Abstract

The focus of this study is an international, English speaking Anglican congregation that worships in Cairo, Egypt. Through participant observation and in-depth interviews, fifteen congregants of varying nationalities and backgrounds were interviewed in order to understand how the church is a place of meaning for them, as migrants. By this congregation being the focus of study, this thesis contributes to migration research by being a non-ethnic pathway of study, religion, and it contributes to research conducted in the Global South. Findings and observations are understood primarily through the theoretical framework of space and place provided by Yi-Fu Tuan. Place making is analyzed through the lens of time, aesthetics, and people. The length of time one interacts in a space, and the intensity of their experiences in the space, contribute to knowing a space and it being endowed with meaning. Aesthetics, what they teach and reveal, the actions they call individuals to, and how they facilitate an interaction in a transcendent space additionally contribute to a space being meaningful. Lastly, through relations and social dynamics, value can be added and taken away from a space being meaningful. Findings show how meaning is not derived from one specific source, but that meaning is multi-layered and how each person attributes meaning to the church varies and differs individually, although there is overlap. This thesis aims to contribute to literature on migration, placemaking, and religion.

Department

Center for Migration and Refugee Studies

Degree Name

MA in Migration & Refugee Studies

Graduation Date

Spring 5-25-2020

Submission Date

May 2020

First Advisor

Heck, Gerda

Second Advisor

NA

Third Advisor

NA

Committee Member 1

Sabea, Hanan

Committee Member 2

Morrison, Ian

Committee Member 3

NA

Extent

96 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Anthropology

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy. The author has granted the American University in Cairo or its agents a non-exclusive license to archive this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study, and to make it accessible, in whole or in part, in all forms of media, now or hereafter known.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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