Coptology is the science of Coptic studies, the study of the Coptic language and Coptic literature. Origin The European interest in Coptology may have started as early as the 15th century AD. 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". 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. 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. Divisions Art and textiles Language History Architecture Literature Music Journals Coptologia Publications - Journal of Coptic Thought and Spirituality Journal of Coptic Studies Göttinger Miszellen Prominent Coptologists Aziz Suryal Atiya O. H. E. Burmester Christian Cannuyer Walter Ewing Crum Iris Habib Elmasry Stephen Emmel Nabila Erian Gawdat Gabra Rodolphe Kasser Pahor Labib Otto Friedrich August Meinardus Jozef Vergote Hilde Zaloscer See also Coptic history Coptic Museum Coptic Egypt: The Christians of the Nile Institute of Coptic Studies Egyptology References External links International Association for Coptic Studies موقع الدراسات القبطية والأرثوذكسية Coptic culture Coptic history Coptic language Cultural studies