On 17 February 2005, Alex Med celebrated the launch of its first publication in the Alex Med Monographs Series: Omar Toussoun: Prince of Alexandria by Sahar Hamouda. On the occasion of the book launch, Prince Omar Toussoun’s grandson, Prince Hussein Toussoun generously donated a copy of the prince’s own publications to the Bibliotheca, including a collection of rare books about the monasteries of Wadi el Natroun, and on the sunken antiquities in Abu Kir Bay.

At the event, which was attended by members of Prince Omar Toussoun’s family, and a number of dignitaries, speakers shed light on the Prince’s contribution to the political, agricultural and cultural life of Egypt, including his establishment of model villages and modern farming methods. It was Omar Toussoun’s concern for the wellbeing of the peasants that led to his nickname, “Abul Fellah” or the Father of the Peasant.