Luxor Times, 3 Khalid Ibn Elwaleed Street, Luxor (2025)

04/08/2025

Nile, Lens & Legacy: The Artifacts of August Tell Egypt’s Living Story

In Egypt, August arrives not only with the sun’s intensity, but with a wave of stories that flow from the banks of the Nile to the museum halls across the nation. Continuing a monthly tradition that turns public engagement into cultural curation, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced August’s featured artifacts, each selected by public vote via the museums’ official pages.

This initiative reaffirms museums as vibrant educational hubs and cultural forums, places not merely for preserving the past, but for awakening national memory and inspiring curiosity across generations.

August’s chosen pieces focus on two resonant themes: the ancient Feast of the Nile Flood (Wafaa El-Nil) on August 15, and World Photography Day on August 19. The former traces its roots to pharaonic celebrations of the Nile’s inundation, a sacred event seen as a divine gift that nourished the land and gave life to Egyptian civilization. The latter, modern in context but rich in storytelling, invites reflection on photography’s power to preserve history, capture fleeting beauty, and document change.

Let’s journey through the museums of Egypt, from the Mediterranean coast to the edges of Nubia, as we explore this month’s handpicked artifacts, each telling a unique tale of water, art, devotion, and memory.

1. Islamic Art Museum, Cairo

An Ottoman-era white ceramic dish is adorned with colorful motifs of a sailing ship—a poetic symbol of maritime trade and cultural exchange. More than tableware, it’s a snapshot of a dynamic age where the sea was the highway of ideas and aesthetics.

2. National Police Museum, Cairo Citadel

A model riverboat with sailors represents the Nile’s guardians: vessels used to prevent pollution and ensure fair water distribution. In ancient and modern times alike, the Nile demanded vigilance and stewardship.

3. Cairo International Airport Museum, Terminal 2

A vibrantly colored limestone relief from the First Intermediate Period portrays high official Shetet-ef and his wife Perbat, with hieroglyphic inscriptions offering Nile-borne riches—fish, birds, and bounty.

4. Cairo Airport Museum, Terminal 3

The Roman marble statue of Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, stands in front of a ceremonial vessel—an embodiment of ritual, femininity, and the mystical link between divinity and water.

5. Imhotep Museum, Saqqara

An ivory fish-shaped vessel from the tomb of Vizier Aper-el, likely used for storing cosmetics, reflects the elegance of daily life and the Nile’s inspiration in object form.

6. Kom Ushim Museum, Fayoum

A Middle Kingdom wooden boat model with sailors, excavated in Hawara, sails across time to remind us how the Nile was the artery of daily life and divine passage.

7. Tell Basta Museum, Zagazig

A limestone Nileometer replica showcases how ancient Egyptians measured and interpreted the sacred flood—a blend of science, ritual, and survival.

8. Tanta Museum

A limestone relief of the Nile god Hapi, wearing lotus and papyrus crowns, symbolizes the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt through the life-giving waters.

9. Suez National Museum

A Roman coin depicting the god Nilus, reclined with a reed in one hand and a cornucopia in the other, resting on a crocodile, embodies the Nile’s fertility and sacredness.

10. Kafr El-Sheikh Museum

A black granite fragment from the sarcophagus of Prince Hor-Wega-en-Thau shows a funerary boat on the Nile bearing the deceased and deities Horus, Isis, and Nephthys, crowned by the winged sun disk.

11. Ismailia Museum

A rare wooden statue of Hapi, complete with ceremonial beard and black-painted linen garments, illustrates how the Nile’s spirit was personified and worshipped.

12. Hurghada Museum

A colorful limestone scene of people sailing, fishing, and transporting goods on the Nile reaffirms the river’s central role in sustenance and society.

13. Sharm El-Sheikh Museum

A sculptural representation of Hapi merges male and female traits, symbolizing fertility, and presents Nile offerings beneath hieroglyphs and the cartouche of Pharaoh Nectanebo I.

14. Mallawi Museum, Minya

A limestone colga (jar stand) used to catch filtered water from clay pots, reveals the everyday rituals of water conservation rooted in Egypt’s arid climate.

