The Institute of Oriental Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia honored the prominent Egyptian historian and Professor of History at Damanhour University, Dr. Mohamed Rifat Al-Imam, by awarding him a certificate of appreciation.
This recognition was in honor of his outstanding scholarly contributions to enhancing academic cooperation between Egypt and Armenia, his role in developing Armenian studies, and his efforts in consolidating cultural dialogue between the two peoples.
The honoring took place on the sidelines of a scientific and cultural event organized by the Institute on June 29, 2026, under the title "Between Two Homelands: Alexander Saroukhan and the Power of Public Diplomacy."
During the event, Dr. Mohamed Rifat Al-Imam delivered a speech addressing aspects of the historical and cultural relations between Egypt and Armenia, and the importance of cultural diplomacy in building bridges of communication between nations.
On June 30, Dr. Rifat Al-Imam held a business meeting with the Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies, Dr. Gohar Iskandaryan, the Acting Head of the Arabic Countries Department, Dr. Aram Gasparyan, and the Head of the International Relations Department, Dr. Araks Pashayan.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed prospects for expanding scientific cooperation between academic institutions in both countries, ways to support Armenian studies in Egypt, and launching joint research and cultural initiatives.
At the conclusion of the meeting, and in the presence of the members of the Institute's scientific faculty, Dr. Gohar Iskandaryan presented the certificate of appreciation to Dr. Mohamed Rifat Al-Imam, in recognition of what the Institute described as his "valuable contributions to strengthening Armenian–Egyptian scientific cooperation, developing Armenian studies, and deepening scientific and cultural ties between the two peoples."
Dr. Mohamed Rifat Al-Imam is considered one of the most prominent Arab researchers specializing in Armenian history and Armenian–Arab relations. Over decades, he has contributed to introducing the history of Armenia and the Armenian community in Egypt, publishing dozens of studies and research papers in this field.
He has previously received the Garbis Papazian Award – Armenian General Benevolent Union – New York – United States of America in October 2010.
He was also awarded the Medal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia in 2011, in appreciation of his exceptional contributions to Armenian studies, which he received from the then-Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Egypt, Armen Melkonian.
Additionally, he received the Medal of the President of the Armenian Republic (Gratitude) in 2017.
Furthermore, he supported the activities of the Center for Armenian Studies at Cairo University for years and served as the Editor-in-Chief of "Arev" magazine, which specializes in Armenian studies and is published in Arabic.
Among his most prominent publications are:
• History of the Armenian Community in Egypt
• The Armenian Question in the Ottoman Empire (1878–1923)
• The Armenians in Egypt (1896–1961)
• The Armenians in Egypt in the Nineteenth Century
• The Annihilation of the Human Race
• The Adana Massacres April 1909: The Road to the Great Genocide 1915
• Armenians, the West, and Islam: Perpetrators, Victims, and the Accused
These works are considered among the most important Arabic references in Armenian studies.
This honoring reflects the high scholarly stature that Dr. Mohamed Rifat Al-Imam enjoys within Armenian academic circles.
It also underscores the significant role played by Egyptian researchers in enhancing civilizational dialogue and scientific cooperation between Egypt and Armenia, and in strengthening the bridges of cultural communication between the two countries.
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