The History of the Faculty of Al-Alsun (Languages) is related to the Modern Egyptian Renaissance. Since its earliest days, the School of Al-Alsun has fulfilled the expectations for which it was founded; as highly qualified translators have graduated from Al-Alsun over the years. The School was founded in (1351H.,1835AD) by Sheikh Refa`a Rafe` Al-Tahtawy (1216-1290H), (1801-1873AD) to instruct a cultured generation, well -versed in Arabic and foreign literatures, qualified for translating foreign books, and capable of developing government management, each in his competence.
When first established, Al-Alsun was called "School of Translators", later on renamed "School of Al-Alsun",(literally, the tongues).