15. Sohag National Museum

A pink granite altar of Psamtik I (26th Dynasty) shows the Nile god Hapi repeated three times—each figure offering an ankh symbol and crowned with flowers, in a triad of life, abundance, and divinity.

16. Mummification Museum, Luxor

A model of a funerary boat illustrates the sacred journey of the deceased across the Nile to the West Bank for burial—a metaphysical passage into eternity.

17. Nubia Museum, Aswan

A painted pottery jar adorned with rowboats and oars from the Dakhka region in southern Aswan offers a glimpse into Nubian navigation traditions.

18. Coptic Museum, Old Cairo

A photograph of Marcus Simaika Pasha, founder of the Coptic Museum, captures him beside the fortress tower of Babylon, a moment linking Coptic heritage with Egypt’s layered architectural past.

19. Gayer-Anderson Museum, Cairo

A colorful oil painting shows a man in prayer within a mosque, signed “M. Said.” Framed in wood, the piece reverently captures the inner world of devotion.

20. Royal Carriages Museum, Bulaq

A historic photo displays an eight-horse-drawn French calèche used for royal events and foreign dignitary receptions. Set against the facade of King Fuad I’s ceremonial hall, it exudes the elegance of Egypt’s monarchical past.

21. Prince Farouk Corner Museum, Helwan

A royal wedding photograph features King Farouk standing while Queen Nariman, radiant in a diamond-studded gown, is seated before him. The signed portrait, framed under a gilded crown, whispers royal nostalgia.

22. Royal Jewelry Museum, Alexandria

A tender family photo of Princess Fatma Haidar with her children, captured in her palace garden, was donated to the museum by her grandson, Justice Mohamed Yakan—a personal window into aristocratic domesticity.

23. Alexandria National Museum

On display is Queen Farida’s wedding brooch, gold-plated and crowned with a portrait of the royal couple beneath the date: January 20, 1938. A jeweled memory frozen in gold and love.

24. Graeco-Roman Museum, Alexandria

A solemn portrait of Giuseppe Botti, Italian archaeologist and the first director of the Graeco-Roman Museum (1853–1903), honors the legacy of early Egyptology and the foundations of Alexandrian heritage.

In Every Artifact, a River Flows

August’s curated collection, from stone carvings to black-and-white photographs, from ivory cosmetics vessels to ancient god-figures, invites us to see Egypt’s museums not as silent spaces but as rivers of memory. Each object is a ripple—a reflection of centuries of life shaped by water, devotion, artistry, and the human gaze.

As the Nile once rose to nourish the land, these artifacts rise to nourish the soul.

The Egyptian Museum الصفحة الرسمية للمتحف المصري

We apologize for the image quality provided by the Ministry.

24/07/2025

Early Christian City Unearthed in Egypt’s Western Desert

Archaeologists Uncover Remains of a Major Coptic-Era Settlement in Kharga Oasis, Including Churches, houses, and a Rare Christ Healing Mural

In a major archaeological breakthrough, an Egyptian mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities has uncovered the architectural remains of what is believed to be the main residential city of Kharga Oasis during the formative years of early Christianity in Egypt. The discovery, made at Ain al-Kharab, within the Islamic and Coptic archaeological zone of Kharga in Egypt’s New Valley Governorate, offers rare insight into the country’s religious transformation from paganism to Christianity.

“This discovery reflects the richness and diversity of Egyptian civilization during pivotal moments of its history,” said Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. He emphasized the importance of the find in deepening our understanding of Egypt’s religious shifts, adding that it “highlights the country’s legacy of tolerance and cultural diversity.” The minister praised the efforts of the Egyptian archaeological teams and reiterated the government’s full support for missions operating across the country. “The work of Egyptian teams is central to reaffirming Egypt’s place on the global cultural tourism map,” he stated.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, called the discovery especially significant as it sheds light on the beginnings of the Coptic period in Egypt, a crucial historical phase often overshadowed by its pharaonic and Greco-Roman predecessors. “This site offers a unique glimpse into the early Christian communities that once thrived in the Western Desert,” he said, stressing the historical role of Egypt’s oases as vital centers of religious and social life across centuries.

