19/06/2026
New Architectural Elements Unearthed at the Ancient Qasr Temple in Bahariya Oasis................................................................................
The Egyptian archaeological mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, currently working at the Old Qasr site in Al-Qasr Village in the Bahariya Oasis, has uncovered new sections of the Ancient Qasr Temple, which dates back to the 26th Dynasty, during its ongoing excavation season.
Mr. Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, praised the efforts of Egyptian archaeological missions, emphasizing that such discoveries contribute significantly to our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization and reveal more of its hidden secrets, further strengthening Egypt’s position as a leading destination for cultural tourism.
He added that these discoveries highlight Egypt’s extraordinary archaeological wealth, which still holds many undiscovered treasures, and reflect the expertise and professionalism of Egyptian archaeologists in unveiling new chapters of the nation’s rich history. Such achievements, he noted, serve as a cornerstone for enhancing Egypt’s cultural tourism product.
Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the mission successfully uncovered new architectural features of the temple, including the remains of a sandstone chamber and several inscribed stone blocks bearing the names and royal titles of King Psamtik I. The excavation also yielded a collection of artifacts that contribute to a more complete understanding of the temple’s architectural layout and historical development.
He stressed that this discovery serves as new evidence of the great historical and archaeological significance of the Old Qasr site in the Bahariya Oasis, underscoring its role as an important religious and administrative center throughout successive historical periods. The findings also shed additional light on the history of the Bahariya Oasis and its relationship with the ancient Egyptian state.
For his part, Mohamed Abdel Badi, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that archaeological work at the site began in 2014 and has continued through the 2026 excavation season. These efforts have revealed important sections of a temple originally dating to the 26th Dynasty. Construction began during the reign of King Psamtik I and was completed under Kings Wahibre (Apries) and Ahmose II (Amasis).
Among the most significant discoveries is the temple’s main hypostyle hall, which contains 16 sandstone columns, as well as a number of associated chambers and shrines. Archaeologists also uncovered remnants of hieroglyphic scenes and inscriptions recording the names of several ancient Egyptian deities, foremost among them Amun-Ra, Amunet, and Khonsu.
The mission also discovered a stone stela dating to the reign of King Amenhotep II of the 18th Dynasty. The inscription confirms the connection between the Bahariya Oasis and the Egyptian state during the New Kingdom period. Additionally, archaeological remains dating to the reign of King Ramesses II were found, indicating that the site witnessed religious and architectural activity long before the 26th Dynasty.
Meanwhile, Kotb Fawzy, Head of the Central Administration for Cairo and Giza Antiquities, noted that during previous excavation seasons the mission successfully identified the temple’s ancient name for the first time: “Ib-Set” (“The Seat of the Heart”), based on a metal seal discovered within the temple. Other important finds include a statue of the god Thoth, a bronze statue of Osiris, a bronze amulet depicting Ra-Horakhty, the head of a statue representing a priest or prominent official from the Bahariya Oasis, and a shrine belonging to the local governor and priest Pa-di-Iza, one of the most notable figures associated with the administration of the oasis during the Late Period.
In the same context, Sabry Farag, Director General of Bahariya Oasis Antiquities, pointed to evidence confirming the continued use of the site during the Greek and Roman periods, extending into the 4th and 5th centuries AD. Discoveries include ostraca and Coptic and Latin texts, as well as industrial installations, basins used for the production of w**e and oils, and designated storage areas.
The Old Qasr site is considered one of the most important archaeological locations in the Bahariya Oasis, having served as the region’s ancient capital during the Late Period.
