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Egypt Today
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Egypt Today
President Sisi in call with Greek PM: Egypt commits to preserve Saint Catherine's Monastery, sacred religious status
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call on Friday from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis- press photo CAIRO – 30 May 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call on Friday from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during which both leaders reaffirmed the strength of Egyptian-Greek relations and their shared commitment to expanding strategic cooperation across various fields. According to Presidency Spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, the two leaders emphasized the historical depth of their bilateral ties and their alignment on mutual interests between the two friendly nations. During the call, President Sisi addressed recent rumors regarding Saint Catherine's Monastery, emphasizing Egypt's unwavering commitment to preserving its sacred religious status. He underscored that no infringement upon the monastery's sanctity would occur, referencing a recent judicial ruling that reinforces the site's heritage and spiritual significance. President Sisi's remarks came in response to rumors—reported by Al Arabiya Net—alleging that Saint Catherine's Monastery was being evacuated of its monks in preparation for its sale. On May 28, 2025, the Ismailia Court of Appeal's Taba Sinai Mission ruled on a case concerning disputed land in South Sinai. The ruling, delivered by Judge Alaa Mustafa Abdel Razek, along with Counselors Hassanein Ahmed Al-Wasif and Amir Hassan Abu Al-Leil, affirmed the monks' rights to use and perform religious rites at the monastery and its affiliated archaeological sites. While these sites remain public property owned by the state, they are under the religious stewardship of the monastery's bishop, appointed by Presidential Decree No. 306 of 1974, and are supervised by the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The court further ruled that existing land use agreements between the monastery and local authorities remain valid, dismissing allegations of illegal land seizure. It also clarified that remaining disputed lands fall within protected nature reserves and cannot be claimed through prescription or ownership, as they are classified as public property. The court concluded that the remaining disputed plots of land are nature reserves, all of which are public state property, and cannot be disposed of or owned by prescription. No contracts have been issued regarding them by the competent authority. On May 29, 2025, Egypt's Presidency issued a statement to reiterate ts full commitment to preserving the 'unique and sacred religious status' of Saint Catherine's Monastery and preventing its violation. The Presidency affirmed that the recent court ruling consolidates this status, aligning with the points President Abdel Fattah El Sisi emphasized during his recent visit to Athens on May 7. The Presidency also affirmed the importance of preserving the close and fraternal relations that bind the two countries and peoples and ensuring that they are not jeopardized. Egypt's foreign ministry's official spokesman also stressed on Thursday that rumors about seizing St. Catherine's Monastery and its affiliated land are completely unfounded. The spokesperson made the remarks regarding a court ruling issued on May 28, concerning the land surrounding St. Catherine's Monastery.
Egypt Today
2 days ago
- General
- Egypt Today
Ancient Structure and Coptic Art Unearthed in Upper Egypt
In a remarkable archaeological discovery, an Egyptian mission working in the Monqabad area in Asyut has uncovered the remains of a mudbrick building dating back to the 6th–7th century AD. The announcement comes as part of the Supreme Council of Antiquities' ongoing efforts to support excavations across the country, under the directives of Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, revealed that the building features two levels coated in white plaster. Inside, archaeologists found a series of rare and important wall paintings. One striking mural features repeated eye motifs centered around a human face—a symbolic representation in Coptic art often interpreted as inner spiritual insight and divine awareness. Another mural shows the image of a man carrying a child, likely Saint Joseph holding the Christ Child, flanked by disciples and Coptic inscriptions. Dr. Gamal Mostafa, Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector, added that the first level of the structure includes three parallel halls followed by two rooms. A staircase leads to a lower level with three parallel cells and two living quarters. Numerous artifacts were uncovered, including Coptic-inscribed tombstones, amphorae bearing Coptic letters, and a stone frieze adorned with animal motifs of a gazelle and a lion. Various multi-use pottery vessels were also found. According to Mahmoud Mohamed, Director of Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities in East Asyut, excavation and mural studies are ongoing to unravel the building's function and significance further. Monqabad is about 12 kilometers northwest of Asyut City and roughly 22 kilometers from Asyut International Airport. The site was initially discovered in 1965, with intermittent excavation seasons beginning in 1976 and continuing through 2010, before resuming with the current 2024 mission.