The archaeological mission uncovered an entire settlement composed of residential structures built primarily from mudbrick, some with walls still bearing traces of original plaster. These domestic buildings included multiple-room homes, communal ovens used for daily tasks, and storage facilities fitted with large ceramic jars embedded into the earth, evidence of food and grain preservation practices. Scattered throughout the site were dozens of artefacts that bring everyday life in early Christian Kharga vividly into focus.

Archaeologists recovered numerous inscribed ostraca, fragments of pottery vessels of various sizes, and intricately crafted items made of glass and stone. A number of burials were also documented, offering future potential for bioarchaeological analysis. However, the most striking find was a well-preserved mural depicting Christ healing a sick person, a rare and evocative example of early Christian art in Egypt’s desert frontier.

Dr. Siham Ismail, Director-General of Antiquities in Kharga and head of the excavation, highlighted further architectural discoveries at the site, most notably the remains of two churches. The larger of the two is a basilica-style structure constructed from mudbrick and featuring stone foundations that delineate a central nave and two side aisles, separated by three square pillars on either side. South of the main sanctuary, a cluster of service chambers suggests the presence of monastic or community functions connected to the church.

The second church is more modest, laid out in a rectangular plan and encircled by the remains of seven external columns. Parts of the interior walls retain Coptic inscriptions, and to the west of the structure, the mission documented the remnants of additional service buildings.

Dr. Ismail noted that the overall architectural layering indicates that the site was in use across several distinct historical periods. Structures first erected during the Roman period were later reused during the early Christian era, and continued to serve functional purposes well into the Islamic period, reflecting the fluidity and endurance of settlement in the Western Desert.

This discovery adds a vivid new dimension to our understanding of Egypt’s Coptic heritage, emphasizing the oasis not just as a place of survival, but as a living, evolving space of worship, artistry, and social continuity. As Dr. Khaled concluded, “This is more than a city—it is a testimony to the spiritual and cultural resilience of Egypt’s desert communities.”

19/07/2025

New Light on the Ancient World: Giza Pyramids Reimagined With Eco-Friendly Illumination

Inside the Pyramids: Egypt Lights Up the Past with Sustainable Innovation

Giza Pyramids Illuminated Anew: Eco-Friendly Lighting System Unveiled Inside Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure Monuments

Interior LED System Enhances Visitor Experience and Preserves Ancient Architecture

In a striking blend of ancient ingenuity and modern innovation, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities — in partnership with the Spanish government — has completed the internal lighting upgrade of the Great Pyramids of Giza: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The initiative introduces environmentally friendly LED systems designed to illuminate the passageways and burial chambers without compromising the integrity of the 4,500-year-old structures.

“This project reflects our broader mission to improve the quality of services at heritage sites while preserving Egypt’s legacy according to international standards,” said Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. “It’s about deepening the visitor’s encounter with Egypt’s ancient marvels — particularly for cultural tourism audiences worldwide.”

The new system, installed under the supervision of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, uses advanced cold-light LEDs that are both sustainable and safe for ancient materials.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Council, emphasized that the lighting “not only protects the original fabric of the monuments, but also reveals the architectural brilliance of the pyramid interiors — their symmetry, spatial complexity, and enduring symbolism of eternity.”

Executed in collaboration with a Spanish team of archaeologists and engineers, the project followed rigorous scientific and conservation protocols to ensure the protection of the site.

“This wasn’t just about replacing lights,” added Dr. Khaled. “It was about sustainability, conservation, and offering a refined visual journey that reflects the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture.”

Ashraf Mohie El-Din, Director General of Giza Antiquities, noted that the lighting upgrade encompassed all internal corridors, burial chambers, shafts, and structural voids within the three pyramids. “The result enhances the drama of the visitor experience while retaining the full archaeological character of the site,” he said.

13/07/2025

Zodiac Tomb of the Two Brothers Restored

Egyptian Team Revives Rare Roman-Era Burial at Athribis

A sky of painted stars re-emerges in Upper Egypt after year-long restoration of a Greco-Roman tomb decorated with twin horoscopes

In the desert cliffs of Athribis, just west of Sohag, a once-forgotten Roman tomb is ready to rejoin the public eye. The so-called Tomb of the Brothers, renowned for its rare painted zodiac ceilings, has been fully restored by Egyptian conservators in a year-long effort now completed. The tomb is ready and hoping to be opened soon as part of Upper Egypt’s expanding cultural tourism trail.

