SOMMAIRE

SYSTÈME DE TRANSLITTÉRATION……3

ÉDITORIAL...... 5

SOMMAIRE...... 7

I – JANVIER 2015

JEUDI 1ER JANVIER 2015 9

SAMEDI 3 JANVIER 2015 11

MERCREDI 7 JANVIER 2015 12

DIMANCHE 11 JANVIER 2015 15

LUNDI 12 JANVIER 2015 16

MARDI 13 JANVIER 2015 16

MERCREDI 14 JANVIER 2015 17

JEUDI 15 JANVIER 2015 18

SAMEDI 17 JANVIER 2015 21

DIMANCHE 18 JANVIER 2015 21

MARDI 20 JANVIER 2015 22

MERCREDI 21 JANVIER 2015 23

JEUDI 22 JANVIER 2015 24

MARDI 27 JANVIER 2015 27

MERCREDI 28 JANVIER 2015 27

JEUDI 29 JANVIER 2015 28

VENDREDI 30 JANVIER 2015 31

II – FÉVRIER 2015

MARDI 3 FÉVRIER 2015 33

MERCREDI 4 FÉVRIER 2015 33

JEUDI 5 FÉVRIER 2015 34

MARDI 10 FÉVRIER 2015 39

MERCREDI 11 FÉVRIER 2015 39

MARDI 17 FÉVRIER 2015 43

MERCREDI 18 FÉVRIER 2015 44

JEUDI 12 FÉVRIER 2015 46

MARDI 24 FÉVRIER 2015 48

JEUDI 26 FÉVRIER 2015 49

III – MARS 2015

MARDI 3 MARS 2015 53

MERCREDI 4 MARS 2015 54

JEUDI 5 MARS 2015 56

VENDREDI 6 MARS 2015 56

DIMANCHE 8 MARS 2015 56

LUNDI 9 MARS 2015 58

JEUDI 12 MARS 2015 59

MERCREDI 14 MARS 2015 61

DIMANCHE 15 MARS 2015 61

MARDI 17 MARS 2015 62

MERCREDI 18 MARS 2015 62

JEUDI 19 MARS 2015 63

DIMANCHE 22 MARS 2015 65

LUNDI 23 MARS 2015 66

MARDI 24 MARS 2015 67

MERCREDI 25 MARS 2015 68

JEUDI 26 MARS 2015 68

SAMEDI 28 MARS 2015 72

DIMANCHE 29 MARS 2015 72

LUNDI 30 MARS 2015 73

IV – AVRIL 2015

MERCREDI 1ER AVRIL 2015 75

JEUDI 2 AVRIL 2015 76

VENDREDI 3 AVRIL 2015 80

SAMEDI 4 AVRIL 2015 81

LUNDI 6 AVRIL 2015 81

MARDI 7 AVRIL 2015 81

MERCREDI 8 AVRIL 2015 81

JEUDI 9 AVRIL 2015 82

SAMEDI 11 AVRIL 2015 88

DIMANCHE 12 AVRIL 2015 88

MARDI 14 AVRIL 2015 89

JEUDI 16 AVRIL 2015 90

VENDREDI 17 AVRIL 2015 90

SAMEDI 18 AVRIL 2015 91

LUNDI 20 AVRIL 2015 91

MARDI 21 AVRIL 2015 92

MERCREDI 22 AVRIL 2015 92

JEUDI 23 AVRIL 2015 96

DIMANCHE 26 AVRIL 2015 99

LUNDI 27 AVRIL 2015 101

MARDI 28 AVRIL 2015 102

MERCREDI 29 AVRIL 2015 102

JEUDI 30 AVRIL 2015 103

V – MAI 2015

SAMEDI 2 MAI 2015 107

DIMANCHE 3 MAI 2015 107

MARDI 5 MAI 2015 108

MERCREDI 6 MAI 2015 109

JEUDI 7 MAI 2015 111

SAMEDI 9 MAI 2015 112

DIMANCHE 10 MAI 2015 112

LUNDI 11 MAI 2015 112

MARDI 12 MAI 2015 113

MERCREDI 13 MAI 2015 115

JEUDI 14 MAI 2015 117

VENDREDI 15 MAI 2015 122

DIMANCHE 17 MAI 2015 123

MARDI 19 MAI 2015 124

MERCREDI 20 MAI 2015 126

JEUDI 21 MAI 2015 130

VENDREDI 22 MAI 2015 137

DIMANCHE 24 MAI 2015 138

MARDI 26 MAI 2015 138

MERCREDI 27 MAI 2015 139

JEUDI 28 MAI 2015 140

DIMANCHE 31 MAI 2015 143

VI – JUIN 2015

LUNDI 1ER JUIN 2015 145

MARDI 2 JUIN 2015 145

MERCREDI 3 JUIN 2015 146

SAMEDI 6 JUIN 2015 149

LUNDI 8 JUIN 2015 149

MARDI 9 JUIN 2015 150

MERCREDI 10 JUIN 2015 150

JEUDI 11 JUIN 2015 152

SAMEDI 13 JUIN 2015 154

DIMANCHE 14 JUIN 2015 155

LUNDI 15 JUIN 2015 155

MERCREDI 17 JUIN 2015 155

VENDREDI 19 JUIN 2015 156

DIMANCHE 21 JUIN 2015 156

LUNDI 22 JUIN 2015 157

MARDI 23 JUIN 2015 159

JEUDI 25 JUIN 2015 159

DIMANCHE 28 JUIN 2015 161

MARDI 30 JUIN 2015 162 TOCPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFP AGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGER EFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAG EREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFP AGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGER EFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAG EREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFP AGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGER EFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAG EREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFP AGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGER EFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAG EREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFP AGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGER EFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAG EREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFP AGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGER EFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAG EREFPAGEREFPAGEREFPAGEREF

VII – INDEX………………………..…………163

I – JANVIER 2015 Jeudi 1er janvier 2015

Earlier this week, brouhaha broke out in the media over the sale of Baron EMPAIN’s Palace in Heliopolis when it was reported that the Nâsir Social Bank had sold the legendary palace at auction for almost LE7 million. However, the news turned out to be unfounded, with Mustafa Amîn, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, telling Al-Ahram Weekly that the reports were based on a misunderstanding. “The palace is owned by the government and cannot be sold. This would be against the law and the constitution,” Amîn said, adding that the building was on Egypt’s Antiquities List, which is protected by law 117 of 1983 and amendments in 2010. According to the law, the building is public property and cannot be sold to a private owner. He said that the property that had been sold was a house in al-Thawra Street in Heliopolis that had once been owned by Baron EMPAIN’s family and this had caused the misunderstanding. Amîn said that the palace had been owned by the Housing Ministry until 2009, when it was transferred to the Antiquities Ministry as it was put on the Antiquities List of Islamic and Coptic Monuments according to ministerial decree number 1297 of 1993. Muhsin Sayyid, former head of the Islamic and Coptic antiquities department at the Ministry of Antiquities, told the Weekly that several attempts had been made by the former Egyptian-Saudi owners to restore the building and convert it into a luxury hotel or night club, but the attempts had failed because the planned restoration works were rejected by the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), now the ministry, as they did not follow strict enough standards. In 2005, Sayyid said, the cabinet had agreed to transfer the ownership of the palace to the SCA and compensate the owners by offering them a 115-feddan plot of land in New Cairo. The palace was then completely cleaned, and the bats were removed from the building. In 2007, an Indian company suggested that it would restore the palace and embarked on an inspection tour of the building, taking photographs and carrying out a detailed architectural survey. However, in the event the company did not start the restoration.

Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al-Damâtî recently carried out an inspection tour of the palace and gave the go-ahead for the 2010 restoration project in collaboration with a Belgian mission. The project had come to a halt after budgetary problems in the wake of the 25 January Revolution. The Belgian restoration project was revived in 2012, and it aims at ending the deterioration of the palace, restoring it to its former glory by transforming it into an international cultural centre. A small museum showing the history of Heliopolis from 1907 to 1911, the period in which the palace was built, will be set up in the Centre. Documents and rare books from the same era are also scheduled be exhibited. A small jewellery museum, a ceremonial hall and a meeting room are also in the works. The palace walls will be restored, cracks filled and decorations restored. al-Damâtî told the Weekly that a month ago the ministry had carried out minor restoration and consolidation of a number of the palace’s decorative elements and sections facing problems. He said that the ministry was reviewing the Belgian restoration plan and studying the palace’s architecture in an attempt to draw up a complete restoration project that would allow for future use. He also announced that revenues from ceremonies held in the Palace’s gardens would be allocated to the restoration budget.

Baron EMPAIN’s Palace was built in 1906 to be the residence of the Belgian industrialist Edouard EMPAIN who came to Egypt in 1904 to construct a railway line linking the lower Egyptian city of Mansûra to Matariyya on the far side of Lake Manzala. French architect Alexandre MARCEL built him the palace in the Avenue of Palaces in Heliopolis (now al-‘Urûba Street), being inspired by the Cambodian temple of Angkor Wat and the Hindu temple of Orissa. Marcel incorporated into the external design reproductions of a variety of human figures, statues of Indian dancers, elephants, snakes, Buddhas, Shivas and Krishnas. MARCEL’s colleague Georges-Louis CLAUDE designed the interior and the decoration. Both architects were well-known at the time, and they had already constructed the Oriental Pavilion attached to the Royal Palace of Laeken in Belgium. The palace consists of two floors and a small extension near the roof. Windows studded with small pieces of Belgian glass were especially created so as not to lose sight of the sun during the day. Construction was completed in 1911, and the palace was surrounded by a landscaped garden adorned with ascending green terraces, each with its own set of marble statues and exotic vegetation. EMPAIN died at Woluwe in Belgium in 1929, but his body was brought back to Egypt for burial under the Basilica of Notre Dame in Heliopolis. Three generations of EMPAINS then occupied the palace, but in 1957 it was sold by its owners and began to fall into ruin. Some parts of the Indian decorative elements and sculptures crumbled and fell away, and the beautifully designed parquet floors and gold-plated doorknobs went astray. As negligence took its toll, the palace became the abode of bats, which in an odd way suited its Gothic aspect. The gilded ceilings, the decorations and the famed Belgian mirrors that once graced the walls were hidden by bats and bat droppings. Rumours about the palace spread, and to many it became a house of horror. Some said that it was used by drug dealers as a storage space for illicit goods, while others believed it was haunted by devils and called it the “House of Vampires” or “Count Dracula’s Castle”. The Palace’s neighbours called it the “Ghost House,” claiming to hear the sound of voices and dragging furniture in the middle of the night while the lights in the garden lit up and turned off suddenly. ‘Am ‘Abd al-Rahîm, who worked as a guard at the palace in the 1990s, insists that the building is haunted. In 1982 he and some passing pedestrians saw smoke issuing from the palace’s main room and up through the main tower, but in the evening all traces of a fire had vanished, he said. An Internet site then said that there were many reasons that might explain the smoke, writing that “Baron EMPAIN had his main room in the main tower which wasn’t entered by anyone but him. Even his sister Helena and his young daughter Mariam weren’t allowed to enter it. This room was known as the Chamber of the Rosary and has doors leading to the Basilica where EMPAIN was buried after his death.” What increased the rumours of the presence of ghosts was the fact that people who broke into the Baron’s room claimed that the mirrors were stained with blood.

