- Reporter: Mennatallah Said
- Editor: Alia Aglan
- Image Credits: Communications Office
The American University in Cairo (AUC) shifts the stage—literally. In a surprising move, the Student Union (SU) has begun relocating major campus events from the spacious New Cairo campus to the historic downtown Tahrir campus.
The SU says the move is aimed at reviving student life at the Tahrir campus, a space that many feel has been underused in recent years. SU sees it as a way to reconnect the student body with AUC’s roots and energize the downtown space with youthful presence and cultural buzz.
“We were invited to participate in a cultural festival happening in Tahrir, and they wanted a concert on the same day,” said SU Head of Ticket Sales Alia Rashed.
“It was also about showing that AUC isn’t just a place for academics or events in New Cairo—we wanted to open the Tahrir campus to something different and exciting.”
The transition kicked off with a bang: a live performance by Egyptian rap icon Marwan Pablo in early April drew thousands to the downtown campus. The concert marked a bold start to the SU’s plan to center more events in Tahrir.
“We wanted Marwan Pablo because we realized he brings exactly the kind of energy we’re aiming for in this new phase,” said Rashed. “He’s a major name right now—and his concert made a big statement.”
She believes that the concert fulfilled the SU’s mission of revitalizing the Tahrir Campus.
“Events like this are what make the campus feel alive, and I don’t think this will be the last one.”
She acknowledged that while the Tahrir campus differs from the New Cairo one in size, it still has potential.
“Tahrir might not have the same capacity as New Cairo—it’s not like the Manara Arena or the big outdoor spaces we have there,” she added. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t host great events here. It just has a different vibe.”
But this renewed attention to the Tahrir campus isn’t random—it’s more of a homecoming.
Before AUC moved its main operations to New Cairo in 2008, the Tahrir campus was the epicenter of student life. It wasn’t just for classes—Tahrir was a hub for vibrant student engagement and events.
In the 1930s, legendary singer Umm Kulthum held monthly radio concerts from the campus, captivating listeners across the Arab world. Over the years, the campus welcomed international icons like French singer Édith Piaf, performances by the Palestine Philharmonic Orchestra, and musical acts from Europe and the United States.
Renowned Egyptian writer Taha Hussein also delivered lectures there, adding to the campus’ reputation as a hub of intellectual and cultural exchange. Even cinematic events brought the community together, with popular films like Cecil B. DeMille’s King of Kings drawing packed crowds.
Beyond visiting artists and intellectuals, students helped bring cultural energy into full bloom.
One of the most beloved symbols of that era was the AUC Folklore Club, a student group that performed traditional Egyptian dances like baladi, sa‘idi, and Nubian styles. For many years, the club brought color, music, and movement to campus events, especially at Tahrir.
“I joined the university in 2009, and my role has been as the choreographer and trainer of the Folklore team,” said longtime AUC Folklore Club instructor Hassan Farouk.
“Being part of this family—one we built from the ground up—has always filled me with joy.”
He likened the team’s growth to watching a child thrive, recalling a particularly special milestone.
“The first time our newly formed team performed at the Tahrir Festival was unforgettable,” he said. “It was one of the most beautiful shows of the entire event, according to the audience.”
The moment held deep emotional significance for both him and the students.
He added, “It meant the world to the students. Many of them had dreamed of performing inside this iconic space, and that performance made it real.”
While some students are thrilled about the revived downtown presence, others aren’t sold on the change.
“This whole idea sounds nostalgic, but it’s not practical,” said Fayrouz Seyam, an Integrated Marketing Communication senior. “I live near AUC, and it takes me almost an hour to get to Tahrir. It makes no sense to host concerts so far away from where most of us are.”
Despite the mixed reactions, SU says this isn’t just a phase.
“We’re not abandoning the campus in New Cairo,” said Rashed. “But Tahrir deserves more. This is about balance—and bringing students back to AUC’s roots.”