The project was implemented by the Supreme Council of Antiquities under Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, with a vision to revive the tomb not only as an archaeological treasure but as a stop along Egypt’s lesser-known heritage routes.

“Restoration Is a National Priority”

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating:

“The restoration and development of archaeological sites is one of the Ministry’s top priorities. We believe in the significance of this historical legacy as part of both our national and human identity, and we are committed to preserving it for future generations.”

Fathy added that reviving sites like this one opens new destinations for cultural tourism, especially for those seeking immersive historical experiences in southern Egypt. He noted the project’s potential to stimulate local economic development in communities near archaeological zones, saying:

“This kind of cultural investment creates sustainable tourism and supports local economies surrounding these heritage sites.”

A Fully Egyptian Conservation Effort

The conservation project was overseen by Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, who praised the dedication and precision shown by the Egyptian team involved.

“We are proud of the work carried out by our specialists, executed with accuracy and professionalism. The Council places particular importance on documentation and restoration across the country, in line with ministerial directives.”

Dr. Khaled added that heritage conservation is a national responsibility requiring ongoing, collective effort, saying:

“This project is a model for how heritage can become a platform for education, awareness, and development.”

From Damage to Detail: Technical Work in the Tomb

The tomb’s architectural layout consists of a square antechamber followed by a triangular burial chamber featuring a rectangular burial niche in the western wall. The structure belongs to two brothers: Ibpemeny the Younger and Pemehyt, sons of Hor-Nefere and Tasheret-Hor-Segem, and is dated to the 2nd century AD.

Mohamed Abdel-Badiea, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained the technical approach:

“The restoration covered the burial chamber and the forechamber. A team of conservators from the Council prepared a comprehensive documentation report, diagnosing the tomb’s condition and identifying causes of deterioration before implementing the restoration based on the highest technical and scientific standards.”

Dr. Manal El-Ghanam, Head of the Central Department for Conservation and Restoration, detailed the scope of work:

“The project included mechanical and chemical cleaning of the walls and ceiling, reinforcement of the pigment and plaster layers, and reintegration of missing parts using materials compatible with the tomb’s original components.”

Twin Zodiacs Painted on Plaster

Known also as the Zodiac Tomb, the monument is celebrated for its astronomical ceiling decorations, each brother honored with his own painted horoscope, composed in full color on plaster. The zodiac circles are richly symbolic, incorporating Greco-Roman astrological elements with traditional Egyptian religious imagery.

Aquarius is depicted as the Nile god Hapy, pouring water from jars. Gemini appears not as Castor and Pollux, but as Shu and Tefnut, divine Egyptian twins. Surrounding these are images of the sun, moon, and five visible planets.

The ceiling’s layout, interpreted by astronomers Neugebauer and Parker, was shown to represent probable birth dates: 26 April AD 141 for Pemehyt, and 6 January AD 148 for Ibpemeny.

Petrie’s Documentation, Egyptian Preservation

The tomb’s painted ceiling was first documented over a century ago by British archaeologist Sir William Flinders Petrie, who visited Athribis during the 1906–1907 excavation season. His publication (Athribis, 1908) included colored sketches of the zodiac ceiling, particularly Plate ###VIII, which remained a valuable visual reference for scholars.

However, the tomb had since deteriorated significantly. This restoration, carried out entirely by Egyptian teams, has transformed Petrie’s archival documentation into a living, conserved monument.

This is the revival of an Egyptian heritage site by Egyptian hands, using both science and historical awareness.

Athribis: A Multi-Layered City

The Tomb of the Brothers is one part of the vast archaeological zone of Athribis, capital of the 9th Upper Egyptian nome, which includes evidence from the Ptolemaic, Roman, and early Christian periods.

The site features a temple complex, quarries, residential quarters, and workshops that together illuminate the city’s civic and religious life. Most notably, Athribis houses a 6th monastic complex, including a nunnery, cells, and a church, marking the city as a center of early Christian monasticism in Upper Egypt.

