The Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouly inaugurated Djoser Pyramid after the completion of its restoration works that continued for 14 years.
The inauguration was attended by Dr. Khaled El-Anani, Minister of Antiquities and Tourism and Minister of Housing Dr. Assem Al-Gazzar.
The prime minister said that the Djoser Pyramid is one of a series of treasures in Egypt which is paying much attention to their restoration, adding that the state is making a great effort in restoring antiquities from different civilizations.
He added that Egypt spends huge money in restoring and renovating a lot of monuments nationwide, pointing out that the state is paying much attention to archaeological projects like such interest given to the national projects.
He noted that the Jewish Museum has neen recently opened in Alexandria, confirming that work is now in full swing to complete the Museum of Civilization in addition to the Grand Egyptian Museum GEM, which is considered the largest cultural monument on Earth.
He pointed out that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi himself is following-up the implementation of archaeological projects to tell the world that Egypt cherishes its cultural heritage and it cannot overlook it.
The head of the projects sector at the Ministry of Antiquities said that the restoration of the Pyramid of Djoser was carried out using modern scientific methods agreed upon globally.
The restoration process took place under the supervision of many leading archaeologists.
The Ministry of Antiquities has completed the restoration project of the Pyramid of Djoser and developed its surrounding area, within the framework of the ministry's plan to preserve and develop archaeological sites and improve the services for visitors.
The restoration project included risk reduction works. The internal and external restoration of the pyramid included the development of the paths leading to the pyramid and the internal corridors leading to the burial well, in addition to the restoration of the stone sarcophagus, and the walls.
Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri said that the restoration project started in 2006 and came to a halt in 2011, before resuming again at the end of 2013.
The outer facades of the pyramid, the buildings and stairs of the southern entrance and the eastern entrance were also restored. This is in addition to a thorough restoration and cleaning of all internal corridors of the pyramid, and the installation of the loose stones.
Waziri inspected the pyramid and its surrounding area on Feb. 24. He explained that the Saqqara Pyramid restoration project is one of the most important restoration projects implemented by the ministry, as the Pyramid of Djoser is the oldest stone building in the world.
Contributed by Ali Abu Dashish
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