One hundred years researching Egypt: from the rule of experts to Bedouin voices?

Abstract

When Henry Lyons was appointed as the first lecturer in Geography at the University of Glasgow in 1909, he had just returned from several years as the Director General of the Survey of Egypt. One hundred years later witnessed the publication of a book drawing together a collaborative project in Egypt involving members of the Department. This paper reflects upon this interest in Egypt by geographers at the University of Glasgow, and, in so doing, critically examines the changing nature of scientific knowledge and practice over the intervening century.