Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Egypt steps up preservation of historic documents, manuscripts
In a heartening demonstration of Egypt's commitment to both its own heritage and the shared history of humanity, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, welcomed Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, Minister of Culture, for substantive discussions on protecting and restoring precious archives—spanning Egyptian and international history.
The meeting centered on cross-ministerial cooperation to restore and conserve rare documents, manuscripts, and books housed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Looking ahead, the ministries plan to create a permanent exhibition, opening a window for future generations and visitors alike to the exquisite world of historical atlases, rare volumes, and diplomatic treaties that have shaped Egyptian and world history.
Setting a welcoming tone, Ambassador Nagi Ghaba, Director of the Ministry’s Preservation and Documentation Department, highlighted recent collaborative successes with Egypt’s National Library and Archives.
Among them, the meticulous restoration of an exceptionally rare volume, "Egypt," stands out—one of the first photographic books to capture Egypt’s landmarks, landscapes, and unique social fabric during the reign of King Fuad. Modeled after the famed "Description de l’Égypte," this restored treasure offers a visual narrative of a pivotal era.
Another recent milestone is the handover of the first batch of 19th and 20th-century international treaties, alongside a rare edition of the "Atlas of the Egyptian Nation," to the National Library and Archives, ensuring that these touchstones of Egyptian and international history are preserved with the utmost care.
Reflecting on these efforts, Dr. Abdelatty emphasized that integrating cultural dimensions into diplomacy is a foundational pillar of Egyptian foreign policy—a heartfelt means of building bridges of understanding and dialogue between Egypt and the world.
He praised the National Library and Archives for its vital role as the custodian of the nation’s memory since 1870, and expressed eagerness to deepen cooperation, not only in restoring historical documents and maps but also in digitization and broadening access to these invaluable resources.
In a spirit of camaraderie, Dr. Henno, Minister of Culture, stressed the universal value of these archives, serving as chronicles of Egypt’s eras and its interplay with regional and international events.
“Our hope,” he stated, “is to expand collaboration to include public lectures, cultural events, and the publication of editions featuring these treaties—introducing new generations, both in Egypt and abroad, to the roots from which we all grow.”
Dr. Henno also highlighted the importance of expanding Egypt’s rich cultural programming overseas, through embassies and consulates, reflecting the enduring strength of Egypt’s ‘soft power’ and the singularity of its heritage on the world stage.
Dr. Osama Talaat, Chair of the National Library and Archives, reassured that the newly received documents will undergo detailed scientific restoration in state-of-the-art labs. Every step—from cleansing the ravages of time to advanced preservation protocols—will follow international best practices, ensuring these treasures can enlighten and delight for generations.
As Egypt extends an open hand to the world, these renewed efforts to protect and share its documentary treasures offer a powerful reminder: the preservation of heritage is not just a national mission, but a gift to humanity, linking past, present, and future across all borders.