On the Organization of «Union of Russian students in Egypt» (1920–1922)

Abstract

On the basis of archival documents, the article traces the history of public organization «Union of Russian Students in Egypt», established in 1920 among the Russian emigrant community. After the Revolution of 1917, there was a mass departure of Russian refugees from the country. Among the refugees were also the students of Russian universities. By the turn of fate, some of them arrived in Egypt, a country that had a rich tradition of Islamic education, but not the European one. Russian emigrants had to unite in special societies and unions, so that they could together resist the hardships and destitution they experienced. Russian students also decided to create their own organization. Its purpose was to provide the members with the opportunity to continue their education, as well as to off er them fi nancial assistance when it was possible. However, the organization was faced with many social and fi nancial problems. The association took the initiative to fi nd work for students, and to organize foreign language courses. In addition, they organized the cultural life and activities of students as much as possible. Due to the eff orts of the initiative group, a library was created, a hostel was organized, and a canteen was put into function, while students participated in theatrical productions and musical evenings. This article reveals the motives to establish the “Union of Russian Students in Egypt”, follows its activities, and its attempts to save Russian cultural and educational traditions in emigration. The article also traces the reasons for the split of this public organization and, as a result, the end of its activities in 1922.

The author declares that there is no conflict of interest.