THE EVOLUTION OF THE RUSSIAN DIASPORA IN EGYPT AS A FACTOR IN CULTURAL INTERACTION AND «PUBLIC DIPLOMACY»: THE CASE OF CAIRO AND ALEXANDRIA

Zvyagintsev Nikolay Viktorovich

This article reviews the process of formation and evolution of the Russian diaspora in Egypt between 1891 and 2025. The research focuses on analyzing historical, biographical, and scientific sources in order to identify the main stages of the Russian diaspora's development in Cairo and Alexandria. Particular attention is paid to the social composition of Russian emigration, the influence of the historical upheavals of the 20th century on migration processes, and the contribution of representatives of the Russian diaspora to the development of cultural ties between Egypt and Russia. The Russian diaspora is considered at the turn of three historical stages: post-revolutionary, Soviet, and modern. The work emphasizes the importance of coordinating structures that maintain ties with compatriots abroad in developing the potential of “people's diplomacy” (the Russian Foreign Ministry, Rossotrudnichestvo, the Russian Orthodox Church, Coordinating Union of Russian Compatriots Organizations (CURCO), and the Russkiy Mir Foundation). It is noted that the Russian diaspora in Egypt, despite its few numbers, has always played an important role in shaping a positive image of Russia in the eyes of the local population and promoting culture abroad.

Keywords:Egypt, Russia, Russian diaspora, emigration, public diplomacy, Rossotrudnichestvo, CCORC, Russian House, cultural interaction.