"Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs" Exhibition in Paris Sells 365,000 Tickets

Dr. Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, met Thursday with the Board Members at the ministry’s headquarters in Zamalek.

During the meeting, Waziri reviewed the latest developments and achievements carried out by the various sectors of the Council during April.

A total of 365,000 tickets were sold for the "Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs" exhibition in Paris, which runs from April 5 to September 17.

Moreover, the Ahmed Effendi Salim Sabil in the Sayeda Zeinab neighborhood and the Abbasid Caliphate dome of the Abbasid caliphs in the Khalifa neighborhood was inaugurated.

A number of archaeological discoveries were also announced in Giza, Menoufia, Dakahlia, Qalyubia, Luxor, Aswan, Assiut, Sharqia, Kafr El-Sheikh, Beheira, and Beni Suef.

Excavations have also begun in a number of archaeological areas, including the Bahariya Oasis in Giza Governorate, the Robayat site in Beheira Governorate, the Nagaa Turki site in Qena Governorate, Al-Al-Arish Castle, the Western Farma Church, and Khan Al-Khuwainat city in North Sinai Governorate.

There is ongoing restoration work in a number of ancient temples, where the restoration work has been completed on 54 of 134 columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall Karnak and cleaning the walls of the Habu Temple in Luxor and launching the restoration project soon.

In addition to the completion of the restoration of the first and second halls in the Temple of Seti I in Qurna in Luxor. The work is still ongoing.

Furthermore, 80% of King Nectanebo's Matumizi in the Dendera Temple in Qena has been completed, and other maintenance and restoration works.

During the meeting, Waziri highlighted the efforts of the Central Administration of Ports and Archaeological Units in Egyptian Ports, which succeeded in seizing 250 artifacts in the ports before smuggling them out of the country.

Regarding the works of the Islamic, Coptic and Jewish antiquities sector, he revealed that the works were completed in Mohamed Ali Palace, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Babylon Fortress, Amr ibn Al-A'as Mosque, Al Zahir Baybars Mosque, Al Aqmar Mosque, Al-Muharraq monastery, and the mosque and mausoleum of Ibn al-Fadl Ibn al-Abbas (Sidi Shebel).

Meanwhile, the restoration project of Dayr Anba Hermina was completed by 75%, Dayr Abu Hinnis by 60%, the domes for the righteous companions of Al-Bahnasa by 85%, and the churches of Deir Al-Janadla by 60%.

A number of services were provided to visitors in archaeological sites have also been implemented for an enjoyable and distinct tourist experience such as using electric cars at the Citadel of Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi and proving in coordination with the local units guiding signs and paving the roads leading to the areas of the antiquities of Middle Egypt.

Waziri reviewed the museum sector and discussed the latest developments in the restoration project of the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria, the works of its display and the artifacts transferred to it, which reached 86%, as well as the works of the Suez Canal Museum, and the works of Mohamed Ali palace.

In addition to temporary archaeological exhibitions, seminars, and activities organized at the Egyptian museums.

During the meeting, Waziri approved the donation of Mr. Abdel Hamid Tharwat, the son of Nazli Abdul Hamid Kazerouni, to the Supreme Council of Antiquities, which consists of 8 artifacts, to be registered in the records of the Department of Possession and Antiquities Acquisitions.

Tharwat will be granted a certificate of appreciation from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, which affirms the Ministry's constant appreciation to every Egyptian citizen who presents an honorable example and works to preserve the heritage and history of his country and the ancient Egyptian civilization.

Waziri also approved some decisions by the Permanent Committee for Egyptian Antiquities and the Permanent Committee for Islamic, Coptic and Jewish Antiquities regarding the work of archaeological missions in archaeological sites.