Egyptian-British Historian & Cultural Critic; Bestselling Author of "Alexandria: The City that Changed the World"
Islam Issa Biography
Professor Islam Issa has an acclaimed global profile as a multi-award-winning author, broadcaster and curator. With national and international acclaim, the BBC described him as “one of the UK’s most significant new thinkers” and CBC called him “an Egyptian icon”.
Prof. Issa is the only Egyptian-British historian and TV presenter worldwide. He is Professor of Literature and History at Birmingham City University and an expert on topics including the history of Egypt and the role of Shakespeare around the world.
His accolades include the Times Higher Education Award and the Runciman Award, and his books include "Shakespeare and Terrorism" and the bestselling "Alexandria: The City that Changed the World," a seven-time Book of the Year including for the Sunday Times.
Prof. Issa has appeared on TV and radio over 200 times on more than 50 different stations worldwide and in three languages. His public intellectual activity has made the humanities relevant and accessible to millions of people. Through an international repertoire of publications, exhibitions, media appearances, live events and speaking tours, he is a public humanities practitioner who brings pioneering approaches and fresh narratives to history, literature and cultural studies.
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Islam Issa Speaking Topics
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The Legacy of Alexandria: Soft Power and Legacy
Founded by Alexander the Great in the fourth century BCE, Alexandria stands as a powerful example of what it means to create something from scratch and truly new—a city born from vision, ambition, and strategy. Over centuries, this city became a prize fought over by almost every empire and a stage for legendary leaders from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra to Napoleon. It was the cradle where the most innovative minds and inventors turned the city into a knowledge capital, global trading hub, and the Silicon Valley of its time.
In this captivating talk by Prof. Islam Issa – Alexandria’s foremost biographer and author of the award-winning seven-time Book of the Year “Alexandria: The City that Changed the World” – we explore what it truly means to build something from the ground up: a city, a project, or even a vision.
- What does it take to bring a bold vision to life from nothing?
- How can we turn vision into reality?
- How do imagination and mythology fuel ambition?
- How can we use soft power to wield power and to build a legacy?
Beyond its fame, Alexandria teaches us about the art of building influence, shaping culture, and creating lasting impact through soft power. While much of Alexandria’s physical glory has vanished, its influence continues to resonate, offering timeless lessons about creation, leadership and soft power. Join us to uncover the secrets of Alexandria’s rise and discover how you can harness vision and influence to create something extraordinary.
Whether you’re building a new project, leading a team, or simply looking to leave a lasting mark, this talk will inspire you to think about vision and legacy in a whole new way.
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Literature and History: Asking “Why” to Shape Success
Literature is more than just entertainment or information—it’s a vital part of culture that has shaped the world and continues to do so every day. But what happens when we look at literature and history side by side? Which comes first? Does literature shape how we understand history, or does history influence the stories we tell? It’s a chicken and egg situation.
In this inspiring talk, Islam Issa – the UK’s only Professor of Literature and History – explores the dynamic and intertwined relationship between literature and history: a relationship that reflects how we see ourselves, our past, and the future. Far from being fixed, both literature and history are constantly evolving, shaped by the writers, readers, and historians who dare to ask the key question, “Why?”
You’ll discover how life and art mirror each other, how stories and historical facts influence one another, and how this ongoing exchange gives us powerful tools to interpret the world. This talk will inspire you to use the lessons from literature and history to unlock your own path to success.
The talk reflects on the following questions:
- How do the stories and histories you know shape your view of yourself and your future?
- Can understanding the past help you make better choices today?
- What role do the stories you tell about yourself play in your personal success?
- How can asking “why” help you grow in your career or personal life?
- In what ways might life imitate the stories you read or hear?
History and literature are interchanging phenomena: a series of interpretations by writers and readers that give individuals and societies a lens into the past, inform the present, and frame the future. Join us to uncover how the stories we read and the histories we learn can empower us to think deeply, act wisely, and shape a brighter future.
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How do I book Islam Issa to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Islam Issa for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Islam Issa, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Islam Issa or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Islam Issa
Speaking fees for Islam Issa, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Islam Issa are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Islam Issa, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Islam Issa speak about?
Islam Issa is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Culture, European Heritage, History, Middle Eastern Heritage, Professors -
Where does Islam Issa travel from?
Islam Issa generally travels from UK, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Islam Issa’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Islam Issa for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Islam Issa for your next private or corporate function. -
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Islam Issa is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as The Legacy of Alexandria: Soft Power and Legacy, Literature and History: Asking “Why” to Shape Success and Shakespeare and the Art of Simplicity . The estimated speaking fee range to book Islam Issa for your event is available upon request. Islam Issa generally travels from UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are André Aciman, Jack Halberstam, Ilan Pappé, Michèle Root-Bernstein, Ph.D. and Rachel Harding. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Islam Issa for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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