Aims and Structure

The Association for the Study of Travel in Egypt and the Near East (ASTENE), established in 1997, encourages and promotes education and learning with particular reference to the history of travel and travellers in Egypt and the Near East.

It brings together anyone interested in the subject, whether a professional academic or not, across a wide spectrum of nations and subject areas.

In order to promote its aims, the Association holds conferences, seminars, exhibitions, lectures and visits; it publishes papers, newsletters, books and a quarterly Bulletin; it initiates and encourages research. In these ways the Association acts as a focus for the collection of materials, information and contacts related to its field of interest.

The Association holds a full conference once every two years and a day conference combined with the Annual General Meeting in alternate years. The conferences provide an excellent forum for the exchange of research ideas and information. Subject groups may arrange, in consultation with the conference organiser, their own sessions within the conference period.

Membership is open to all, regardless of nationality, and the Association is keen to foster an international co-operative network.

There are three types of membership, depending on residence / status. All categories receive the Bulletin of the Association for the Study of Travel in Egypt and the Near East: Notes and Queries. Members are also encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting.

Members A: those from the EU, USA and Canada: £20 / $30 / €30 per annum.

Members B: those from elsewhere, all students: £12 / $20 / €20 per annum (please give proof of status).

Family Membership with one copy of the Bulletin but two names on our lists: £25 / $35 / €35 per annum (£15 / $25 / €25 students).

Libraries wishing to receive the Bulletin of the Association may subscribe at a cost of £12 per annum.

Subscriptions may be paid in cash, through Standing Order, or by credit card or cheque. All payments except cash must be in pounds sterling.

Subscriptions (which include two full issues of the Bulletin and two interim ones) are due at the beginning of each calendar year. The subscription can be paid for up to three years at a time; in such instances any increase in subscription will take effect only at the end of that period.We hope that UK tax payers will be willing to sign a Gift Aid donation form, which will allow ASTENE, as a registered charity, to claim back tax on subscriptions.

Ashley Jones, ashleyjones40@hotmail.com