Egypt Today
2 days ago
- Egypt Today
Three New Tombs Discovered in Luxor: A Major Breakthrough in Egypt's New Kingdom Heritage
A major archaeological discovery has just been made in Luxor's Dra Abu el-Naga: three newly uncovered tombs belonging to high-ranking officials from the New Kingdom era. Excavation and cleaning efforts are ongoing to reveal more about the tombs' owners, with plans to study and publish the findings in academic detail. The secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities personally visited the site and stressed the importance of scientific documentation and publication. An Egyptian archaeological mission in the Dra Abu el-Naga area on Luxor's West Bank has unearthed three New Kingdom tombs during the current excavation season. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy hailed the discovery as a major scientific and archaeological achievement, bolstering Egypt's standing on the global cultural tourism map. He noted that these tombs are expected to become a key attraction for lovers of heritage and history due to their rich cultural and human significance. The Minister emphasized that this discovery—carried out entirely by Egyptian hands—demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of local archaeologists in making world-class discoveries. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, inspected the site and confirmed that all three tombs date back to the New Kingdom. The names and titles of their owners were identified through inscriptions found within the tombs. He noted that further cleaning and analysis will be conducted to better understand the tombs' significance, with a commitment to scientific study and publication. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, revealed that one of the tombs belongs to 'Amun-em-Opet,' a Ramesside-era official who served at a temple or estate of Amun. While much of the artwork was destroyed, surviving scenes depict offerings, funerary furniture, and banquet rituals. The second and third tombs date back to the 18th Dynasty. One belonged to 'Baki,' a granary overseer, while the other belonged to 'S,' who held multiple titles: overseer of Amun's temple in the oases, mayor of the northern oases, and scribe. As for their layout: • Amun-em-Opet's tomb features a small courtyard, an entrance leading to a square hall, and a niche—later altered in reuse. • Baki's tomb includes a long corridor-like courtyard, followed by another yard leading to a transverse hall and then a longitudinal chamber ending in an unfinished shrine with a burial shaft. • The tomb of 'S' starts with a small courtyard and burial shaft, leading to the main entrance and a transverse hall that connects to an unfinished longitudinal room. This discovery adds a fascinating new chapter to Egypt's ever-unfolding archaeological story. Three New Tombs Discovered in Luxor: A Major Breakthrough in Egypt's New Kingdom Heritage A major archaeological discovery has just been made in Luxor's Dra Abu el-Naga: three newly uncovered tombs belonging to high-ranking officials from the New Kingdom era. Excavation and cleaning efforts are ongoing to reveal more about the tombs' owners, with plans to study and publish the findings in academic detail. The secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities personally visited the site and stressed the importance of scientific documentation and publication. An Egyptian archaeological mission in the Dra Abu el-Naga area on Luxor's West Bank has unearthed three New Kingdom tombs during the current excavation season. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy hailed the discovery as a major scientific and archaeological achievement, bolstering Egypt's standing on the global cultural tourism map. He noted that these tombs are expected to become a key attraction for lovers of heritage and history due to their rich cultural and human significance. The Minister emphasized that this discovery—carried out entirely by Egyptian hands—demonstrates the remarkable capabilities of local archaeologists in making world-class discoveries. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, inspected the site and confirmed that all three tombs date back to the New Kingdom. The names and titles of their owners were identified through inscriptions found within the tombs. He noted that further cleaning and analysis will be conducted to better understand the tombs' significance, with a commitment to scientific study and publication. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, revealed that one of the tombs belongs to 'Amun-em-Opet,' a Ramesside-era official who served at a temple or estate of Amun. While much of the artwork was destroyed, surviving scenes depict offerings, funerary furniture, and banquet rituals. The second and third tombs date back to the 18th Dynasty. One belonged to 'Baki,' a granary overseer, while the other belonged to 'S,' who held multiple titles: overseer of Amun's temple in the oases, mayor of the northern oases, and scribe. As for their layout: • Amun-em-Opet's tomb features a small courtyard, an entrance leading to a square hall, and a niche—later altered in reuse. • Baki's tomb includes a long corridor-like courtyard, followed by another yard leading to a transverse hall and then a longitudinal chamber ending in an unfinished shrine with a burial shaft. • The tomb of 'S' starts with a small courtyard and burial shaft, leading to the main entrance and a transverse hall that connects to an unfinished longitudinal room. This discovery adds a fascinating new chapter to Egypt's ever-unfolding archaeological story.