The site also makes claims about members of the Baron’s family, claiming that Baroness Helena died after falling from the balcony of an interior room. It also claims that Empain’s daughter Mariam was found lying face down dead in the well of the elevator used to carry the Baron’s breakfast upstairs. (Nevine El-Aref, “Legends of the palace”, Al-Ahram Weekly, January 1, 2015). - -

Last week, Brigham Young University, working in Fag al-Gâmûs area in Fayyûm, south of Cairo, announced the discovery of one million mummies in a Roman cemetery there. The announcement, which proved false, led to the cancelation of the excavation license of the university’s mission in Egypt. The Ministry of Antiquities accused the mission of making false statements in newspapers and breaking the ministry’s regulations, which stipulate that no foreign mission is allowed to announce a discovery without approval of the ministry’s permanent committee. Head of the ministry’s Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Section, Yûsuf Khalîfa, described the statement made by the US mission as “unfounded”. He went on saying that the mission unearthed only one mummy at the site, in 1988, and that it is now on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. What the mission discovered, he continued, are thousands of human skeletons and remains of human bones that are in a very poor state of conservation. Ahmad ‘Abd al-‘Âl, head of the Fayyûm Antiquities Authority, explained that the million figure is an estimate number, registered in research presented to an academic conference in Toronto last month by mission head Kerry MUHLESTEIN, and is not a concrete number. He continued that the mission had been based in Fag al-Gâmûs area for 34 years and during that time had excavated torn textiles and late period and Roman human remains. “No mummies were found except one discovered in 1988, inside a wooden anthropoid coffin with a gilded mummy mask,” he said. Archaeologist ‘Afîfî Ruhayyim, head of the second Khufu solar boat project, told Al-Ahram Weekly that from the archaeological point of view it is impossible to stumble upon one million mummies at once in one cemetery. He explained that the necropolis at Fag al-Gâmûs is a burial ground common during the Roman period. The Romans, Ruhayyim said, used to bury their ancestors in a chamber inside their residential houses, but when the number of corpses increased they took their ancestors’ remains and buried them in land outside their houses. “I am pretty sure that the burials found in Fag al-Gâmûs is one of those necropolis, but the mission does not know much about it,” he asserted.

In response, MUHLESTEIN told the media that he believes there have been misunderstandings that he would like to settle with the ministry, for whom he has the greatest respect. Nevine El-Aref, “False announcement?”, Al-Ahram Weekly, January 1, 2015).

- - Samedi 3 janvier 2015 Lors d’une perquisition au domicile d’un fonctionnaire du ministère de la Culture habitant à al-Qurna, la police de Louqsor a déniché un grand trésor : 224 statues archéologiques de différentes tailles provenant de fouilles illicites effectuées sous la maison de ce fonctionnaire âgé de 45 ans. Une commission d’experts sera chargée d’examiner cette saisie et d’évaluer sa valeur historique. (« Un fonctionnaire dissimule 224 statues antiques dans sa maison », al- Bashâyyir, 3 janvier 2015). - - Mercredi 7 janvier 2015 Les autorités égyptiennes cherchent à surveiller de plus près les travaux des missions archéologiques étrangères, qui sont plus de 200 dans le pays, afin de freiner les violations de la loi. La publication d’une découverte archéologique majeure au Fayyûm, à une centaine de Km du Caire, dans le quotidien égyptien Daily Mail a suscité la colère d’un grand nombre de professionnels du milieu, et a par la suite rouvert le dossier des missions étrangères opérant en Égypte. L’affaire commence quand le professeur Kerry MUHLESTEIN, chef de la mission américaine de la Brigham Young University (BYU) opérant sur le site Fag al-Gâmûs, place l’équipe de chercheurs américains dans une situation difficile. Lors d’une conférence de presse à Toronto (Canada), il annonce la découverte de 1 700 momies et estime découvrir bientôt près de 1 million de momies sur le même site. Une déclaration susceptible de provoquer la suspension définitive des travaux de cette mission présente sur le site depuis près de 30 ans. « Cette publication donne clairement de fausses informations. MUHLESTEIN a commis une grave erreur professionnelle en abordant le sujet des fouilles et découvertes sans informer le ministère des Antiquités au préalable. Cela implique pour le ministère la nécessité d’entamer immédiatement une enquête pour décider du sort de cette mission. Il est très probable qu’elle soit définitivement suspendue », a annoncé Yûsuf Khalîfa, chef du département des antiquités égyptiennes au ministère des Antiquités. La loi stipule, en effet, que le chef d’une mission n’a pas le droit de publier une découverte à l’étranger sans en informer au préalable ce ministère. « La loi doit être strictement appliquée et une mission ne doit pas publier les résultats de ses fouilles et recherches sans en informer d’abord les responsables égyptiens », souligne Magdî al-Ghandûr, ex-chef du département des missions étrangères. Idée partagée par ‘Abd al-Halîm Nûr al-Dîn, chef de l’Union des archéologues égyptiens, qui affirme qu’il existe des missions passant outre les règlements et que leurs travaux devraient être immédiatement suspendus. La mission américaine en question n’est pas la seule à transgresser la loi. En 2002, les travaux d’une mission néerlandaise à Saqqâra ont été suspendus suite à une annonce dans les médias étrangers d’une découverte, alors qu’elle n’avait pas d’autorisation de fouiller. Une autre affaire similaire a eu lieu cette saison, concernant les travaux de fouilles de deux missions françaises à Saqqâra : celle du Bubasteion dirigée par Alain ZIVIE sur le site de Saqqâra depuis plus de 30 ans, ainsi que celle de l’Ifao dirigée par Vassil DOBREV qui y travaille depuis 2001. Ces deux missions opèrent depuis de longues années sur ces sites, mais elles ne respectent pas complètement la loi, puisqu’elles n’ont pas fait de publications de leurs travaux depuis plusieurs années. « Cette suspension n’est pas notre première réaction. Il y a deux ans, on a informé les chefs de ces missions de la nécessité de publier leurs travaux, mais ils n’ont pas respecté les règles. On a alors été obligé de suspendre leurs fouilles. La publication scientifique et l’enregistrement de toute découverte sont obligatoires », martèle Hânî Abû al-‘Azâyyim, chef du département des missions étrangères au ministère des Antiquités. Bien que les fouilles de ces missions soient suspendues, ses membres sont toujours sur le site pour des travaux de réaménagement, de photographie et de sauvegarde des informations. « J’ai averti Vassil DOBREV qu’il doit arrêter tout type de fouilles jusqu’à ce qu’il enregistre ses travaux et les publie en tant que recherche scientifique. DOBREV nous a assuré que la publication est en cours à l’imprimerie de l’Institut Français d’Archéologie Orientale (Ifao). Ce n’est qu’ensuite que la mission pourra reprendre ses travaux », explique ‘Alâ’ al-Shahhât, directeur du site de Saqqâra. Ces publications des missions étrangères doivent être faites tous les quatre ans au maximum. « Une fois les fouilles terminées sur un site, vient le rôle de son directeur de documenter et de photographier le lieu centimètre par centimètre », souligne al-Ghandûr. « Il faut contrôler et bien surveiller ces missions. En cas de violation de la loi, je suis pour la décision de suspendre tous les travaux de ces archéologues étrangers », déclare Nûr al-Dîn. Si la responsabilité pèse principalement sur les épaules des missions étrangères, cela n’écarte pas pour autant la faute du côté égyptien. En effet, chaque mission est accompagnée par un inspecteur égyptien qui la suit de près et c’est à lui de remettre un rapport au ministère, mentionnant toutes les infractions commises. « La faiblesse et le manque d’expérience de certains membres du ministère des Antiquités nous placent dans une situation délicate », reconnaît Nûr al-Dîn, ajoutant que le manque de publication n’est pas le seul problème, puisque des cas de falsification et de vol de pièces sont rencontrés. Ainsi en 2003, l’archéologie française a traversé une tempête quand l’architecte Stéphane ROUSSEAU, membre de l’équipe du Centre d’Études Alexandrines (CEAlex) dirigé par Jean-Yves EMPEREUR, a été arrêté par la police au moment de prendre l’avion. Dans ses bagages auraient été trouvés des objets et pièces de monnaie anciennes. Accusé de vol, il a été expulsé d’Égypte. La sanction n’a toutefois été qu’individuelle. Alors, « la main ferme de l’Égypte doit s’étendre sur tous les sites, même ceux où des Égyptiens opèrent. Pour cela, les inspecteurs doivent être qualifiés et avoir les yeux grand ouverts », conclut al-Ghandûr. (Nasma Réda, « Archéologie : Une main ferme sur les missions étrangères », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 7 janvier 2015). - -

(…) An ancient reproduction of the mythical Tomb of Osiris has been discovered in the necropolis of Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qurna on the West Bank at Thebes. The Spanish-Italian archaeological team, along with the Ministry of Antiquities made the discovery. The site resembles the tomb of Osiris as described by Ancient Egyptian mythology. Essentially, it is a smaller version of Osirion, the symbolic tomb built by Pharaoh Seti I in Abydos, Luxor. Researchers discovered a carving of Osiris and a room with a wall depicting a demon holding two knives. The symbolism is very evident in the tomb according to Luxor Times Magazine. (Sharif Paget, “4 discoveries made this week by archaeologists”, Daily News Egypt, January 7, 2015). - - 3 questions à Hânî Abû al-‘Azâyyim, chef du département des missions archéologiques étrangères en Égypte, au ministère des Antiquités : Al-Ahram Hebdo : Quels sont les critères pour autoriser une mission archéologique à travailler sur un site en Égypte ? Hânî Abû al-‘Azâyyim : Avant d’accepter une mission de fouilles ou de recherches, il faut s’assurer de plusieurs éléments. La mission doit être affiliée à une institution internationale reconnue, et la source du financement doit nous être connue. En outre, les membres de chaque mission doivent être soumis à l’approbation du ministère égyptien des Antiquités. Il existe de même une loi à respecter. Également, la restauration des pièces trouvées, la sauvegarde des monuments, le nettoyage du site et la publication des travaux doivent se faire tous les quatre ans. Et toute publication doit passer en premier par le ministère des Antiquités et dans les médias égyptiens d’abord. — Qu’en est-il des inspecteurs égyptiens qui accompagnent les missions étrangères ? — Le rôle des inspecteurs est de surveiller les missions de près, de conserver tous les objets que les archéologues découvrent et de les stocker dans les entrepôts. Cela nécessite alors un archéologue qui sait ce qu’il fait. Ils doivent être bien formés. Actuellement, les missions sont au nombre de 220 aux quatre coins du pays, et il est très difficile de trouver des inspecteurs compétents. Il y a 20 ans, ce nombre était beaucoup plus inférieur et il était plus facile de trouver des spécialistes bien formés. — Un inspecteur égyptien a-t-il le pouvoir de suspendre les travaux d’une mission en cas d’infraction constatée ? — Non. Son rôle est uniquement de surveiller. En cas d’infraction, il informe le ministère des Antiquités en présentant des preuves. Je travaille dans ce département depuis 1997, on ne néglige aucun rapport présenté par un inspecteur, au contraire, on fait des investigations approfondies en cas de plainte. On ne cherche pas à compliquer la vie aux missions, au contraire, on leur facilite la tâche pour obtenir de bons résultats. (Nasma Réda, « Hânî Abû al- ‘Azâyyim : On ne cherche pas à compliquer la vie des missions », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 7 janvier 2015). - - An Egyptian who goes by the name “Nagy” was illegally digging in his backyard when he discovered a tunnel that leads to the Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid of Gîza according to state-run newspaper al-Ahrâm. Nagy dug about 10 metres beneath his home and stumbled upon a passageway made up of stone blocks. Upon discovering the passageway Nagy contacted the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, which sent a team of archaeologists. The team confirmed that the corridor is in fact a tunnel, which leads to the Great Pyramid. HERODOTUS’ wrote about the tunnel in his “Histories” after he visited Egypt in the 5th century BCE. He writes that he saw an enclosed tunnel covered in reliefs, which led to the Great Pyramid. HERODOTUS was told that the enclosed tunnel took 10 years to build. The mention of this tunnel has spurred archaeologists for decades to search for it but it always seemed to elude them. However, thanks to some curiosity, and a shovel, it has seen the light of day. (Sharif Paget, “4 discoveries made this week by archaeologists”, Daily News Egypt, January 7, 2015). - - Quatre vestiges chrétiens sont révélés sur l’Allée des béliers qui relie le temple de Louqsor à celui du Karnak et dont la longueur atteint les 3 Km. Une église annexée de deux pressoirs, un nilomètre et un « laqqane » (bassin de baptême). Datés des Ve et VIe siècles, ces débris témoignent de l’utilisation du site pharaonique, après la XXXe dynastie, qui marque la fin de l’ère pharaonique. « La fonction de l’Allée des béliers, qui témoignait des festivités populaires dans l’Égypte ancienne, est devenue, avec l’expansion du christianisme, un chantier fertile de l’architecture de la nouvelle religion. Il faut prendre en considération que les Ve et VIe siècles sont considérés comme l’âge d’or de la construction des églises et monastères à Louqsor en général », explique l’expert en archéologie copte et islamique ‘Abd al-Gawwâd al-Haggâgî. Pour lui, les différents secteurs de cette Allée ont vu la construction de plusieurs églises et leurs annexes.

