Historical and cultural-religious influence on the establishment and development of higher education (at the example of Egypt)

The influence of historical, cultural and religious aspects on the formation and development of the system of higher education in Egypt is analyzed. It is paid special attention to the periods of significant transformations, beginning since the ancient times, through the Islamic period, the influence of Western culture during the period of Muhammad Ali, the colonial period and the further reforms of the XXth century. The scientific novelty of research consists in the use of a complex methodological approach of History, Pedagogy and Religion Studies in the study of peculiarities of the system of higher education of Egypt. There are studied the fundamental educational institutions and their evolution, the influence of religious institutions and the modern challenges and directions of development of the educational system.