Coptology

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Coptology is most commonly defined as the science of Coptic studies, the study of Coptic language and literature.^[1]

Origin

The European interest in Coptology may have started as early as the 15th century AD.^[2] The term was used in 1976 when the First International Congress of Coptology was held in Cairo under the title "Colloquium on the Future of Coptic Studies" (11-17 December). This was followed by the establishment of the "International Association for Coptic Studies".^[3] One of the founders of the Colloquium and the Association was Pahor Labib, director of the Coptic Museum in Cairo during 1951-65. The words 'Coptology' and 'Coptologist' were introduced into the English language by Aziz Suryal Atiya.^[4]

Worldwide institutions

There are now institutions that give more or less regular courses of Coptology in 47 countries around the world, including Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, Israel, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. A rotating chair of Coptic studies was opened at the American University in Cairo in 2002.^[1]

Divisions

• Art and textiles
• Language
• History
• Architecture
• Literature
• Music

Journals

• Journal of Coptic Studies
• Göttinger Miszellen

Other prominent Coptologists

• O. H. E. Burmester a British specialist in Arabic Coptology.
• Walter Ewing Crum
• Otto Friedrich August Meinardus
• Jozef Vergote
• Hilde Zaloscer
• Rodolphe Kasser
• Stephen Emmel

External links

• International Association for Coptic Studies
• موقع الدراسات القبطية والأرثوذكسية

See also

• Coptic history
• Coptic Museum
• Institute of Coptic Studies

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Alahram weekly
2. ^ The Copts and the West on Google books
3. ^ International Association for Coptic Studies
4. ^ John H. Watson, Among the Copts