En effet, l’église trouvée dans le 2e secteur de l’Allée des béliers, a été bâtie à l’aide de colonnes surmontées de chapiteaux pharaoniques utilisés auparavant aussi dans la construction des temples gréco-romains dans les alentours. « Les chrétiens en ce temps préféraient utiliser les temples gréco-romains, puisque leurs dimensions étaient plus adéquates que les temples pharaoniques pour édifier les églises. C’est ce qui explique la présence de ces colonnes dans l’église dégagée », explique l’expert. Selon lui, ce n’est pas l’unique élément. Les façades sont aussi surmontées de corniches à l’instar de celles décorant les pylônes pharaoniques. Cette église est annexée d’un pressoir. Ce dernier est composé de 2 pièces et d’un robinet, habilement fabriqué, pour fournir l’huile. Pour al-Haggâgî, les ermites et les autres membres du clergé s’en servaient afin d’obtenir de l’huile d’olive et de sésame.

Auprès de cette église et son annexe se trouve un nilomètre. Situé au 4e secteur de l’Allée des béliers, le nilomètre est en grès et de forme circulaire. Il comprend un escalier en spirale. Et bien qu’il comprenne des récipients en argile datés de la fin du Nouvel Empire, al-Haggâgî assure que ce nilomètre remonte plutôt à l’âge copte. « Il a été dégagé sur le même niveau du sol de l’église et du pressoir. Sa construction est également assez modeste par rapport aux nilomètres de l’Égypte ancienne », souligne-t-il. D’ailleurs, l’installation des nilomètres pendant les Ve et VIe siècles était en vogue à tel point que les peintres des pays voisins représentaient l’Égypte par le Nil et le nilomètre. Quant à la quatrième trouvaille du culte chrétien, c’est le « laqqane », une sorte de bassin qui contenait de l’eau bénite et qui était utilisée trois fois seulement par an, lors du baptême, de la Pentecôte et du Jeudi saint. (Doaa Elhami, « Karnak : Des cultes divers », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 7 janvier 2015). - - While working on the excavation of a top official to Pharaoh Amenhotep II, archaeologists say that they uncovered a 3,000-year-old male mummy, who, in his lifetime, was responsible for beer production. The Japanese team made the discovery in Luxor, home to large temple complexes built by Amenhotep II and then Ramses II. The tomb of the brewer is well preserved and depicts religious rituals along with daily life on the wall. (Sharif Paget, “4 discoveries made this week by archaeologists”, Daily News Egypt, January 7, 2015). - - Dimanche 11 janvier 2015

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a déclaré que les opérations de sauvegarde et de restauration du patrimoine archéologique sont exclusivement financées par les ressources de son ministère, loin du budget général de l’État. Ces déclarations ont été prononcées lors d’une visite effectuée par le ministre dans le gouvernorat d’al- Gharbiyya. Au cours de cette visite officielle, al-Damâtî, accompagné du gouverneur d’al-Gharbiyya, major général Muhammad Na‘îm, a inspecté le musée archéologique de Tantâ et le sabîl ‘Alî Bek al-Kabîr. Il a également inauguré le premier symposium des archéologues qui se tient dans la ville de Tantâ durant 5 jours. Le ministre a expliqué que ses tournées d’inspection des différents gouvernorats visent à mieux s’occuper des sites historiques et les inscrire sur la carte touristique. Dr al-Damâtî a également révélé la signature prochainement d’un protocole de coopération entre le ministère de l’Archéologie et le gouvernorat d’al-Gharbiyya, afin de restaurer le musée de Tantâ et le remettre en service après une fermeture de plusieurs années. Les travaux de réaménagement de ce musée débuteront immédiatement après la signature de ce protocole. (MENA, « al-Damâtî : Le ministère de l’Archéologie s’autofinance pour restaurer les antiquités », al-Shurûq, 11 janvier 2015. Voir également Mustafa ‘Âdil, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie : Nous relevons de grands défis », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 11 janvier ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Lancement à al-Gharbiyya du premier symposium des archéologues, en présence du ministre de l’Archéologie », al- Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 11 janvier). - - Prime Minister Ibrâhîm Mihlib inspected on Saturday the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) to check work progress and ensure the timeline is being followed for its opening by end of this year. Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al-Damâtî and Gîza Governor ‘Alî ‘Abd al-Rahmân were in his company. During the tour at the museum, Mihlib listened to detailed explanations about the stages of the current work and those that have been concluded. A total of 12,000 antiquities have been renovated to be displayed at the museum, al-Damâtî said adding that other 5,000 pieces will be renovated within a period of six months. Mihlib praised the work done and said “the museum location facing the Pyramids is one of finest places across the world.” The museum is being built on an area of 117 acres on Cairo-Alexandria desert road. It’s scheduled to contain around 100,000 antiquities that show development of Pharaonic civilization. The project is being carried out through three phases at costs of around LE5 billion including a loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency which facilitated US$300 million to fund the third phase to be paid back 10 years after the opening of the museum at very low interests. The last phase will take around 40 months starting signing of the contract. The museum is set to be opened in an international ceremony in August. (“12,000 antiquities renovated to be displayed at Grand Museum: Minister”, Egypt Independent, January 11, 2015). - - Lundi 12 janvier 2015 Le manque de financement a causé l’arrêt total de près de 13 projets archéologiques importants en Alexandrie depuis la révolution du 25 janvier 2011. La plupart de ces projets concernent des monuments islamiques et coptes. Les responsables du ministère de l’Archéologie affirment qu’insuffler la vie à ces projets gelés nécessiterait plus de 320 millions de livres égyptiennes au bas mot. Une source responsable dans le secteur des antiquités islamiques et coptes à l’Ouest du Delta indique que ces projets en Alexandrie concernent : le Musée gréco-romain, la mosquée et wakâlat al-Shurbagî, la mosquée Tirbâna, la Cour d’appel connue sous le nom de Palais al-Haqâniyya, le musée de la mosaïque, la zone archéologique d’Abû Mînâ, les mosquées Zaghlûl et al-Mahallî situées à Rosette, en plus de 4 autres mosquées antiques à Fuwwa et d’une mosquée à Kafr al-Shaykh. Cette source ayant requis l’anonymat ajoute que tous ces projets avortés avaient pourtant fait l’objet d’études de faisabilité de la part d’instances scientifiques et techniques, ainsi que d’appels d’offres ou de marchés publics. Certains de ces projets n’ont même pas démarré, alors que d’autres ont connu un début modeste avant l’arrêt dû au tarissement des sources de financement. (Ragab Ramadân, « Arrêt de 13 projets archéologiques à al-Thaghr après la révolution par manque de financement », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 12 janvier 2015. Voir également Huda al-Sâ‘âtî, « 13 projets archéologiques islamiques suspendus en Alexandrie depuis la révolution », al-Shurûq, 30 janvier). - - Le président du secteur des antiquités islamiques, Muhammad Fawzî, a confirmé l’engagement du ministère des Waqfs à verser 10 millions de livres égyptiennes, afin de préserver les zones archéologiques islamiques nécessitant une intervention urgente. La liste des monuments menacés englobe près de 200 mosquées, notamment les mosquées antiques de Rosette, la mosquée al-’Imarî à Nag‘ Hammâdî ravagé par un incendie, ainsi que d’autres mosquées historiques comme celles du sultan Hasan et d’al-Rifâ‘î. Fawzî a souligné la responsabilité juridique du ministère des Waqfs de financer la restauration et la préservation de ces lieux de culte. « La somme débloquée ne dépasse pas un dixième des crédits indispensables. Sachant que la restauration d’une seule mosquée coûte 100 millions L.E. », ajoute Fawzî. (Radwa Hâshim, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie : 200 mosquées antiques menacées nécessitent une intervention urgente », al-Watan, 12 janvier 2015). - - Mardi 13 janvier 2015 Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a pris la décision N° 15/2015 de nommer Dr Muhammad Ahmad ‘Abd al-Latîf au poste de président du secteur des antiquités islamiques et coptes. Dr ‘Abd al-Latîf remplace ainsi Dr Muhammad Fawzî qui prend sa retraite. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Muhammad ‘Abd al-Latîf nommé président du secteur des antiquités islamiques et coptes », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 13 janvier 2015. Voir également « Nomination de ‘Abd al-Latîf au poste de président des antiquités islamiques », al-Ahrâm, 14 janvier). - - Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a annoncé que l’Espagne a accordé un prêt à l’Égypte destiné à sécuriser l’intégralité de la zone archéologique de Gîza, le temple de Louqsor, en plus de la vallée des Rois et d’al- Dayr al-Baharî. Des caméras de surveillance y seront installées. Les ressources actuelles du ministère de l’Archéologie ne l’autorisent pas à engager du personnel de sécurité. (Muhsin al-Bidiwî, « al-Damâtî : un prêt espagnol pour sécuriser les zones archéologiques », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 13 janvier 2015). - - Mercredi 14 janvier 2015 Le directeur du centre culturel égyptien à Nouakchott, Dr Nash’at Dayf, a examiné avec la directrice générale du Centre mauritanien de la recherche scientifique les modalités de renforcer la coopération entre les deux pays en matière de la préservation du patrimoine. En effet, la Mauritanie souhaite profiter du savoir faire égyptien dans le domaine archéologique et de l’entraînement des cadres archéologiques mauritaniens, notamment dans la ville historique d’Azougui. (MENA, « La Mauritanie espère profiter de l’expérience archéologique égyptienne », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 14 janvier 2015. Voir également MENA, « La Mauritanie souhaite profiter de l’expertise égyptienne dans le domaine archéologique », al-Shurûq, 14 janvier). - - Le ministère de l’Archéologie a célébré aujourd’hui la 9e Journée des archéologues, après une suspension de trois années due à la situation politique égyptienne depuis la révolution du 25 janvier 2011. La célébration a eu lieu au centre international de congrès situé à Madînat Nasr. Elle a débuté par la projection d’un documentaire intitulé Nos antiquités : notre passé et notre avenir. Ce court métrage, produit par le ministère, passe ne revue les déprédations commises dans les différents sites historiques au lendemain de la révolution, la dévastation du musée d’Art islamique et le pillage du musée archéologique de Mallawî. Dans son allocution, le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, soulève que la célébration de cette Journée indique le retour à la norme au sein du ministère, malgré les nombreux défis qui continuent encore à freiner le travail, en premier lieu le manque de financement. En effet, les dettes du ministère de l’Archéologie se lèvent actuellement à 3,5 milliards de livres égyptiennes. Au cours de l’année budgétaire 2013-2014, les revenus du ministère n’ont guère dépassé les 125 millions L.E., alors qu’ils étaient 1,3 milliards L.E. avant la révolution. al-Damâtî confie : « Il faut reconnaître que le ministère de l’Archéologie traverse actuellement une crise. Le personnel doit unir tous ses efforts pour redresser la situation qui risque de s’améliorer au cours des deux prochaines années, avec l’amélioration de la situation politique en Égypte ». Malgré toutes les difficultés, de nombreux projets ont été inaugurés, un protocole de coopération a été signé avec le ministère de la Planification. Par ailleurs, al-Damâtî souligne la nécessité de combattre la bureaucratie qui entrave l’avancée des projets. Sachant que le retour de la sécurité et de la stabilité contribuera grandement à la sauvegarde du patrimoine. (…) al-Damâtî a exprimé son soutien à la création d’un syndicat pour les archéologues. Projet qui sera soumis au prochain Parlement. À l’occasion de la Journée des archéologues, le ministre a décidé l’octroi d’une prime exceptionnelle de 200 L.E. à tous les salariés. Ensuite, al-Damâtî a décerné une distinction à quelques archéologues égyptiens qui se sont illustrés dans leurs missions, à leur tête l’ex-ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Ahmad ‘Îsa, décédé le mois dernier. Enfin, la célébration s’est achevée par une opérette intitulée al-bidâya Masr (l’Égypte avant tout). Parmi les nombreux assistants figurent des ambassadeurs étrangers, une brochette de hauts responsables, des professeurs universitaires, ainsi qu’une foule d’archéologues et du personnel du ministère de l’Archéologie. Le choix du 14 janvier comme date de célébration de la Journée des archéologues renvoie au 14 janvier 1953, lorsque Mustafa ‘Âmir a été le premier archéologue égyptien nommé à la tête du Service des Antiquités. Ce poste prestigieux était exclusivement réservé aux archéologues étrangers avant l’avènement de la révolution égyptienne de juillet 1952. (MENA, « al-Damâtî : la situation du ministère de l’Archéologie s’améliorera dans deux ans », al-Shurûq, 14 janvier 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « L’ancien ministre de l’Archéologie, Ahmad ‘Îsa, honoré lors de la Journée des archéologues », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 14 janvier ; MENA, « al-Damâtî : Gel de 50 projets archéologiques pour manque de financement », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 24 janvier). - - Jeudi 15 janvier 2015 (…) The civilisations of ancient Egypt are still revealing many of their achievements: four important discoveries were made last week in Upper and Lower Egypt, at the end of the winter archaeological season.

