"Zahi Hawass Foundation" Continues Training Young Professionals from Within Ibn Tulun Mosque and Gayer-Anderson Museum

Photography by Alaa Salah

Driven by its mission to prepare and qualify young professionals in the fields of archaeology and heritage, the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage organized yesterday, Sunday, June 28, 2026, the second field visit for its first cohort. The visit took place as part of the 4th Islamic Archaeology Training Course, using the Mosque of Ahmad ibn Tulun and the Gayer-Anderson Museum as primary sites for practical, hands-on training.

The training day commenced with an academic evaluation for the trainees, followed by a detailed review of the material covered during the previous visit. This step is part of an integrated training framework that relies on continuous evaluation and precise follow-ups to measure comprehension, correct misconceptions, and enhance the trainees' knowledge base. This process ensures the highest levels of quality and underscores the Foundation's commitment to delivering a unique educational experience that seamlessly blends academic coursework with practical application, following the latest international training methodologies.

The activities continued with a specialized academic tour inside the Mosque of Ahmad ibn Tulun, led by Mr. Abdullah Taha Al-Sheikh, archaeological researcher and Director of Training at the Foundation. He highlighted the history of the mosque as the sole surviving monument of the city of "Al-Qata'i"—the first city in Egypt designed to mirror the architectural style of Samarra in Iraq. He also reviewed the rise of the Tulunid State, the multifaceted personality of Ahmad ibn Tulun, and his historic role in establishing the first independent rule in Islamic Egypt, while touching upon the vast architectural and economic prosperity the country witnessed during his reign, leading up to the fall of the dynasty and the mosque's endurance as an eternal witness to that rich era.

In the second segment of the tour, participants transitioned to the Gayer-Anderson Museum. There, Ms. Arwa Shahin, a licensed tour guide, provided a comprehensive explanation detailing the history of "Bayt al-Kritliya" (House of the Cretan Woman) and "Bayt Amna bint Salim," alongside the story of the British Major Robert Grenville Gayer-Anderson and his profound fascination with Islamic architecture. She also shed light on the nuances of daily life in Islamic Egypt, including ancient crafts and industries, the role of the *Muhtasib* (market inspector) in marketplaces, and popular traditions and customs. Furthermore, she analyzed the architectural and environmental elements of the traditional Islamic Egyptian house—such as *Mashrabiyas* (wooden lattice windows), *Iwans* (vaulted halls), fountains, and *Malqafs* (windcatchers)—demonstrating how these features reflected both the architectural and social identity of Egyptian society through the ages.

This visit serves as an extension of the intensive practical program implemented by the Foundation, rooted in its firm belief that direct field training is the cornerstone of refining the skills of archaeologists and tour guides. By bridging theoretical studies with real-world application and relying on periodic evaluations, the program aims to build a national workforce equipped with the knowledge, expertise, and capability to manage archaeological sites with utmost professionalism.

At the conclusion of the event, the Foundation extended its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the organizing and supervisory team, which included: Mohamed El-Sayed, Sama Assem, Rania Hisham, and Lina Hisham, in recognition of their dedicated and tireless efforts in coordinating and managing the visit in an exemplary manner that reflects the Foundation's academic and organizational excellence. The institution reiterated its commitment to pursuing this ambitious training program to prepare upcoming generations capable of carrying the mission of preserving Egyptian heritage and promoting it to the world in accordance with the highest professional standards.