Awaiting Its Public

While the Tomb of the Brothers is not yet officially open to visitors, we hope it will soon be incorporated into Egypt’s cultural tourism circuits, particularly in Sohag and Upper Egypt. Once open, the tomb promises to offer a remarkable experience for visitors and researchers alike, combining cosmology, ritual, and art in one intimate space.

For now, the celestial ceiling, recovered from the edge of collapse, remains a quiet masterpiece of Roman Egypt. It stands not only as a monument to two brothers from antiquity, but as a triumph of modern Egyptian conservation, grounded in science, heritage, and pride.

12/07/2025

Crowning Glory: Alexandria’s Royal Jewelry Museum Restores Its Sparkling Heritage

Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria Reopens Its Grand Hall After Restoration and a New Museum Display Plan

In a significant step towards enhancing the visitor experience at Egypt’s museums and archaeological sites, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the reopening of the Main Hall at the Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria, following a nearly two-year comprehensive restoration and re-display project.

The grand hall, located at the entrance of the palace’s eastern wing, has been carefully restored with full respect for its historical and architectural integrity. The museum’s display has also been modernized in accordance with the latest international standards in heritage conservation and exhibition design, ensuring the preservation of the hall’s original character while enhancing the presentation of its priceless artifacts.

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, confirmed that the Main Hall has now been re-integrated into the museum’s official visitor route. The restoration work was supervised by the Museum Sector and executed by a specialized team of conservators and experts from the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

According to Moamen Othman, Head of the Museums Sector at the Council, the restoration included meticulous cleaning and conservation of the hall’s parquet flooring, sterilization and repair of the historic wooden elements, and replacement of damaged components with replicas made to match the original specifications. The hall’s walls were also cleaned, and its original display cases were restored and returned to their historical positions. In addition, a new lighting system was installed to highlight the aesthetic brilliance of the displayed treasures.

Reham Shaaban, Director of the Royal Jewelry Museum, emphasized that the restored Main Hall now showcases some of the museum’s most magnificent and valuable royal possessions. Among the highlights is the platinum crown of Princess Chewikar, the first wife of King Fuad I, encrusted with 2,159 diamonds and natural pearls, alongside a matching earring. Also on display is Queen Farida’s floral tiara, crafted from platinum and adorned with white and yellow diamonds, complemented by a matching bracelet and earring set.

The hall’s walls are adorned with oil portrait paintings of prominent members of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty, including Khedive Mohamed Ali Pasha, his son Ibrahim Pasha, and Ali Pasha. The collection also features a portrait of Princess Fatma Haidar, the palace’s original owner, a painting of her mother Zeinab Hanem Fahmy, and a photograph of her father Prince Ali Haidar Shenassi, a descendant of Mohamed Ali Pasha.

As visitors enter the hall, they are greeted by two statues of young women symbolizing the goddesses of the sun and the moon. Above, a stunning stained-glass balcony overlooks the room, depicting lively scenes from European daily life. The Rococo-style ceiling, lavishly decorated, features luxurious brass chandeliers fitted with colored stained, glass panels, custom-made for the palace, reflecting its aristocratic elegance.

This project forms part of the Ministry’s wider strategic plan to enhance museum infrastructure and update exhibition narratives to align with global trends in museology. It aims not only to preserve Egypt’s cultural heritage but also to elevate the visitor experience and reveal the splendor and historical richness of the treasures housed within Egypt’s museums.

09/07/2025

UNESCO Removes Abu Mena Archaeological Site in Alexandria from the World Heritage in Danger List

UNESCO hails Egypt’s success in saving one of its most significant early Christian archaeological landmarks

In a major heritage milestone, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has officially removed the ancient archaeological site of Abu Mena, located in Borg El-Arab, Alexandria, from the List of World Heritage in Danger. The announcement was made during the 47th session of the Committee currently convening in Paris, marking a new chapter in Egypt’s long-term efforts to protect and preserve its cultural heritage in line with global standards.

The decision follows the Committee’s review of the 2025 joint reactive monitoring mission report, prepared by the World Heritage Centre in cooperation with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). The report highlighted the significant progress achieved at Abu Mena, most notably the successful installation of a specialized groundwater monitoring and management system. Designed to stabilize rising water levels that once threatened the ancient structures, the system’s effectiveness has been proven through consistent periodic measurements.