Ruins of a military fort In Tell Habwa in Ismâ‘îliyya, Egyptian excavators stumbled upon important Middle Kingdom military fortifications called the al-Amîr Wall. The site was mentioned in a papyrus relating the flight of the vizier Senuhi out of Egypt during the reign of the pharaoh Amenhotep III but unearthed only last week. “It is a very important discovery, not only because it reveals structures that archaeologists knew about from ancient Egyptian documents but had never found, but also because it highlights the country’s military and defensive system during the ancient Egyptian era,” Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told Al-Ahram Weekly. He said that the al-Amîr Wall fortifications were spread along 1,500 feddans of land and included mud-brick fortresses with defensive trenches and barricades to prevent military attacks on Egypt. Each fort was in a strategic location and separated from others by the ancient Pelusium branch of the Nile, he added. Muhammad ‘Abd al-Maqsûd, coordinator of the development project for archaeological sites along the new Suez Canal Corridor, said that a number of the fortresses date to the Hyksos period, while others belong to the Middle and New Kingdoms. They were of different designs, he said, adding that some of them had 25-metre-thick walls and wave breakers to protect them during the Nile flood and from the Mediterranean Sea. “Tell Habwa overlooked the Pelusium branch of the Nile from the south and the Mediterranean Sea from the north,” ‘Abd al-Maqsûd said. A harbour and customs unit has been identified on the southern side, a point that connected the Nile with the Mediterranean Sea, he added. “The customs unit is important because it highlights the fact that Tell Habwa was not only an important military area on Egypt’s eastern frontiers but also a major trading point during the Middle Kingdom,” ‘Abd al-Maqsûd said. (…) Meanwhile, at the Gurna necropolis on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, a Spanish-Italian archaeological mission has discovered a complete symbolic tomb of the god Osiris with multiple shafts and chambers. al-Damâtî described the newly discovered tomb as interesting because it is a smaller version of a design of a similar tomb found in Abydos near the Upper Egyptian city of Suhâg.

Osiris’ symbolic tomb ‘Abd al-Hakîm Karâr, head of antiquities for Upper Egypt, said that the newly discovered tomb could be dated to the 25th Dynasty and consists of a large hall supported by five pillars. Its northern part includes a rock-hewn staircase that leads down to a funerary complex where an Osiris statue was found in the core of a vaulted chapel, he said. To the west of the chapel is a funerary hall, decorated with reliefs depicting ancient Egyptian gods holding knives in order to protect the dead. Opposite the Osiris statue is another staircase that leads to a nine-metre shaft that connects to another chamber with a seven-metre shaft and two rooms filled with debris. Maria Milagros Alvarez Sosa, head of the mission, said that part of the tomb was earlier discovered in the 1880s by the archaeologist Philippe VIREY. Some attempts had been made to sketch out the main structure in the 20th century. However, it was not until recently that the full extent of the structure was discovered through excavation. The funerary complex will continue to be explored and the chambers cleared of debris in the autumn of this year. al-Silsila quarry Finally, in the sandstone quarries of Gabal al-Silsila, north of the Upper Egyptian city of Aswân, Swedish excavators from Lund University have stumbled upon a rare Late Period stone relief depicting an unidentified ancient Egyptian king presenting offerings to the gods Thoth and Amun-Re. al-Damâtî told the Weekly that the relief is in a poor state of conservation, but the carving on it can be seen. The relief is rare because the gods are portrayed together, he said. Thoth was the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom and is depicted with the body of a man and the face of an ibis, while Amun-Re was the king of the gods. The mission also unearthed a sphinx-shaped statue similar to those found at the avenue of sphinxes in Luxor, as well as another relief showing two obelisks being cut and transported on a boat from the quarry to the Karnak temples. al- Damâtî said that this relief highlights quarrying work during the ancient Egyptian era. Maria NILSSON, head of the Swedish mission, said that more than 60 rock-art sites have been found on both sides of the Nile. The sites date from the Epipalaeolithic, Predynastic and early Dynastic periods. She said that the present discovery is the result of an epigraphic and archaeological survey mission by Lund University. “We think that the site belongs to the early 18th Dynasty, possibly to queen Hatshepsut,” NILSSON said.

The relief depicting a king and gods Thoht and Amun-Re

The al-Silsila quarry was one of the biggest quarries in ancient Egypt, with blocks from it being used in the construction of the Karnak and Luxor temples, as well as the Ramessium in Luxor. (Nevine El-Aref, “More discoveries”, Al-Ahram Weekly, January 15, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie annonce la découverte à Louqsor d’un complexe funéraire du dieu Osiris », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 1er janvier ; Reuters, « Annonce du nom d’une nouvelle reine pharaonique découverte au Sud du Caire », al-Shurûq, 4 janvier ; AFP, “Tomb of previously unknown pharaonic queen found in Egypt”, Ahram Online, January 4 ; Nevine El-Aref, “Osiris tomb discovered in Luxor”, Ahram Online, January 4 ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Mise au jour à Abûsîr d’une tombe d’une nouvelle reine de la Ve dynastie », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 4 janvier ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Découverte d’une tombe appartenant à une reine pharaonique », al-Ahrâm, 5 janvier ; MENA, « Mise au jour d’une stèle d’époque tardive au Nord d’Aswân », al-Shurûq, 5 janvier ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie annonce la découverte d’une stèle d’époque tardive », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 5 janvier ; Nevine El-Aref, “Relief depicting rare ancient Egyptian image unearthed”, Ahram Online, January 8 ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « al-Damâtî : Découverte de fortifications militaires antiques à Tell Habwa », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 8 janvier ; “Ancient al-Amîr Wall unearthed in Ismâ‘îliyya”, Ahram Online, January 13 ; Nasma Réda, « Amon-Rê et Thot : Une rencontre inédite », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 21 janvier ; Nasma Réda, « Abûsîr révèle Khentkaous III », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 21 janvier ; Amânî Fu‘âd, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie inspecte le site de découverte d’une forteresse archéologique à Ismâ‘îliyya », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 2 mars). - -

The Great Sphinx at Gîza is a powerful symbol of ancient kingship and the iconic symbol of modern Egypt. Carved from limestone, it is one of the oldest and largest monolithic statues in the world. About a month ago, a deep crack appeared on the north side of this great monument. Archaeologists and conservators moved quickly to restore the Sphinx. The overseer of the workmen, Sa‘îd, an excellent stonemason, was called in by the sculptor Mahmûd Mabrûd and undertook “surgery” on the monument with the result that the Sphinx is now safe. What happened to the Sphinx also reminds us that the Sphinx’s condition has often been used in politics and propaganda. The ancient Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose IV was the first to do this in about 1400 BCE. He recorded a story on the “dream stela” located between the two front paws of the Sphinx. According to the story, he went out hunting wild animals in the Valley of the Gazelles and came to rest in the shadow of the Sphinx. While he was sleeping, the Sphinx came to him in a dream and said that the sand around his body and neck was hurting him, saying to Thutmose, “If you remove the sand, I will make you king of Egypt.” Thutmose did as he was bidden and removed the sand and restored the fallen blocks of the Sphinx, later indeed becoming pharaoh of Egypt. However, it has been theorised that he actually killed his elder brother who was supposed to become the king of Egypt and that Thutmose concocted the story of the Sphinx in order to convince people that he had been chosen by the god Horemakhet, in the guise of the Sphinx, to become the king instead of his brother. A second instance of the Sphinx’s use for political purposes was when Fu’âd al-‘Urâbî was in charge of antiquities in Egypt and had a disagreement with Ahmad Qadrî and Kamâl al-Mallâkh, who wrote a column at the time that ran on the back page of al-Ahrâm. A few stones fell from the north side of the Sphinx, and Qadrî and al-Mallâkh began to attack al-‘Urâbî, arguing that because he was not an archaeologist he should not be in charge of the country’s antiquities. al-Mallâkh wrote that the fallen stones of the Sphinx had “raised a red flag” and that al-‘Urâbî should be fired. Ahmad Qadrî took over al-‘Urâbî’s former job, but the right shoulder of the Sphinx lost a block during Qadrî’s term as head of antiquities, when Fârûq Husnî was minister of culture. Qadrî thought the position of minister was rightfully his, and the two men quarrelled about this new loss from the Sphinx. Husnî then decided to visit the monument, arriving with hundreds of members of the Egyptian and foreign press and declaring to the world: “the Sphinx is sick.” I myself told the press at the time that the stone had fallen off in broad daylight and had in any case been a piece that had been restored in the past. Because of the quarrel, Qadrî refused to visit the minister and there was bad blood between the two men. The government was put in the position of having to decide whether to keep the minister or the head of antiquities. It decided to move Qadrî, and the Sphinx’s curse began, with some people even claiming that the stone had been moved by friends of Husnî in order to get rid of Qadrî, even though this was quite untrue. I am glad that the Sphinx’s curse has been silent this time round, when the Sphinx developed its deep crack. I believe that this damage is due to previous restoration work undertaken with cement in 1980, this having been followed by better conservation work that lasted ten years. The Sphinx is an amazing statue that has long captured the hearts of the public. It is for this reason that some people believe that evidence of the existence of the mythical land of Atlantis is hidden underneath it, and it has been their dream to drill beneath the Sphinx in order to find this supposed evidence.

However, engineers have in fact drilled under the Sphinx in order to record the water table and nothing regarding Atlantis was found. Happily, today the Great Sphinx continues to be safe. (Zâhî Hawwâs, “The Sphinx is safe”, Al- Ahram Weekly, January 15, 2015). - - Samedi 17 janvier 2015

Le directeur général de l’inspectorat d’Alexandrie Ouest, Muhsin al-Sâyyih, a annoncé la découverte d’une tombe rupestre dans la région de Gabal Mahrân, à al-Qabbârî. Cette tombe renferme 34 loculi, un sarcophage taillé dans la roche et décoré de motifs floraux, en plus de 127 pots en terre cuite et en verre, dont une urne exceptionnelle décorée et contenant des cendres. De son côté, l’ex-directeur des antiquités d’Alexandrie, Dr Muhammad Mustafa ‘Abd al-Magîd, a précisé que cette hypogée date de l’époque gréco-romaine. (Ragab Ramadân, « Mise au jour en Alexandrie d’une tombe vieille de 2300 ans », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 17 janvier 2015. Voir également MENA, « Découverte de 2 tombes gréco-romaines », al- Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 17 janvier). - - Dimanche 18 janvier 2015

Following comprehensive diplomatic efforts between Egypt and Belgium, Leuven University has agreed to return a 35,000-year-old human skeleton to Egypt, which it has held since 1980. The skeleton came into the possession of the university according to the division law. The law allowed foreign missions to have a share in the artefacts they discovered at archaeological sites in Egypt. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî explained that the skeleton was unearthed in the Nazlat Khâtir area of the Upper Egyptian city of Suhâg during an excavation by the Leuven University archaeological mission. After diplomatic efforts, he continued, the university agreed to return the skeleton because it is a very important artefact in the history of Egypt. ‘Alî Ahmad, head of the Stolen Antiquities Recovery Section, told Ahram Online that the skeleton will arrive next week and a committee is now studying how to put it on display at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustât. (Nevine El-Aref, “35,000-year-old skeleton to return to Egypt”, Ahram Online, January 18, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Prochainement, la Belgique restitue à l’Égypte un squelette vieux de 35 000 ans », al- Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 18 janvier ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « La Belgique restitue prochainement un squelette à l’Égypte », al-Ahrâm, 19 janvier ; Nasma Réda, « Antiquités : Un squelette revient de Belgique », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 4 février). - - La police d’al-Mahalla al-Kubra a mis en examen Husâm Muhammad al-Hanafî, âgé de 45 ans, pour trafic archéologique. En effet, cet homme d’affaires était en possession de six statues antiques. (« Arrestation de l’homme d’affaires Husâm al-Hanafî en possession de 6 statues archéologiques », al-Bashâyyir, 18 janvier 2015). - - Mardi 20 janvier 2015

