Monday, 25 May 2026
Egyptologist Hourig Sourouzian honored for decades of restoration work at Luxor’s Amenhotep III Temple
In a testament to international collaboration and commitment to preserving global heritage, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt has honored eminent Egyptian-Armenian Egyptologist Dr. Hourig Sourouzian for her exceptional leadership and long-standing dedication to the restoration of the Colossi of Amenhotep III in Luxor.
During a ceremony attended by distinguished officials, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Sherif Fathy, presented Dr. Sourouzian with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the ministry, commending her decades-long efforts to breathe new life into the mortuary temple of King Amenhotep III. Her role as director of the comprehensive conservation project—launched in 1998 in partnership with the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the German Archaeological Institute in Cairo, and major international organizations dedicated to heritage preservation—has been instrumental in safeguarding and rehabilitating one of the most significant monuments of ancient Egypt.
Over the years, Dr. Sourouzian and her team have tirelessly located and meticulously preserved fragmented pieces of the colossal statues, which often lay buried in salt-laden sediment or dispersed throughout the site. Notably, granite blocks forming the statues’ bases were retrieved from the open-air museum at Karnak Temples, and extensive efforts in structural cleaning, three-dimensional site surveying, and reassembly culminated in the reinstatement of the statues in their original location at the mortuary temple in 2025. These statues, now standing between 13.6 and 14.5 meters tall, once again bear witness to the grandeur of the New Kingdom.
The ceremony also saw Minister Fathy unveil the newly restored statues, applauding the restoration as a beacon of hope for the continued preservation of Egypt’s storied civilization. “What we see today is not only a scientific and architectural marvel, but a powerful reminder of what international partnerships and passion for heritage can achieve,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the project for enhancing Luxor’s status as a leading global destination for culture and tourism.
Egyptian-Armenian architect and site conservator Dr. Nayiri Hambikian highlighted the technical and environmental challenges faced over the years, including fluctuating groundwater levels which necessitated advanced engineering solutions. She praised the project for fostering Egyptian talent, with more than thirty Egyptian conservators and a team of architects trained and engaged, reflecting an exemplary model of international and local expertise working hand-in-hand.
The collaboration between the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and the German Archaeological Institute since 1998 was lauded as a touchstone for future cross-border archaeological endeavors, setting a precedent for excellence in joint heritage protection and academic exchange.
Minister Fathy expressed deep gratitude to all project staff for their exceptional dedication, noting the physical and technical difficulties involved in moving and restoring structures weighing many tons. “Their perseverance, ingenuity, and devotion truly embody the spirit of Egypt’s living heritage.”
Originally built during the 14th century BCE and known as the “Temple of Millions of Years,” the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III was once the largest and most ornate of its kind. Though devastated by a catastrophic earthquake around 1200 BCE and later used as a quarry, remnants of the temple—including the iconic statues—have survived against all odds, telling stories of resilience, scientific endeavor, and international solidarity.
Today, the restored colossi not only illuminate the achievements of ancient Egypt but also celebrate the enduring power of human cooperation and shared respect for the world’s cultural legacy.