Significance and Role of the Coptic Christian Monastery in Contemporary Egypt

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23720033
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Religious studies
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: IWASAKI Maki 筑波大学, 人文社会系, 助教 (10529845)
• Project Period (FY): 2011-04-28 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: コプト・キリスト教 / イスラーム / 宗教共存 / 修道院 / 中東・北アフリカ / エジプト / ディアスポラ / 移民

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to reveal the significance and role of the Coptic Christian Monastery in Contemporary Egypt. In Egypt, 85-90 % of the population is Muslims, on the other hand, 10-15 % is Coptic Christians. In Islamic revival since the late 1960’s in Egypt, Islam has been mainly focused in the academic arena, however, Coptic Christians have been also playing an important role in their society. In Egypt, Christianity was brought in the 1st century and later in 7th century, Islam came from the Arabian Peninsula. They have coexisted over 1400 years and we are able to learn from their peaceful coexistence. Unfortunately, there are tragic incidents nowadays regarding to the difference of religions but basically, they live in the same area, they eat same things and they share many same culture in Egypt. In this study, St. Samuel Monastery in Upper (South) Egypt was focused. After the revolution 2011, due to the security reason, the research area was changed to France and Canada.

Free Research Field

宗教学