The mission also praised Egypt’s full implementation of all prior corrective recommendations, concluding that the Desired State of Conservation for Removal (DSOCR) had been completely met. In light of this, the Committee endorsed the removal of Abu Mena from the endangered list, congratulating Egypt on what it described as a notable international success that reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to preserving its cultural identity and exceptional heritage sites.

A National Triumph

Dr. Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, welcomed the announcement with pride, describing the removal of Abu Mena from the danger list as a “significant achievement for the Egyptian state.” He pointed to the efforts over recent years to reduce groundwater levels, restore deteriorated architectural elements, and develop basic visitor services across the archaeological zone. These initiatives, he explained, have ensured the site’s sustainability for future generations and brought it back in line with international conservation criteria.

Dr. Fathy extended his gratitude to all concerned state institutions, the Coptic Orthodox Church, and every specialist and technician who contributed to the success of this national project. He emphasized that the achievement reflects Egypt’s unified will to preserve its cultural and historical legacy, calling it a model of successful cooperation among government, religious institutions, and civil society.

The Minister also sent a personal message of appreciation to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, commending the Church’s ongoing support and involvement in safeguarding the sacred Christian site.

Global Recognition of a Local Commitment

According to Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the World Heritage Committee’s decision represents a form of international endorsement of Egypt’s preservation strategy. He noted that the state’s efforts included the reinforcement of key archaeological elements, along with the creation of a precision-engineered system to monitor and regulate the groundwater table—a system that proved its success through routine assessments verified by the 2025 joint monitoring mission.

Dr. Khaled affirmed that Egypt is committed to sustaining this progress, with plans to continuously update the conservation strategy in collaboration with UNESCO advisory bodies. This includes maintaining and operating the groundwater control infrastructure, ensuring consistent allocation of technical and financial resources, and delivering regular updates to the World Heritage Centre on all matters related to the site’s condition.

Abu Mena: A Sacred Site Restored

Dr. Gamal Mostafa, Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector, described Abu Mena as one of early Christianity’s most revered pilgrimage destinations, second only to Jerusalem. The site, which dates to the 4th–6th centuries AD, was placed on the World Heritage List in 1979 in recognition of its exceptional religious and architectural significance. Pilgrims once traveled from across the Mediterranean to visit the burial place of Saint Menas, a Roman soldier-saint martyred during the reign of Diocletian.

Among the site’s most significant archaeological remains are the sacred well believed to hold Saint Menas’ tomb, the Great Basilica, and the Pilgrims’ Courtyard—each bearing testimony to the site’s spiritual importance and urban planning.

However, intensive land reclamation projects and the use of flood irrigation techniques in the surrounding agricultural zones caused a sharp rise in groundwater levels, which posed a direct threat to the stability of the site’s mudbrick structures. As a result, Abu Mena was placed on the World Heritage in Danger List in 2001.

Engineering Heritage: A Model Project

In response, Egypt launched a multi-year conservation effort beginning with a comprehensive study of the site’s hydrogeological conditions. The project to lower groundwater levels began in 2019, following completion of the necessary technical designs for both implementation and long-term operation.

A trial run of the system commenced in November 2021, and the infrastructure was officially inaugurated in 2022 by then-Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Khaled El-Enany. Alongside this engineering intervention, the project included the architectural restoration of Abu Mena’s surviving elements, ensuring their structural integrity and visual coherence.

According to UNESCO’s latest report, the combined impact of these efforts enabled the site to meet the full criteria for removal from the danger list—a rare and noteworthy outcome in international heritage management.

Sustaining the Legacy

As Egypt celebrates this victory, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is already working to ensure the long-term sustainability of Abu Mena. This includes refining its conservation framework, coordinating with international advisory organizations, and reinforcing a multi-agency approach that combines scientific expertise, religious stewardship, and government oversight.

With Abu Mena now restored to stable condition, it stands once again as a beacon of Egypt’s Christian heritage and a model of collaborative heritage recovery both locally and internationally.

Luxor Times

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