Mohamed Ismail Khaled Inspects Major Archaeological Projects in Luxor

As part of a series of periodic follow-ups on ongoing archaeological projects across the Republic, Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), conducted an extensive inspection tour in Luxor. The visit covered several key sites, including Dra’ Abu el-Naga, Deir el-Medina, the Ramesseum on the West Bank, the Temple of Montu at Karnak, and the Luxor Museum, to review operational progress and the latest executive milestones.

Enhancing Infrastructure and Conservation

The tour began with an inspection of the development projects at the archaeological storehouses in Al-Qurna (West Bank) and Abu Al-Joud (East Bank). These upgrades focus on reinforcing perimeter walls, flooring, lighting systems, electronic security surveillance, and automated fire suppression systems. Dr. Khaled directed that the project must include the modernization of restoration laboratories within these storehouses, equipping them with state-of-the-art technology in accordance with international scientific standards.

Landmark Discoveries and International Cooperation

Dr. Khaled visited several Egyptian and foreign missions, commending their contributions to scientific research.

* Dra’ Abu el-Naga: The Egyptian mission recently uncovered several New Kingdom tombs belonging to high-ranking officials during the 2025 season.

* Deir el-Medina: The French mission has successfully reassembled the stone sarcophagus of "Pashedu" from the era of Seti I and Ramesses II. The sarcophagus features rare inscriptions, including the "Negative Confession," a pivotal funerary text for the afterlife.

* Temple of Montu: The Chinese mission highlighted their discovery of Osiris shrines and a sacred lake. Dr. Khaled met with the mission head, Mr. Jia Xiaobing, to discuss future plans, emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural ties between Egypt and China.

Restoring the Ramesseum

A major highlight of the tour was the Ramesseum, where an Egyptian-Korean mission (SCA and the Korea National University of Cultural Heritage) is working to restore and re-erect the temple’s First Pylon.

Using 3D laser scanning for digital documentation, the team has successfully unearthed massive stone blocks buried for centuries following ancient earthquakes. Recent excavations at the northern tower foundations revealed cartouches of King Ramesses II, providing critical data for the reconstruction process. Dr. Khaled emphasized that this project follows the highest international protocols to preserve the architectural integrity of the Ramesseum.

Modernizing the Luxor Museum

Concluding the tour at the Luxor Museum, the Secretary-General reviewed the updated display for the "Luxor Cachette." He ordered a complete overhaul of the lighting systems to enhance the aesthetic presentation of the artifacts.

To maintain the museum’s richness while some pieces are on loan for international exhibitions, Dr. Khaled instructed that select artifacts from storehouses be integrated into the display. Alternatively, high-quality photographs and informative panels will be used to track the journey of touring pieces until their return to their permanent home.

Dr. Khaled was accompanied by a delegation of senior officials, including Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Head of the Antiquities Conservation and Registration Sector, and Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Central Department of Upper Egypt Antiquities.