Pots discovered Illegal excavations carried out by tombs raiders underneath a residential house in Alexandria have uncovered a Graeco-Roman necropolis. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told Ahram Online that the necropolis, in the Gabal Mahrân area, includes a collection of tombs called Loculi, which have holes engraved in a rock-hewn wall. The tomb raiders unearthed a collection of artefacts including 20 clay lamps, 18 glass bottles and a large number of clay pots. al-Damâtî said the pots give us a view of the pot industry during that period. The ministry of antiquities is to send an archaeological mission to the site to continue excavations and reveal more of these tombs. The Tourism and Antiquities Police caught the criminal red-handed and they are now under investigations. (Nevine El-Aref, “Graeco-Roman necropolis discovered in Alexandria”, Ahram Online, January 20, 2015. Voir également Jacqueline Munîr, « Découverte d’une tombe vieille de 2 300 ans à l’Ouest d’Alexandrie », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 16 janvier ; Radwa Hâshim, « Mise au jour d’une tombe antique sous une maison en Alexandrie », al-Watan, 20 janvier ; Doaa Elhami, « Alexandrie : Une rareté 7 mètres sous terre », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 4 février). - - Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a reçu hier le directeur du département des Antiquités égyptiennes au Louvre, Dr Vincent RONDOT, afin d’examiner les moyens de renforcer la coopération bilatérale entre leurs deux pays. Au cours de cet entretien, al-Damâtî a discuté la possibilité d’organiser des stages d’échange d’expertises entre le personnel des musées égyptiens et celui du Louvre dans le domaine de la muséologie et de la sécurisation des musées. En échange, le ministre a promis de fournir toutes les facilités aux missions archéologiques françaises opérant sur le territoire égyptien. (Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Profiter de l’expérience du Louvre dans la sécurisation des musées », al-Ahrâm, 20 janvier 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie reçoit le directeur du département des Antiquités égyptiennes au Louvre », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 19 janvier). - - The ministerial economic committee, presided over by Prime Minister Ibrâhîm Mihlib, has tackled much-needed funding to resume suspended archaeological projects. Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al-Damâtî presented a report on projects that are being carried out at archaeological sites and museums. It was agreed, during the meeting on Monday and in coordination with Planning Minister Ashraf al-‘Arabî, to urgently provide the required funding to resume six projects including; Grand Egyptian Museum (LE284 million), developing historic Cairo (LE75 million), royal vehicles museum in Bûlâq (LE5 million), Greco-Roman Museum (LE124 million), Abydos temple and Sharm al-Shaykh museum (LE488 million). Mihlib stressed the necessity of taking advantage of antiquities, saying, “If the optimal exploitation of the antiquities was made, we would yield revenues that exceed those of the Suez Canal.” al-Damâtî reviewed projects that are being carried out and will open during the coming six months, including the al- Zâhir Baybars mosque, the illumination project of Luxor temple, the Kom Ûshîm museum, three mosques in Fuwwa city, Mallawî city, Moses Springs, Mârînâ al-‘Alamayn website, the al-Mânistirlî Palace and the Sakâkînî Palace. The meeting was attended by Central Bank of Egypt Governor Hishâm Râmiz, Trade and Industry Minister Munîr Fakhrî ‘Abd al-Nûr, Food Supply Minister Khâlid Hanafî, Finance Minister Hânî Qadrî, as well as al-Damâtî. (“Ministers agree to urgently fund suspended antiquity and museum projects”, Egypt Independent, January 20, 2015). - -

Une délégation d’archéologues français a effectué une visite au Musée national de la Civilisation égyptienne, afin d’examiner les modalités de coopération bilatérale. Le superviseur général du musée, Dr Khâlid al-‘Inânî, a reçu la délégation composée de Diane BRAMI, responsable de la coopération internationale au CNRS ; Dr Christophe THIERS, co-directeur du Centre Franco-Égyptien d’Études des Temples de Karnak (CFEETK) ; Dr Ivan GUERMEUR, chercheur au CNRS, en plus d’un groupe de chercheurs et d’administratifs français.

La délégation française a visité les différents départements et salles du musée. Elle a exprimé son intention de renforcer la coopération archéologique avec le musée qui a reçu également le directeur du survey épigraphique du Chicago House, Dr Raymond JOHNSON. (MENA, « Une délégation archéologique française visite le Musée de la Civilisation », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 20 janvier 2015). - - Mercredi 21 janvier 2015

La NHK (Compagnie de diffusion du Japon) a proposé à l’Égypte 170 000 euros contre l’organisation d’une exposition intitulée Reines d’Égypte durant une année au Japon. Le ministère de l’Archéologie a donné son accord de principe, au cours de la réunion de la commission des expositions archéologiques tenue aujourd’hui. Toutefois, celle-ci a refusé la somme proposée, exigeant plutôt un million d’euros. Le secrétaire général du Conseil Suprême des antiquités, Dr Mustafa Amîn, qualifie de dérisoire la somme proposée par la NHK, même si cette exposition regroupera d’autres pièces archéologiques égyptiennes détenues en Europe. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le Japon demande la tenue d’une exposition sur les reines pharaoniques », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 21 janvier 2015). - - Le secrétaire général du Conseil Suprême des antiquités (CSA), Dr Mustafa Amîn, a annoncé que la Commission des expositions a approuvé la participation de l’Égypte à une exposition archéologique sur le pèlerinage organisée aux Émirats arabes unis par le Service Abu Dabi pour le Tourisme et la Culture. Amîn a précisé que la participation égyptienne à cette manifestation sera gratuite, en signe de reconnaissance envers ce pays ami, qui a contribué à la restauration du musée d’Art islamique après l’attentat à la voiture piégée qui l’avait dévasté en janvier 2014. La participation égyptienne consistera en quelques pièces antiques en rapport avec le thème du pèlerinage. Jusqu’à présent, le ministère de la Culture n’a pas encore déterminé les pièces qui vont être prêtées et qui seront choisies parmi les collections du musée d’Art islamique, le musée des Textiles, ainsi que les musées de Suez et d’al-‘Arîsh. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Par gratitude, l’Égypte participe gracieusement à une exposition archéologique aux Émirats », al-Yawm al- Sâbi‘, 21 janvier 2015). - - Jeudi 22 janvier 2015 In the parched desert of the Dahshûr Royal Necropolis, the southernmost area of the Memphis Necropolis, a number of pyramids are revealing the changes in ancient Egyptian architecture that occurred during the Third and Fourth Dynasties, with step pyramids giving way to the first true pyramids. There is the Bent Pyramid, the first attempt at building a complete pyramid carried out by the Fourth Dynasty king Senefru, who took pyramid construction to a new level. There is also the Red Pyramid, the first truly smooth-sided pyramid. Several kings of the Twelfth and Thirteenth Dynasties also built pyramids at Dahshûr, among them Amenemhat II, Sesostris III, and Amenemhat III, who built a pyramid encased in black stone. A military zone until 1996, the site remained untouched for many years, except for excavations carried out by Egyptologist Ahmad Fakhrî in the 1950s, and later by German Egyptologist Reiner STADELMANN. Although several tombs and funerary structures were unearthed, Dahshûr still retains many of the secrets of the ancient Egyptians. The site recently attracted the attention of a mission from the German Archaeological Institute in Cairo, which started comprehensive excavation work in 2010. The work was concentrated in the area north of the Valley Temple of the Bent Pyramid, previously explored by Fakhrî, who stumbled upon a brick building that he dated to the Middle Kingdom. STADELMANN later thought it could be a magazine or vestry of the Valley Temple. The brick structure was then reburied in sand.

Ruins of the garden with plant pits In 2012, a re-examination of the site using a magnetometric survey showed that the building was actually older than the Bent Pyramid Valley Temple and its remains more extensive than previously thought. “The major aim of the project was to investigate this earlier building in its entirety and gain as much archaeological evidence as possible on its original layout, date and function as well as having a better understanding of the whole landscape of this area especially after a recent magnetic survey detected a settlement with orthogonal streets,” project field director Felix ARNOLD told the Weekly. After removing 15 cm of sand, excavators not only rediscovered Fakhrî’s brick structure but also found the remains of an extensive garden which once featured more than 350 plants arranged in long parallel rows enclosed within a five- metre thick wall. The garden site is spread along the area inside the enclosure wall, and its west side includes four rows of 26 tree pits, which range from between 2.2 to 2.4 m in size with diameters ranging from between 50 to 100 cm. An irrigation channel that once watered the roots of the plants was also discovered around the pits. In most cases, ARNOLD said, the space between the pits was covered by a thin layer of earth, allowing smaller plants to grow. Only in one segment was the earth limited to narrow strips, possibly serving as flower pits. Additional rows of tree pits were arranged along the east side of the enclosure, though apparently more densely spaced, while another two rows were found on the northern side. An area of 150 m in the core of the enclosure wall was left free of plants. “A few remains of plant roots are clearly visible,” ARNOLD said, adding that the remains revealed that the whole garden was once planted with palm trees, sycamores and cypress trees. “This is the first time we have found a cypress tree in Egypt,” ARNOLD said, adding that it could have been imported from Syria. He said that studies have suggested that all the trees were planted as adult plants, meaning that they were planted somewhere else and later transported to Dahshûr at one or two years old. “It seems at first that the trees used to grow in the garden, as we can see the roots going into the sand. But regretfully this did not last long,” he said, saying that the growing process had lasted for just a few years. The ancient Egyptians must have brought water in pots to irrigate the plants in pits every day or every week as the water of the Nile was not extended to Dahshûr. “There could have been more rain at that time, but never enough to irrigate a whole garden,” ARNOLD said. The site would have been filled with workers busy building the Bent Pyramid, so it would have been very possible to bring extra water, he added.

Root remains ARNOLD explained that the field excavations revealed that the ground level of the garden was not entirely horizontal as its southern part was more than one metre higher than the northern side. On this elevated ground, ARNOLD said, a brick building was constructed, part of which was discovered by Fakhrî.

Very little of the building is preserved, only the traces of the foundations. It was constructed directly on the natural surface of the desert, in the north on stone and in the south on a compact layer of sand. The building turns out to have been surrounded by a massive, rectangular five-metre-thick enclosure wall running 80.5 m from north to south and 55.8 m from east to west. “Walls of these dimensions were only made for a king, and they are known from the so-called funerary enclosures of the Early Dynastic Period at Abydos, as well as from the city temples of the Old Kingdom, such as at Bubastis,” ARNOLD said. He said that the mission has not yet unearthed any entrance for the building, but that early studies suggest the existence of at least two gates, one near the south end of the east side and the second in the centre of the south side. The southern part of the building consists of three entrance rooms, and its northern part has a courtyard. The main entrance lies at the southern end of the east side and was set into the back of a shallow niche. Behind the door, the direction of the entrance was bent twice, leading through a passage into a columned hall. Along the foot of the walls of the rooms deep pits were found. “They possibly served as emplacements for offering vessels,” ARNOLD suggested, adding that a third squared room with a depression in its middle was located to the west side of the hall and it could have served as a space for washing or ritual purification. “During its period of use the building was refurbished and reformed,” ARNOLD said, adding that a wing of rooms was added to the west, giving the building a square ground plan. The extension occupied an area formerly occupied by part of the garden, the plants now being covered by the floor of the building. In a third stage, the new wing was subdivided into at least two spaces and an entrance added at the south end of the west side. Additions were also made in the area surrounding the building, he said. A building was constructed adjacent to the enclosure wall, and another smaller structure was built into the southwest corner of the enclosure, but the northern half of the enclosure remained free of buildings. Traces of a gypsum floor were found, indicating that it was used as a courtyard. “The purpose of the enclosure and the structures in its interior remains unclear,” ARNOLD said, adding that it was not a chapel or a palace or a regular temple. There are three theories about its original use, as it was built during the life of the king and used during his lifetime and not after his death, like the Valley Temple of his Pyramid Complex. Due to the age of the root remains of the trees, ARNOLD said that the building could have been used for just five years. “It was a temporary structure,” he concluded. The first theory, the best one, says that the structure could have been a temple where special festivals or ceremonies for a living king were held and not for eternity like in the Valley Temple. “It could have been a place to celebrate the renewal of the king, for example,” ARNOLD said. The second theory says that the complex is a direct predecessor of the limestone Valley Temple built later in its vicinity, though its ground plan does not share any features with the temple, such as the wing of entrance rooms in the south and the courtyard in the north. The third theory is that the building was a temple for the cult of the king with a garden, but missing the features of a regular temple as it was constructed entirely out of brick. No chapel has been found or any kinds of stelae, statues or false doors. It cannot be ruled out that the king was present in the building as a living person, rather than as a statue. In this sense the structure could have been related in purpose and meaning to the funerary enclosures of the First and Second Dynasty at Abydos or the sacred enclosures familiar from depictions of burial rituals. “The brick building can be dated to the middle of the reign of king Senefru,” ARNOLD told the Weekly, adding that it could have been erected at the time that work started on the Bent Pyramid in the eighth year of Senefru’s reign. The building could thus have been used until the Valley Temple was erected in the 15th year of Senefru’s reign. The construction of the Valley Temple respected the location of the brick building, and the earlier structures do not seem to have been used after the temple was completed. Most of the brick walls are covered with the building debris of the temple. The thick enclosure wall was later entirely removed and replaced by a new, much thinner wall. The new enclosure wall did encompass most of the space formally occupied by the brick enclosure, however.

