Tourism Min. Inspects Restoration Work of Great Hypostyle Hall in Karnak Temples

Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa, recently visited the Qena and Luxor governorates to inspect various archaeological sites in preparation for the upcoming winter tourism season.

Accompanied by Dr. Mostafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr. Fathi Yassin, Director General of Antiquities of Upper Egypt, and Dr. Mustafa Al-Saghir, General Director of Karnak Antiquities, the Minister examined the latest developments in the restoration work of the Great Hypostyle Hall in the Karnak Temples.

During the tour, the Secretary-General provided a detailed explanation of the stages of the restoration work of the Great Hypostyle Hall, which has 134 columns. 

The aim of the restoration is to remove dirt and soot and reveal the original colors of the temple. Dr. Waziri explained that the southern side of the Hypostyle Hall has been fully restored, including 65 columns, and the work on the northern side is ongoing. The southeastern part of the hall has been covered with a wooden ceiling to protect the colors from sunlight and weather factors.

The Minister expressed his pride in the work team of restorers and their efforts, describing the work as a huge achievement. He also directed the necessity of providing larger parking spaces for cars and tourist buses in the area of the Colossi of Memnon to accommodate the expected growth in tourist traffic during the winter tourist season.

Furthermore, the Minister called on the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers and the Chamber of Travel and Tourism Agencies to direct tourism companies to organize the arrival of tourist groups to archaeological sites with small carrying capacity, such as the Edfu Antiquities Area, to ensure an improved tourist experience.