Mirna Ashraf Ali

Mirna Ashraf Ali is an Urban Heritage Planner at UNESCO's World Heritage Cities Programme and a Researcher affiliated with Brandenburg University of Technology-Cottbus. She specializes in urban heritage research with cultural platforms and initiatives in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt.

Her educational background includes:

• Double Degree Master's of Urban Design and Heritage Studies at Brandenburg University of Technology in Germany and Alexandria University in Egypt (RHCD- Revitalization of Historic City Districts)
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Alexandria University (2018)

Mirna's research focuses on the intersection of urban heritage, archaeology, and community participation in the urban sphere. Her work examines how community engagement impacts heritage preservation, with particular attention to industrial heritage sites like Alexandria's lighthouses. She approaches urban environments through her professional motto: 'A Human to City Relation,' emphasizing dialogue between socio-economic factors and user experience.

Her recent publication 'Contemporary archaeology vis-à-vis benefits of heritage assets: a case study of Alexandria's lighthouses and their integrity in the industrial heritage' (2025) analyzes the relationship between archaeological practices and heritage asset benefits within industrial contexts.

Among her scientific achievements, Mirna received the DAAD Scholarship for the Double Degree Study Programme. She is an active member of TICCIH (The International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage) and ESACH (European Students' Association for Cultural Heritage).

Professionally, she has organized the 'A Schoolyard for All' workshop under UNHCR, participated in the 'Remake the City I' international workshop at the Swedish Institute in Alexandria, and worked on museum content development at Shaboury museums consultancy. Her work bridges academic research with practical heritage planning applications.