Author

Multi-award-winning books and articles – with the world's top publishers and the most
popular magazines.

Broadcaster

More than 150 TV and radio appearances on over 60 stations worldwide – and an in-house broadcaster for the BBC.

Curator

Pioneering exhibitions at prime locations – attracting thousands of visitors and making 
monumental discoveries.

About

Islam Issa is a multi-award-winning author, broadcaster and curator. He has been described as "one of the UK's most significant new thinkers" (BBC) and as "an Egyptian icon" (CBC).

The only British-Egyptian historian and presenter, his work has focused on the cultural history of the Middle East and the role of Shakespeare around the world.
A professor of Literature and History at Birmingham City University, in 2025 he was announced as the UK's first Professor of Public Humanities.

With an international repertoire of publications, exhibitions, TV and radio programmes, and speaking tours – he is bringing pioneering approaches and fresh narratives to the fields of history, literature and cultural studies.

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
WINNER OF THE RUNCIMAN AWARD

SHORTLISTED FOR THE LONDON HELLENIC PRIZE

FINALIST FOR THE BERNARD LEWIS PRIZE
TIMES  BOOK OF THE YEAR

SUNDAY TIMES  BOOK OF THE YEAR

TLS  BOOK OF THE YEAR

BOOKLIST  BOOK OF THE YEAR

EPOCH TIMES  BOOK OF THE YEAR

WATERSTONES  BOOK OF THE YEAR

ATHENS VOICE  BOOK OF THE YEAR

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Monumental and vividly imagined" (Daily Telegraph)

"Wonderfully entertaining" (Sunday Times)

"Written with vim and vigour" (Times)

"Elegant and poignant" (Times Literary Supplement)

"Lively and engrossing" (Literary Review)

"Outstanding ... fantastic" (Foreword)

"Delightful and invigorating" (Middle East Monitor)

"Detailed and enthralling" (Witness)

"Fascinating ... amazing" (Gleaner)

"Breathtaking" (World Literature Review)

"Spellbinding" (Athens Insider)

"Unforgettable" (Waterstones)

"Genius" (Women's Weekly)

"A literary triumph" (Epoch Times)

"A mesmerising journey" (Al Jazeera)

Find out more about ALEXANDRIA

Alexandria @ Gloucester History Festival

A talk on Alexandria by Islam Issa at this unique history festival in a stunning thirteenth-century setting. There will be a book-signing after the event. 
Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester
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Sep 21
10. a.m.
Tickets / Info

Online Course: History of Alexandria

In this three-session virtual course, you can discover the rich history of Alexandria with Islam Issa, renowned expert on the ancient city. Explore how Alexandria shaped philosophy, science, and religion, from its founding by Alexander the Great to its Great Library, and the lasting influence of its landmarks today. Running weekly.
92NY, New York, online via Zoom
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June 10
1. p.m.
Tickets / Info

Panelist @ Renaissance Society of America

At the 71st Annual Meeting of the Renaissance Society of America, this roundtable brings together public intellectuals with extensive experience beyond academia to talk about the opportunities, challenges, and stakes of writing, speaking, and programming for the public.
Marriott Copley Place, Boston 
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Mar 22
2. p.m.
Tickets / Info

Natalie Haynes Stands up for the Classics (double bill)

Islam Issa joins 'Rockstar mythologist' Natalie Haynes for an evening of comedy and the classics: a double-bill recording all about Alexandria and its Great Library for the next season of BBC Radio 4's long-running and hilariously informative Natalie Haynes Stands up for the Classics. 
BBC Radio Theatre, London
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Mar 5
7. p.m.
Tickets / Info