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Three Ancient Egyptian Tombs Dating Back More Than 3,500 Years Discovered Near Valley Of The Kings
Archaeologists in Egypt have made a remarkable discovery of a trio of ancient tombs dating back more than 3,500 years. The burial sites, unearthed in the Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis in the southern Egyptian city of Luxor, belonged to prominent statesmen from the New Kingdom period which began around 1550 BC. One of the tombs, which was found to be mostly destroyed, belonged to Amum-em-Ipet from the Ramesside period, while the other two date back to the 18th Dynasty. The 18th Dynasty tombs belonged to a man called Baki, who worked as a supervisor of a grain silo, and another individual identified only as S – who served as a supervisor at the Temple of Amun, a writer and the mayor of the northern oases. The names and titles of the tombs' owners were identified through inscriptions found within the burial chambers, according to Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the secretary-general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. But Khaled counselled that further study of additional inscriptions would be needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the tombs' owners. The discovery represents a significant addition to Egypt's rich archaeological record, and has shed light on the lives of officials who served during the New Kingdom period. Sherif Fathir, Egypt's tourism and antiquities minister, described the find as 'a significant scientific and archaeological achievement.' The ministry views archaeology as a key sector which can substantially boost cultural tourism in Egypt, Fathir said. And the tombs' discovery comes after a recent string of important archaeological finds in the north African nation. Earlier this year, archaeologists announced the discovery of Egypt's first royal tomb since King Tutankhamun's burial chamber was unearthed more than a century ago. The ancient resting place of King Thutmose II, who ruled around 3,500 years ago, was found in west Luxor's Valley of the Kings. Elswhere, researchers found ancient rock-cut tombs and 3,600-year-old burial shafts at the causeway of Queen Hatshepsut's funerary temple at Deir al-Bahri on the Nile's West Bank. While late last year, a US-Egyptian team excavated a tomb with 11 sealed burials in the South Asasif necropolis, next to the Temple of Hatshepsut. All of the discoveries have come ahead of the much-anticipated full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum this summer. Though a final official date is still yet to be confirmed, the museum is set showcase more than 100,000 artefacts recovered from beneath the Egyptian sand.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Egyptian archaeologists discover three tombs in Luxor
Egypt unveiled three new tombs of prominent statesman in the Dra Abu al-Naga necropolis in Luxor, officials said Monday. Egyptian archaeologists have discovered tombs dating back to the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 BC) and identified the names and titles of their owners through inscriptions found within, according to a statement by the tourism and antiquities ministry. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in the statement that further study of other tombs' inscriptions is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the tombs' owners. The ministry released pictures of items discovered in the tombs, including artefacts and statues. The discovery comes in the lead-up to the highly anticipated full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is expected this summer, though a final official date is yet to be confirmed. The museum will showcase more than 100,000 artefacts from Egypt's rich ancient heritage. One of the tombs discovered in Luxor on Monday belonged to Amum-em-Ipet, from the Ramesside period, who worked in the estate of Amun. His tomb was mostly destroyed and what remained were depictions of the funeral furniture carriers and a banquet. Amum-em-Ipet's tomb begins with a small courtyard leading to an entrance and then a square hall ending with a niche, whose western wall was destroyed. The other tombs date back to the 18th Dynasty and include one belonging to a man named Baki, who served as a supervisor of the grain silo. Another tomb contains the burial of an individual named 'S,' who held multiple roles — he was a supervisor at the Temple of Amun in the oasis, a writer and the mayor of the northern oases. Baki's tomb has a courtyard leading to the main entrance of the tomb as well as a long corridor-like courtyard. It also has a transverse hall leading to another longitudinal hall that leads up to an unfinished chamber that contains a burial well. Meanwhile, the other tomb that belongs to 'S' has a small courtyard with a well, the tomb's main entrance, and a transverse hall that leads to an incomplete longitudinal hall. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi described the discovery as a significant scientific and archaeological achievement, noting that it is one of the areas poised to greatly boost cultural tourism and attract more visitors with an interest in Egypt's rich heritage. In January, Egypt made several discoveries near the famed city of Luxor, including ancient rock-cut tombs and burial shafts dating back 3,600 years. They were unearthed at the causeway of Queen Hatshepsut's funerary temple at Deir al-Bahri on the Nile's West Bank. Late last year, Egyptian and American archaeologists excavated an ancient tomb with 11 sealed burials near Luxor. The tomb, which dates to the Middle Kingdom, was found in the South Asasif necropolis, next to the Temple of Hatshepsut.