Visual photo illustrating the garden with palm trees The garden was also extended to the north along the slope of a low hill. Two additional rows of plants were added. In several cases the roots of bushes have been preserved in this part of the garden. How much of the original garden remained in use is unclear. In some areas, plants were added later, sometimes replacing earlier ones. “It is a very important discovery that could change ideas of the function of the Pyramid Complex, especially the Valley Temple,” ARNOLD told the Weekly. While the specific function and meaning of the structure remains unclear, he said the building adds a new facet to our knowledge and understanding of the origins of pyramid temples at the beginning of the Old Kingdom and the purposes behind their construction.

“Though possibly related to other building types of the period, the structure in its design, and especially in its extensive integration of plants, is something new and so far unique,” ARNOLD said. “Buildings of a similar kind may indeed have existed in the vicinity of the valley temples of other pyramid complexes, but no one has yet unearthed one.” (Nevine El-Aref, “All change at the Valley Temple”, Al-Ahram Weekly, January 22, 2015). - - Mardi 27 janvier 2015

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a décidé le limogeage de la directrice du service de restauration du Musée Égyptien, Dr Ilhâm ‘Abd al-Rahmân, et sa mutation au musée des Carrosses royaux à Bûlâq. Cette sanction advient suite au scandale des restaurations erronées du masque de Toutankhamon. Le président du département des musées, Ahmad Sharaf, a annoncé que tous les responsables impliqués dans cette affaire seront entendus par les enquêteurs. (MENA, « Limogeage de la directrice du service de restauration du Musée Égyptien », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 27 janvier 2015. Voir également “Egyptian Museum restoration director transferred after King Tut’s mask damaged”, Egypt Independent, January 27 ; Maysir Yâsîn, « La crise de Toutankhamon débouche sur sa re-restauration et la sanction des responsables », al-Watan, 29 janvier). - - Mercredi 28 janvier 2015 Lors de sa visite en Égypte, les 16 et 17 janvier derniers, le Premier ministre japonais Shinzô Abe s’est rendu au siège du nouveau Musée Égyptien (GEM) situé à deux kilomètres du plateau des Pyramides de Gîza, afin de voir de près les travaux de construction du musée, dont le Japon est un partenaire principal. La Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) a, en effet, fait un don de 42 milliards de yens (300 millions de dollars) au gouvernement égyptien pour l’aider à achever les travaux de ce musée considéré comme le plus grand musée mondial. Le premier ministre a promis, lors de cette visite, d’accorder toute l’aide possible au gouvernement égyptien, qu’elle soit technique ou financière, afin d’achever ce grand projet. Il a promis de compléter le don, puisque l’Égypte n’a reçu jusqu’à présent que 29 milliards de yens (207 millions de dollars). « On a achevé plus de 70 % des travaux de construction du musée qui s’étendra sur une superficie de 480 000 m2 et abritera plus de 100 000 pièces antiques. En raison de la chute du nombre de touristes, et donc de la fréquentation des sites archéologiques, on fait face à un déficit budgétaire qui nous a empêchés de continuer la construction du GEM au même rythme, et ainsi reporter plusieurs fois la date de son inauguration», explique Mamdûh al-Damâtî, ministre des Antiquités.

Le Premier ministre japonais écoute les explications du responsable du GEM Cette coopération égypto-japonaise dans le domaine de la culture et des antiquités n’est pas nouvelle. Elle remonte aux années 1980 lorsque le Japon a fait un don à l’Égypte pour l’aider à construire l’Opéra du Caire. Selon Yûsuf Khalîfa, directeur du département des antiquités égyptiennes au Conseil suprême des antiquités, plusieurs missions archéologiques japonaises travaillent en Égypte depuis des décennies. La plus importante est celle de l’Université Waseda, qui opère sur le plateau des Pyramides de Gîza et qui a réussi à mettre au jour en 2006 la barque solaire du roi Chéops et qui travaille depuis sur l’aménagement du site et la restauration de la barque. « Le Japon est un pays qui apprécie la culture et la civilisation. Il accorde beaucoup d’intérêt à la civilisation et aux antiquités égyptiennes. Il possède aussi les laboratoires et les technologies les plus modernes pour la restauration », assure Khalîfa. Ce sont aussi les experts japonais qui sont responsables du Centre de restauration des antiquités, annexé au GEM, et qui travaillent actuellement dans la restauration des pièces qui seront exposées plus tard dans le musée. « Ils ne se contentent pas de la restauration : ils nous aident dans la formation des jeunes restaurateurs égyptiens en utilisant des techniques sophistiquées », reprend Khalîfa.

Cette égyptomanie japonaise est de même bien présente chez l’ensemble de la population japonaise. Le Japon accueille d’ailleurs actuellement une exposition des acquisitions du roi Toutankhamon à Tokyo depuis septembre dernier et jusqu’en octobre 2015. « Cette exposition remporte un grand succès, ce qui a poussé le gouvernement japonais à demander d’accueillir une autre exposition pour les pièces restaurées au Centre de restauration du GEM », lance Khalîfa. (Dalia Farouq, « Japon : Toujours aussi attentif à l’Égypte », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 28 janvier 2015). - - Jeudi 29 janvier 2015 Glancing through the newspapers earlier this week and coming across a photograph of the damaged beard of the iconic gold funerary mask of boy pharaoh Tutankhamun, many people will want to know exactly what happened to the famous mask. Was it damaged? Scratched? Was it unprofessionally restored using epoxy resin? Is the restoration reversible or is the mask permanently damaged?

Newspapers reported that the blue-and-gold beard of the mask was broken during cleaning at the Egyptian Museum and that conservators hurriedly glued the beard back on with epoxy resin, damaging the artefact. They also published evidence that the colour of the mask has changed and that it has been damaged as a number of scratches are visible, perhaps made when someone tried to remove the epoxy resin with a spatula. There was an immediate outcry over the condition of the mask and the museum’s treatment of the country’s archaeological heritage, and the International Council of Museums (ICOM) asked questions regarding the condition of the mask. Muhammad Sâmih ‘Amr, Egypt’s ambassador to UNESCO, the UN cultural organisation, said that the concerns were justified given the importance of the mask, adding that Prime Minister Ibrâhîm Mihlib had asked for the way to be cleared for international experts to visit Egypt in order to evaluate its condition. ‘Amr said that if the mask is found to have been damaged, Egypt will work with ICOM to restore it. Meanwhile, to calm the public’s concerns the Ministry of Antiquities held an international press conference on Saturday at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square in order to show reporters the condition of the mask and its protruding beard. Hundreds of photographers, journalists and TV anchors crowded into the museum’s second-floor exhibition hall, where the mask is housed. For one hour the media people were able to admire the priceless mask and take photographs of its condition. Then the conference was held in the small hall in the museum’s garden. At the invitation of Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî, German conservator Christian ECKMANN, a specialist in conserving metal objects, examined the mask and wrote a detailed report on its condition. ECKMANN previously restored the metal statues of kings Pepi I and his son Menenre, which had been severely damaged. He is currently involved in restoring gold fragments from the treasure of Tutankhamun. ECKMANN told reporters that the mask is in a very good state of conservation and there had been no endangering of the mask. “The measures that have been taken are all reversible,” he said. “The colour of the mask has not changed as reported, and up till now only one scratch is visible and its date of occurrence cannot be determined. It could have been made on the day of the mask’s discovery, during its first restoration in 1941, or more recently, in the last few months.” He said that upon its discovery inside the tomb in the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank, Tutankhamun’s mask was found in two pieces, resting on the mummy’s face. These pieces were the mask of the king’s face and the protruding beard. The mask and beard were transported to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, where they were exhibited as two pieces in one showcase for almost two decades. In 1941, the objects were glued together as one piece, and in 1944 the beard was loosened and reattached. In August 2014, during repairs to the mask’s showcase, a worker accidently touched the beard and the beard was loosened again. “It was a regular accident,” ECKMANN said, adding that the beard had most probably come off because the glue used in 1941 had dried and was no longer effective. “Speaking as a conservator, believe me this case is very normal and it happens all of the time on objects not only in Egypt but all over the world,” ECKMANN said. He confirmed that restorers then glued the beard back on with epoxy resin. “I don’t know the kind of epoxy they used in the restoration. For that I would need to carry out a lab analysis,” ECKMANN said, adding that although epoxy is a material that can be legitimately used in restoration it is not the best solution. “Restoration has several schools, and I am from the school that prefers not to use epoxy in restoration,” he said. The glue was also applied improperly and remains were visible on the braided beard. “It can be reversed. It has to be done very carefully, but it is reversible,” said ECKMANN, who has been appointed by the Ministry of Antiquities to oversee the mask’s repair. He announced that a committee of experts consisting of conservators, archaeologists and natural scientists has been assigned to develop a plan for restoration of the mask.

One museum conservator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the Weekly that epoxy is not a proper material to use to restore the mask, although it was a material often used to re-attach metal or stone because of its high strength. He said that the epoxy used had dried, leaving a gap between the face and the beard on the mask. al-Damâtî told reporters that the media had exaggerated the reports of damage to the mask. He claimed that a photograph used in the media had used Photoshop to change the shape of the mask and make the beard look damaged. The ministry had not attempted a cover-up, he said, contrary to what was reported in the newspapers. The restoration work carried out in 2014 had been fully recorded, and in October 2014 another restoration committee recommended the removal of some of the epoxy. “Tutankhamun is safe and sound, and all this brouhaha is unjustified. It has had a negative impact on Egypt’s reputation and its great desire to preserve and conserve its heritage,” al-Damâtî asserted. Egyptologist Monica Hanna described the restoration work carried out in August 2014 as unprofessional and told the Weekly that a scientific committee should have been appointed to select the best kind of resin to restore the artefact. “ECKMANN is a very professional conservator who restored king Pepi’s I statue,” Hanna said. There are other very skilful restorers, however, and the museum should have consulted them before attempting to restore the mask. “Why all that hurry to restore the mask in August 2014? Why use so much epoxy?” she asked. “Any artefact can need restoration, but the important thing is to restore it professionally.”

