The Ninth Edition of the International Conference on “Cities' Identity Through Architecture and Arts”, organized by IEREK in collaboration with the University of Pisa, took place on board a Nile Cruise sailing between Aswan and Louxr. Held from 8 to 11 October 2025, the event turned Egypt’s timeless landscapes into an inspiring venue for creative dialogue and scholarly exchange.

Over four inspiring days, architects, researchers, heritage specialists, academics, and students from around the world came together to explore how architecture and the arts shape the stories and identities of cities. The exceptional setting added depth to every discussion, making this edition one of the most memorable in the conference’s history.

Key themes highlighted during this edition included:

Day1:

Site Visits:

The first day of the conference began aboard the Royal Adventure Nile Cruise in Aswan, where participants set out on an extraordinary journey along the Nile River. The day featured visits to the magnificent Philae Temple and the impressive High Dam, providing a captivating introduction to Egypt’s history, culture, and engineering achievements. Blending sightseeing, cultural immersion, and academic engagement, the opening day created a truly memorable start to the conference.

Opening Ceremony:

The Opening Ceremony of the conference began with registration aboard the venue, setting the stage for a series of welcoming speeches. The event was officially inaugurated by Dr. Mourad Amer, CEO & Founder of IEREK, who warmly welcomed all participants. Distinguished speakers followed, including Dr. Tarek Teba, Associate Professor in Architectural Heritage at the University of Portsmouth, UK; Prof. Donatella Rita Fiorino and Prof. Elisa Pilia from the University of Cagliari, Italy; Prof. Luca Lanini, Professor at DESTeC, University of Pisa and Ph.D. President of the Master’s Program in Building Engineering-Architecture; Prof. Hugo Martins, Professor at the University of Maia and Researcher at CEGOT; and Prof. Jocelyn A. Rivera-Lutap, DPA, FUAP, representing the co-host university from the Philippines. The ceremony was further enriched by online speeches from Prof. Eduardo Cordeiro and Prof. António José Pinheiro, from the University of Maia, who joined to extend their greetings and support. The opening set a welcoming and inspiring tone for the conference, bringing together experts and participants from around the world.

Plenary Session:

The plenary session brought together an impressive lineup of keynote speakers. Dr. Fatmaelzahraa Hussein, Assistant Professor in the Geography and Urban Sustainability Department at the United Arab Emirates University, UAE, delivered an insightful presentation titled “Cultural Memory and Historic Urban Landscapes: Reviving a Lost Dimension,” exploring how heritage shapes collective memory and urban identity. She was followed by Dr. Tarek Teba, Associate Professor in Architectural Heritage at the Portsmouth School of Architecture, Art and Design, University of Portsmouth, UK, who presented “Conservation as a Co-creative and Counter-Political Act: The Power of Design and Contemporary Heritage Narratives,” highlighting the dynamic role of design in contemporary heritage conservation. With these thought-provoking keynote speeches, the first day came to a close, leaving attendees inspired, reflective, and eager to dive into the sessions and discussions planned for the days ahead.

Day2:

The second day of the conference began with a picturesque sail to Kom Ombo, setting the tone for an exciting day of learning and exploration. Physical and online parallel sessions were held simultaneously, with the physical sessions moderated by Prof. Elisa Pilia (University of Cagliari, Italy), Dr. Tarek Teba (University of Portsmouth, UK), and Prof. Špela Hudnik (University of Ljubljana, Slovenia), Prof. Manuela Raitano (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy), and Prof. Luca Lanini (University of Pisa). The online sessions were led by Prof. Donatella Rita Fiorino (University of Cagliari, Italy), Alessia Zampini (University of Bologna, Italy), Elisa Barsanti and Francesca Molle (University of Pisa), Prof. Óscar Lima da Silva and Prof. Fernando Faria Paulino (University of Maia, Portugal), Federica Deri (University of Pisa), and Prof. António D.V.T. Melo and Prof. António José Pinheiro (University of Maia, Portugal). The day wrapped up with an awe-inspiring visit to the Kom Ombo Temple, followed by the cruise’s journey onward to Edfu, combining academic discussions with Egypt’s captivating historical landscapes. The day concluded with a lively Galabeya Party, celebrating Egyptian traditions and providing a joyful end to a productive day.

Day3:

The third day started with a fascinating visit to the Edfu Temple, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient civilization. After the temple tour, the cruise continued with a scenic sailing to Luxor, providing a serene backdrop as the conference moved into its physical and online parallel sessions. The physical sessions were moderated by Prof. Elisa Pilia (University of Cagliari, Italy), Dr. Tarek Teba (University of Portsmouth, UK), Prof. Donatella Rita Fiorino (University of Cagliari, Italy), Prof. Manuela Raitano (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy), Prof. Luca Lanini (University of Pisa), and Prof. Hugo Oliveira Martins (University of Maia, Portugal). The online sessions were led by Valentina (University of Cagliari, Italy), Alessia Zampini (University of Bologna, Italy), Francesca Molle and Federica Deri (University of Pisa), and Prof. João Pedro Mendonça (University of Maia, Portugal). The sessions concluded with an interactive discussion and Q&A, followed by closing remarks and the official ceremony. The day concluded in style with a mesmerizing Tanoura and Belly Dance performance, celebrating Egyptian culture and bringing the conference to a memorable close.

Day4:

The last day of the conference offered participants a final journey through the iconic landmarks of Luxor. The morning began with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of ancient pharaohs revealed the grandeur of Egypt’s past, followed by the elegant Queen Hatshepsut Temple and the imposing Colossi of Memnon.

In the afternoon, participants explored the majestic Luxor Temple and the vast Karnak Temple, marvelling at the towering columns, intricate carvings, and the stories etched into every stone. As the day came to a close, all participants checked out from the Nile cruise and prepared for their journeys home, bringing the conference to a memorable and inspiring conclusion filled with history, culture, and lasting memories.