initiatives the Embassy is planning to further enhance cultural dialogue between Egypt and Germany, Mr. Elbadri mentioned the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), noting that the Embassy was scheduled to host a live event for its inauguration. The underlying belief is that understanding history is crucial, as it enables people "to appreciate better the art that depicts this era in history". The Ambassador graciously invited the delegation of ICD to the screening of the live inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum on the 1st of November to the Egyptian Embassy in Berlin.

The ICD team would like to thank Ambassador Mohammed Elbadri for his hospitality and the possibility of conducting an insightful interview with him.

• Independent