The mask is 54 cm high and made of gold inlaid with coloured glass and semi-precious stones. The emblems — on the forehead, a vulture and a cobra, and on the shoulders, falcon heads — depict the symbols of the Two Lands of Upper and Lower Egypt and of divine authority. The vulture Nekhbet and the cobra Wadjet were thought to protect the pharaoh. (Nevine El-Aref, “‘Cover-up’ claims denied”, Al-Ahram Weekly, January 29, 2015. Voir également Husâm al- Mahmûd, « Le masque de Toutankhamon abîmé au Musée Égyptien », al-‘Arabî al-Gadîd, 18 janvier ; AP, “Beard of Egypt’s King Tut hastily glued back on with epoxy”, Ahram Online, January 21 ; Nevine El-Aref, “Archaeological committee to inspect 'glued' Tutankhamun’s gold mask and beard”, Ahram Online, January 22 ; Fâtima Zaydân, « La restauration erronée défigure le masque de Toutankhamon », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 23 janvier ; Dîna ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Les restaurateurs de Toutankhamon déférés devant le Parquet », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 24 janvier ; Ahmad Mansûr, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie organise une conférence de presse sur la crise de Toutankhamon », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 24 janvier ; « Le ministre de l’Archéologie reconnaît la détérioration du masque de Toutankhamon », al-‘Arabî al-Gadîd, 24 janvier ; Muna Yâsîn, « Crime au Musée Égyptien », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 25 janvier ; Nevine, El-Aref, “International museum body demands answers over Tutankhamen damage”, Ahram Online, January 25 ; Alâ’ ‘Uthmân, « Les restaurateurs du ministère de l’Archéologie : le produit utilisé pour coller la barbe de Toutankhamon est légal », al- Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 25 janvier ; Reuters, « L’ICOM est disposé à participer à la restauration du masque de Toutankhamon », al-Shurûq, 25 janvier ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Intervention internationale urgente pour sauver le masque de Toutankhamon », al-Ahrâm, 26 janvier ; Ahmad Mansûr, « al-Damâtî limoge la directrice du service de restauration du Musée Égyptien après le scandale de Toutankhamon », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 26 janvier ; Nasma Réda, « Masque de Toutankhamon : La polémique bat son plein », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 28 janvier ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « IRM et cellule de crise autour du masque de Toutankhamon », al-Ahrâm, 29 janvier ; Muna Yâsîn, « L’expert chargé d’examiner le masque de Toutankhamon : la restauration a été réalisée par des sagouins ! », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 29 janvier). - - In 1905-1906, US archaeologist Edward AYRTON, who was sponsored by the American millionaire Theodore DAVIS, found six tombs in the Valley of the Kings, KV48 to 53. The first five tombs contained animal bones, and it was therefore believed that these tombs were built for the pharaoh Amenhotep II’s pets. Over time, sand covered some of the tombs, including KV53, and they were lost. However, an Egyptian expedition led by the present writer was later able to relocate KV53 during a search for lost tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The square shaft of the tomb leads to a relatively small rectangular chamber. In his original account, AYRTON wrote that the tomb had been robbed. The only object of note found was a piece of stone bearing the name of a man called Huri, who was the “overseer of scribes in the palace of justice,” meaning the royal Theban necropolis. This might have indicated that Huri was the tomb’s owner. Archaeologist Nicholas REEVES writes that a stela for the goddess Meretseger was also found in KV53. Our team found other objects in the tomb, including pottery shards, fragments of linen and pieces of wood that might have been part of a coffin. The Egyptian expedition also found four wonderful canopic jar lids. The lids were in the form of human heads with eyebrows and eyes in black paint and a hieroglyphic sign engraved on the top of each head in order to identify it. A v- shaped object made of gold was also found in the tomb, together with an amphora dating back to 1400-1300 BCE. However, the most important discovery in KV53 was the human remains: bones and three human skulls were found in the burial chamber. Study of the remains showed that three people were buried in KV53: a man aged 45 at the time of his death, a second man who died at the age of 20, and a woman who died at 23.

We believe that the older man is the owner of the tomb, while the young man and woman could be his son and daughter. However, the identity of those buried in KV53 is still the subject of debate. The tomb is dated to the 18th Dynasty. (Zâhî Hawwâs, “The rediscovery of KV53”, Al-Ahram Weekly, January 29, 2015). - -

The Spanish police prevented hundreds of ancient Egyptian artefacts from being smuggled into Europe on Wednesday. Agents discovered the artefacts hidden in cheap vases during an inspection of a shipping container in provenance from Alexandria at the port of Valencia, on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, according to AFP. The inspection was part of a broader European crackdown on looting and illicit trafficking of cultural objects. The recovered artefacts include two canopic jars, vessels used by ancient Egyptians to preserve a vital organ of a newly-mummified individuals, a statue of the goddess Isis, a black granite bust of goddess Sekhmet, and a limestone head of god Amun. A collection of alabaster and clay vases, as well as a collection of bronze and limestone statuettes, were also found.

The Spanish police has arrested Spaniards and Egyptians as part of the investigation. The objects are now in Madrid's National Archaeological Museum pending transportation back to Egypt. (Nevine, El-Aref, “Smuggled ancient Egyptian artefacts seized in Spain”, Ahram Online, January 29, 2015. Voir également « Les antiquités égyptiennes : des vols non stop, selon certains archéologues », al-‘Arabî al-Gadîd, 4 janvier ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie récupère 36 pièces archéologiques volées en Espagne », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 29 janvier ; Muna Yâsîn, « L’Égypte parvient à faire valoir ses droits sur 36 pièces antiques volées en Espagne », al-Watan, 30 janvier).

- - Vendredi 30 janvier 2015

The entrance gate of the museum A museum in the North Sinai town of al-‘Arîsh was badly damaged on Thursday when a series of coordinated attacks by militants hit sites in and around the city, killing at least 30 people. Ahmad Sharaf, the head of the museum section at the Ministry of Antiquities, told Ahram Online by phone that the entrance gate and the façade of the museum were totally destroyed, a number of ceilings had collapsed, and glass windows and doors had shattered.

A large whole at the back wall of the museum The museum is located next to the al-‘Arîsh security directorate, a focal point for militant attacks. “Thank God that the museum was empty as its treasured collection was transported to a secured location at the start of the militant attacks in July 2013,” Sharaf told Ahram Online. The attacks, which included mortar fire and a car bomb, targeted mainly security sites, but a number of civilians were killed in the violence. Attacks by militant groups based in North Sinai have spiked since the ouster of president Muhammad Mursî in July 2013. The armed forces have responded by waging a military campaign aimed at eradicating militants in Sinai.

The patio Sharaf said an archaeological and technical committee would inspect the museum on Saturday to check the condition of the building and make recommendations to the ministry. The museum occupies 2,500 square metres and included 1,500 artefacts that tell the history of Sinai from the pre-dynastic period to the medieval period, including Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic and other items. Artefacts unearthed at excavation sites in Sinai such as the Horus military road in Qantara East and Tell Basta in the Nile Delta were also on display. (Nevine El-Aref, “al-‘Arîsh Museum badly damaged by Sinai violence”, Ahram Online, January 30, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Commission chargée de répertorier les dégâts du musée al-‘Arîsh », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 30 janvier ; “al-‘Arîsh National Museum damaged in Sinai attacks”, Daily News Egypt, February 1). - - Le Centre d’études coptes organise un stage intitulé Comment déchiffrer un papyrus copte entre le 2 et le 4 février 2015 à la Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Ce stage sera animé par le Prof Jacques van der Vliet vv.

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II – FÉVRIER 2015 Mardi 3 février 2015 Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a annoncé la réouverture aujourd’hui à la visite de la pyramide de Mykérinos fermée pour travaux de maintenance. À son tour, la pyramide de Chéphren sera fermée à la fin du mois d’avril. Les travaux de maintenance des pyramides de Gîza suivent régulièrement un calendrier précis, afin de les sauvegarder sans toutefois gêner la visite touristique. (Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Mykérinos ouvre aujourd’hui ses portes », al-Ahrâm, 3 février 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « La pyramide de Mykérinos reçoit à nouveau ses visiteurs », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 2 février ; MENA, « Mykérinos reçoit demain ses visiteurs après l’achèvement des travaux de maintenance », al-Shurûq, 2 février). - - Mercredi 4 février 2015

Pendant 4 ans, des travaux de restauration avaient eu lieu à l’église des Apôtres d’Atfîh et qui ont permis enfin sa réouverture. L’inauguration de l’église s’inscrit dans le cadre d’un projet lancé par le ministère d’État pour les Affaires des antiquités et visant à inclure de nouveaux sites sur le circuit touristique égyptien. Située à 20 Km au sud du village d’al-Saff, dans le gouvernorat de Gîza, cette église historique, qui remonte au IVe siècle, a retrouvé son éclat. Elle était aussi appelée « église des dômes », à cause de ses 12 dômes représentant les disciples de Jésus. Mustafa Amîn, secrétaire général du Conseil Suprême des Antiquités (CSA), a déclaré pendant l’inauguration que « le coût de la restauration de l’église s’élève à 6 millions de L.E. ». L’église, comme d’autres monuments coptes et islamiques situés au centre-ville dans les zones surpeuplées, a été gravement endommagée pour diverses raisons, dont l’augmentation du niveau des eaux souterraines, l’humidité des murs et les effets néfastes du tremblement de terre de 1992 qui a augmenté le nombre de fissures dans la structure de l’église. Le chef du secteur des restaurations au ministère d’État pour les Affaires des antiquités, Muhammad al-Shaykha, affirme que « les travaux de restauration ont été accomplis en plusieurs étapes en utilisant des méthodes scientifiques modernes, car les dommages étaient importants alors que le monument représente un vrai trésor historique. Il y a 10 ans, on a pu, en première phase, diminuer les niveaux d’eau du sous-sol et s’assurer que les pompes installées empêcheraient l’eau de s’accumuler à nouveau ». Une deuxième phase, d’après al-Shaykha, a commencé il y a 6 ans, afin de renforcer et de restaurer les murs menacés d’effondrement. « Et enfin, il y a 4 ans que le ministère a lancé les travaux à l’intérieur de l’église pour qu’elle retrouve sa splendeur et pour empêcher de futurs dommages », ajoute-t-il. Il explique que des colonnes en béton cachées sous cet édifice archéologique ont renforcé les fondations, afin de les empêcher de s’affaisser. « Bien qu’on ait été obligé de remplacer quelques pierres dégradées, on a pu maintenir l’aspect d’origine », dit al-Shaykha. Occupant une superficie de 400 m2, cette église est bâtie dans le style architectural d’une basilique. D’après Mustafa Amîn, « ce style distingue l’église des Apôtres des autres églises, notamment en raison de ses dômes. De plus, le mur ouest de l’église des Apôtres est recouvert d’une pierre en basalte ». Celle-ci montre une scène pharaonique de Ramsès II faisant une offrande à la déesse Hathor. La présence de cette stèle est la preuve qu’un temple de l’Égypte antique était situé à cet endroit, avec des textes en hiéroglyphes montrant différents titres et noms du roi. A partir du IVe siècle, quand la religion chrétienne a été autorisée à l’époque romaine, les chrétiens ont construit leur église sur les ruines de ce temple.

Selon le directeur du CSA, « des icônes, des manuscrits et d’autres objets de valeur sont rassemblés sous le toit de cet édifice ». Dayr al-Rusul, ou l’église des Apôtres, reste un monastère riche en histoire qui a le potentiel nécessaire pour attirer les touristes ainsi que les amateurs d’art copte. (Nasma Réda, « L’église des Apôtres retrouve son éclat », Al- Ahram Hebdo du 4 février 2015). - - Jeudi 5 février 2015

The destructed marble façade The two-storey al-‘Arîsh Museum in North Sinai is the third antiquities museum in Egypt to be damaged in an attack since the ouster of former president Muhammad Mursî in July 2013. The first was the Mallawî Museum in the Upper Egyptian city of Minyâ. It was looted in August 2013 during clashes between protestors supporting the deposed former president and security forces. The violence followed security operations that broke up the sit-ins in Râbi‘a al-‘Adawiyya and Nahda Squares in Cairo. The second was the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo, when a car bomb exploded at the Cairo Security Directorate across the street in January 2014. The blast blew a six-metre crater in Port Said Street, killing at least four people and ripping into the façade of the two-storey museum, damaging and destroying a large number of antiquities. Last Thursday, it was the turn of al-‘Arîsh Museum, which was partially destroyed during a series of coordinated attacks by militants at sites in and around al-‘Arîsh. Those surveying the site following a return to calm found the museum’s marble façade collapsed, the entrance damaged and windows and doors shattered. Inside, the false ceiling used to conceal the electricity and security systems of the museum had fallen down, glass was scattered throughout the galleries, and walls surrounding the patio had collapsed. The floor was covered with pieces of broken glass, stone blocks, metal and wooden beams. “Thankfully, the museum had been emptied of its treasured collection,” the head of the museums section at the Ministry of Antiquities told the Weekly. The 1,500 artefacts normally on display at the museum were removed and transported to a secure location at the start of the attacks in North Sinai, in July 2013, and the museum had closed its doors to visitors. He said that mortar rounds used in the attacks destroyed the rear of the museum and damaged a number of showcases within the building, as well as the security, lighting and ventilation systems. Some of the monitoring cameras were damaged, but the air-conditioning is still in good condition. “I am pretty sure the damage is reparable,” he said, adding that an estimate of losses and the cost of restoration work required would be determined when the relevant committee submits its report on the museum’s condition at the end of this week. “Although the museum was partially damaged, the condition of the building is strong,” Muhammad al-Shaykha, head of the projects section at the Ministry of Antiquities, told the Weekly. He said that no objects from the museum’s collection were in the building at the time of the attacks. There had been rumours that Bedouin objects and pieces of the embroidered cloth used to cover the Kaaba in Mecca were in the museum at the time, but these were false, he said.

