The painting exhibition “Alexander the Great – Back to Egypt” was inaugurated in Alexandria on 13 December 2025, constituting a cultural event of high symbolic significance dedicated to the timeless figure of Alexander the Great, founder of Alexandria and a universal emblem of intercultural dialogue. The exhibition presents 53 works by the internationally acclaimed Greek artist and architect Makis Warlamis (1942–2016), including large-scale paintings, sculptures, and complex visual compositions. Through a contemporary artistic approach, the works highlight Alexander the Great not merely as a historical figure, but as a universal symbol of knowledge, creativity, and the synthesis of civilizations.
The exhibition is hosted at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina under the auspices of the Embassy of Greece in Cairo, the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the Association of Greek Regions (ENPE). It is organized in cooperation between the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Experimental Workshop of Vergina, the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE), the Hellenic Research Institute of Alexandrian Civilization, and the Waldviertel Art Museum, Austria.
At the opening ceremony, Dr Ahmed A. Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, referred to the historic role of the ancient Library of Alexandria. He emphasized that the modern Library constitutes the intellectual and cultural continuation of its ancient predecessor, carrying forward its mission as a global centre of knowledge. Special reference was made to the hosting of the Αlexandria Center for Hellenistic Studies which, inspired by the spirit of the Hellenistic era, offers a postgraduate programme in cooperation with Alexandria University.
The Ambassador of Greece to Cairo, Mr Nikolaos Papageorgiou, expressed his deep emotion at the realization of the exhibition, describing it as the “return” of Alexander the Great to the city he founded and cherished. He recalled that works by Warlamis had been presented in Cairo during the 1990s; however, their exhibition in Alexandria carries particular significance, as no other city is so closely linked to Hellenism. He further emphasized that Greek–Egyptian relations are currently at their highest level, serving as a model of cooperation and mutual respect in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Mr Pavlos Trochopoulos, Director of the Experimental Workshop of Vergina, described the exhibition as a cultural and human encounter between Greece and Egypt, highlighting the participation of a large Greek delegation that travelled specifically for the event. He referred to the profound human dimension of Makis Warlamis’ work, stressing that his art brings to the fore values such as kindness, love, and selfless offering to one’s fellow human being. He underlined that, through Warlamis’ perspective, Alexander is not merely a historical figure but an idea embodying tolerance, respect for diversity, and the unity of humanity, inviting each visitor to discover their own “Alexander”.
The Governor of Alexandria, Mr Ahmed Khaled Hassan Said, highlighted that the city honours through the exhibition a historic figure who left an indelible mark on world history and on the very character of Alexandria itself. He emphasized that the 53 works of Makis Warlamis convey a clear message of peace, coexistence, and mutual understanding, values intrinsically linked to the city’s identity. He also recalled that the founding of Alexandria in 331 B.C. was no accident, but the result of Alexander’s vision, creating a city that served as a bridge between East and West and as a global capital of knowledge and culture.
Τhere followed a roundtable discussion titled “Alexander between the Legend and the City”, coordinated by Professor Mona Haggag, President of the Archaeological Society of Alexandria. She illustrated how Alexander’s achievements transformed him from a historical figure into an almost mythical symbol, with Alexandria ideally embodying this convergence of history and legend. Professor Mohamed Abd El Ghani, Professor of Greek and Roman History, referred to the relationship between Alexander the Great and Egypt, analysing the political and religious circumstances that enabled his peaceful entry into the country in 332 B.C. Ms Kalliopi Papakosta, Director of the Hellenic Research Institute of Alexandrian Civilization, emphasized that Alexander was a transformative force in human history and that Alexandria represents the purest expression of the Hellenistic spirit. Finally, Ms Sofia Avgerinou-Kolonia, Emeritus Professor of the National Technical University of Athens, spoke about the uniqueness of Alexandria as a city of knowledge, science, and culture. She emphasized that although Alexander did not live to see the city completed, his vision indelibly shaped its trajectory through the centuries.
© Selected photos: Experimental Workshop of Vergina https://warlamis.gr/
