MARRIOTT BUZZ NO. 14 - 2018

I N T E R V I EW 6 Gezirah Palace’s magnificent architecture draws attention of PhD researchers Visiting PhD student Katrin Kaufmann and her esteemed colleague Professor Dr. Francine Giese of the University of Zurich, are researching the life work of Carl Von Diebitsch, who was one of the principal architects of the famed Gezirah Palace, now the Cairo Marriott Hotel. The Gezirah Palace was undoubtedly one of Von Diebitsch’s most resounding feats throughout what was a storied architectural career. Kaufmann and Professor Giese are investigating Von Diebitsch’s role in the construction and design of the Gezirah Palace, and both scholars have been steeped in related and complementary fields of study that give them a distinct vantage point in ascertaining and demonstrating the overall impact of Von Diebitsch’s architectural philosophy on the Gezirah Palace. Prof. Dr. Giese revealed to Buzz the findings of her and her colleague’s work and visit to the Gezirah Palace. Professor Giese conducts a research project on what is termed the “Moorish Revival” in Europe at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. She has been a specialist on the Ibero-Islamic architecture of al-Andalus, and is now researching the global phenomenon of the historical neo-Moorish style in 19th century Europe, of which Von Diebitsch was a leading proponent and executor. PhD student Kaufmann, also studying at the University of Zurich is specializing in the field of Moorish Revival as well at the art history institute of the university, where Professor Giese also teaches Islamic art history. Both scholars are interested in the cross-cultural exchanges of the Iberian Peninsula and Ottoman Empire and proliferation of neo-Islamic architecture in the Islamic world and the west.