Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt advances heritage development with new projects across Aswan
Dr. Hisham El‑Leithy, Secretary‑General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, conducted an extensive inspection tour of several key archaeological sites in Aswan as part of ongoing efforts to monitor development and conservation projects across the region.
His visit began at the archaeological island of Bigeh, home to the remains of a stone temple dating back to Ptolemy XII and Emperor Augustus. The island also features a small mud‑brick monastery and numerous rock inscriptions, including royal carvings from the Late Period and inscriptions from the Viceroy of Kush. Discussions during the visit focused on scientific and technical proposals to protect the temple from fluctuating water levels in the Aswan Reservoir.
Dr. El‑Leithy also reviewed progress at Philae Temple, where services are being upgraded through expanded ticketing facilities, a new visitor center, enhanced lighting, surveillance cameras, and improved visitor pathways.
At the Unfinished Obelisk site, he inspected ongoing work to improve visitor services, including upgraded shelters, restrooms, a revamped visitor hall, and new signage. Plans were also discussed for an open‑air museum showcasing ancient Egyptian stone‑carving techniques.
The secretary‑general called for the preparation of a bilingual informational booklet on the Unfinished Obelisk to support public awareness and education.
He also visited a pottery storage facility built by the Swiss mission at Birka el‑Demas, with the goal of expediting its official handover and operation for proper archaeological storage.
The tour included Qubbet el‑Hawa, renowned for the tombs of ancient nobles. Dr. El‑Leithy reviewed the launch of a major EU‑funded development project implemented by GIZ in cooperation with German and Spanish archaeological missions. The project includes improvements to the river jetty, pathways, services, and a new visitor center. It also features a replica of a recently discovered New Kingdom tomb preserved for its vivid colors.
Further plans involve linking northern and southern tomb areas, enhancing site security against natural hazards, and restoring tomb entrances.
Dr. El‑Leithy then inspected the development of the Aswan Museum on Philae Island, housed in the historic residence of British engineer William Willcocks, a UNESCO‑listed heritage structure.
The tour continued at Deir Anba Hadra, also known as the Monastery of St. Simeon, where the German Archaeological Institute has been documenting Coptic and Arabic inscriptions and preserving architectural elements. Current restoration includes work on the church vaults, roofs, and comprehensive site studies. Dr. El‑Leithy praised the mission’s efforts to ready the site for visitors.
The monastery comprises two levels, featuring rock‑cut cells and the main church on the lower level, with living quarters, workshops, ovens, mills, and stables on the upper level.
Dr. El‑Leithy concluded his tour with a meeting at the Nubia Museum, gathering local antiquities officials and museum staff. He emphasized teamwork across all sectors of the council and expressed readiness to respond to legitimate staff needs in accordance with regulations to support workplace stability and performance.