Bernard O'Kane

Bernard O'Kane is a Professor of Islamic Art and Architecture at The American University in Cairo (AUC), where he has taught since 1980. He has also served as a visiting professor at Harvard University and the University of California at Berkeley. His scholarly work focuses on the visual and architectural heritage of Islamic civilizations.

His research spans diverse aspects of Islamic art and architecture, including

• Egyptian Islamic architectural traditions
• Timurid-era architecture in Khurasan
• Epigraphic elements in Cairo’s historic monuments
• Decorative tilework in Islamic buildings

O’Kane has authored several influential books, such as The Mosques of Egypt, The Illustrated Guide to the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo, and Mosques: the 100 Most Iconic Islamic Houses of Worship. He recently directed the Monumental Inscriptions of Cairo database, which provides searchable and translated transcriptions of historic epigraphy.

Scientific recognition includes

• World Prize for the Book of the Year (Islamic Republic of Iran, 2024)

As a photographer, O’Kane contributes to the visualization of Islamic architectural heritage. His work bridges academic research and public engagement through digital resources and publications.