The backyard al-‘Arîsh Museum was officially inaugurated in 2007 with a budget of LE50 million. Although plans for the museum were drawn up in 1994, shortly after the return of the Sinai archaeological collection taken by Israel during the occupation of the Peninsula, the foundation stone was laid only in 1998. Lack of funds subsequently placed the project on hold for nearly four years. However, in 2002 the Ministry of Culture put museums at the top of its priority list to preserve the country’s priceless treasures, both stored and newly discovered. The idea was to create optimum environments to display artefacts and release the pressure on overstuffed major museums. Steps were then taken towards the museum’s completion. The 2,500-square-metre museum tells the history of Sinai from the pre-dynastic to the Islamic eras, displaying objects selected from eight museums in Egypt: the Egyptian, Coptic and Islamic museums in Cairo, Recovered Antiquities Museum at the Citadel, Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria, Sinai Historical Museum in Tâbâ, Port Said Museum and Banî Swayf museological storehouses in Ashmûnayn. Artefacts unearthed at excavation sites in Sinai, such as the Horus military road in Qantara East, and Tell Bastâ in the Nile Delta are also on display. The museum stands opposite al-‘Arîsh Ethnographic Centre at the town’s eastern end, on the spot where the Egyptian flag was raised after the Israeli withdrawal from this part of Sinai in 1979. It is set in a 16,000-square-metre garden. The museum’s foyer displays al-‘Arîsh’s important military history via a model of the Horus Road, the vital commercial and military link between ancient Egypt and Asia, and its military fortresses. Moving from the west, the pharaohs Thutmose III and Ramses II once crossed Sinai with their military forces. From east to west came the Hyksos, the Assyrian hordes, the Persian army of Cambyses, Alexander the Great with his mercenaries, Antiochus and the Roman legions and the Arabs led by ‘Amr Ibn al-‘Âs. The museum also houses three-dimensional maps of ancient Sinai, panels illustrating scenes of battles that once took place on the Horus Road, and the road itself as shown on a wall painting at the Karnak Temple in Luxor. The central hall opens onto four other halls displaying other eras in Sinai’s history, each in a separate section. The first is an introductory section showing Sinai during the pre-dynastic and Pharaonic eras. This part displays a collection of ancient weapons: wooden arrows, knives and boomerangs made of bone, as well as a collection of early Egyptian swords, military costumes and models of fortresses. The second section is devoted to the Hyksos, enemies of Egypt who invaded the country from the east. It shows paintings, cartouches and pots bearing the names of Hyksos kings, as well as the oldest mummy of a horse ever found. Monolithic statues of pharaohs who played a major role in ancient Egypt’s military history, such as Ramses II, Ramses III, Thutmoses III and Nektanebo, are also among the objects on display. There is also a fine relief showing queen Ahmose Nefertari, whose lifelong aim was to liberate Egypt from the Hyksos, and images of ancient Egyptian deities like Sekhmet and Osiris who protected the ruler in wartime. The Graeco-Roman section has a collection of gilded war masks, statues of black bulls and statuettes of warriors. The Coptic section contains icons and reliefs featuring the Holy Family on its journey through Egypt and the Virgin Mary cradling the child Jesus. Ivory and textile items can also be seen. al-‘Arîsh was on the ancient pilgrimage road from Egypt to Mecca, and the Islamic section displays a black cover for the Kaaba embroidered with gold and silver thread and sent by Egypt to Mecca during the reign of King Fu’âd. Pieces of mashrabiyya (latticed woodwork), coloured glass lamps and silver and copper swords are also exhibited.

The second floor is devoted to Sinai trade and handicrafts and a number of pots and coins. The pottery collection features various stages in the manufacture of clay pots and pans in Egypt, as well as similar items imported from Syria and Palestine. A library and a 50-seat cinema are located on the second floor of the museum. (Nevine El-Aref, “Museums under attack”, Al-Ahram Weekly, February 5, 2015. Voir également Muna Yâsîn, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie dresse l’inventaire des dégâts du musée d’al-‘Arîsh ravagé », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 1er février ; Muhammad Abû Dayf, « Le terrorisme ravage le musée d’al-‘Arîsh », al-Watan, 1er février ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie : La collection du musée d’al-‘Arîsh est intacte », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 1er février ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Les dégâts du musée d’al-‘Arîsh s’élèvent à 20 millions L.E. », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 13 février). - - La police espagnole a annoncé cette semaine l’arrestation d’un gang de trafiquants archéologiques composé de quatre Égyptiens et d’un Espagnol. Ce gang a réussi à exporter vers Madrid des antiquités égyptiennes d’une valeur de plus 300 000 euros. Un container renfermant plus de 30 pièces antiques a été saisi dans le port de Valence. (Fâtima Zaydân, « Arrestation en Espagne d’un gang de trafiquants archéologiques », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 5 février 2015). - -

Christian Eckmann examining Tutankhamun’s mask Once the brouhaha over the improper restoration of Tutankhamun’s gold funerary mask had died down, Al-Ahram Weekly sat down with German restorer Christian ECKMANN for an interview. The subject: how best to repair the mask. “I have not been appointed to restore the mask and return its blue-and gold beard to its former condition,” ECKMANN said. He added that Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî had only asked him to examine the mask and give an opinion regarding the use of resin to reattach the beard. “It was only a preliminary inspection,” he said. But as soon as he saw the mask, he knew that glue had been improperly used and had created a gap between the beard and the chin. “It was definitely not the optimal way of executing such a restoration,” ECKMANN said, adding that the mask is not now in danger. However, it should be properly restored, he said, since its current condition is not satisfactory. “But this will be a second step,” he said. Before it takes place, careful examination of the mask needs to be carried out to fully understand the structure of the mask and the materials used. It is also necessary to have a proper understanding of the construction of the beard and how it was originally attached to the mask in antiquity. Once that has been attained, it will be possible to restore the priceless item. “From my first examination, I realised there was a small gold frame at the end of the chin that could be used to attach the beard, but the frame has only a small space to support a 2.5-kg gold beard,” ECKMANN said. A proper study of the problem could be carried out by looking at ancient Egyptian sources, reviewing descriptions by archaeologist Howard CARTER in his journals and other documents, as well as photographs of the mask taken upon its discovery in 1922 that are now at the Griffith Institute in Oxford, England. X-rays of the mask would also be very helpful, he said. “After this comprehensive understanding of the technical features of the mask and beard has been achieved, an alternative method to fix the beard can be implemented,” ECKMANN said.

Studies of the resin or other means used to re-attach the beard when it was earlier restored in 1941 could also be done. This could be carried out be examining traces on the beard. The epoxy resin used in the most-recent restoration should be removed using a combination of solvents and by removing it layer by layer, until the original surface of the beard and mask has been reached. “I think this is the best method,” ECKMANN said. “Although it is possible to remove the epoxy, it is a very delicate operation as it has to be done without scratching the gold of the mask.” Epoxy is a “debatable material” for restoration purposes, he said. “We must differentiate between irreversible materials and irreversible measures.” While epoxy is considered to be an irreversible material, as it is not soluble in normal solvents, there are means to remove it. “In the case of Tutankhamun’s mask, the improper restoration can be reversed even though it used an irreversible resin.” ECKMANN told the Weekly that in his report to the Minister of Antiquities he will recommend establishment of a committee that includes experts in archaeology and conservation. These experts would then carry out the studies necessary to propose the proper restoration of the mask. “I will suggest methods on how to correctly and professionally restore the beard, but I am not appointed myself to do the job,” ECKMANN said, adding that he would be happy to do the job if asked. Since the news broke over the improper restoration of the mask, a rumour has spread that the mask on display at the Egyptian Museum is a replica and the original one has been smuggled abroad. ECKMANN dismissed the rumour, asking, “If this was so, why all that fuss over what is a replica object?”

ECKMANN was previously involved in the restoration of statues of Pepi I and his son Menenre. He is now working on the conservation of parts of Tutankhamun’s chariot that were discovered last year inside a box in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square. (Nevine El-Aref, “Saving face”, Al-Ahram Weekly, February 5, 2015. Voir également Sharif Paget, “Restoration specialist claims King Tut mask can be restored”, Daily News Egypt, January 26). - -

Earlier this week inhabitants of the Dayr Mawwâs village in the Upper Egyptian governorate of Minyâ were astonished to see what seemed to be coffins floating in the Oda Pasha Canal that runs alongside the village. At first they thought they could be the bodies of people, but coming closer they realised they were wooden sarcophagi with painted human faces and bodies. The villagers immediately called the Tourism and Antiquities Police in order that investigations could start into where the coffins came from. A committee from the Ministry of Antiquities, led by ancient Egyptian Antiquities head Yûsuf Khalîfa, embarked on an inspection tour to determine their authenticity. In an interview after the tour, Khalîfa told Al-Ahram Weekly that preliminary examinations have revealed that the sarcophagi are genuine pieces from the late Graeco-Roman period and that the mummies they contained were in a poor state of conservation, though still wrapped in their original linen.

The lids of the sarcophagi were anthropoid in form, in other words bearing human faces and bodies, and still had traces of colour on them. However, they did not bear any inscriptions, making it difficult to know who was originally buried in them, Khalîfa said. He said they had probably been uncovered during illegal excavations carried out near the canal, with those responsible throwing them into the canal after having failed to sell them or because of tight security measures in the area. If this theory is true, it will be the second time in two weeks that gangs have failed to smuggle antiquities out of Egypt. Last week, Spanish police prevented hundreds of ancient Egyptian artefacts, discovered hidden in cheap vases during an inspection of a shipping container from Alexandria at the port of Valencia on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, from being smuggled into Europe. The inspection was part of a broader European crackdown on looting and the illicit trafficking of cultural objects. The recovered artefacts include canopic jars, the vessels used by the ancient Egyptians to preserve the vital organs of mummified individuals; a statue of the goddess Isis; a black granite bust of the goddess Sekhmet; and a limestone head of the god Amun. A number of alabaster and clay vases and bronze and limestone statuettes were also found. The Spanish police arrested one Spaniard and four Egyptians as part of the investigation. The objects are now in Madrid’s National Archaeological Museum pending transportation back to Egypt. According to a 31 January article in the UK tabloid newspaper the Daily Mirror, the smugglers intended to use the proceeds of the sale to fund the Islamic State (IS) terror group. The article read, in part, “A gang of alleged antique smugglers has been arrested after being suspected of selling stolen Egyptian relics to fund Islamic State terrorists.”

It continued, “The plundering of antiquities, particularly from the Middle East, has skyrocketed since the fighting, with much of the money landing in the pockets of terrorists, say archaeologists and international watchdogs. Officials from the Spanish civil guard who carried out the operation said they believed the money raised was going directly to fund jihadists.” (Nevine El-Aref, “Looted antiquities feed terror fears”, Al-Ahram Weekly, February 5, 2015. Voir également Theresa Kamâl, « Une commission archéologique examine 3 momies saisies à al-Minyâ », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 1er février ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Les sarcophages saisis à Dayr Mawwâs transférés au musée d’al-Ashmûnayn », al- Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 1er février ; MENA, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie confirme que les 3 sarcophages saisis à Minyâ sont antiques », al-Shurûq, 1er février ; ‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « Circonstances de la découverte des momies à Dayr Mawwâs », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 1er février ; Nada Deyaa’, “New mummies discovered floating in sewage in Upper Egypt”, Daily News Egypt, February 3 ; “New mummies discovered floating on an irrigation canal in Upper Egypt”, Egypt Independent, February 4). - - Mardi 10 février 2015

A Fatimid-era dome in Aswân was severely damaged on Tuesday when a crane fell on it during construction work. The crane fell on the al-Ma’adâwî dome in the Fatimid cemetery, causing several parts of it to collapse. “It is a great loss,” Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told Ahram Online. He went on to say that the ministry has taken all legal procedures and filed a police report against the crane driver. He said he had assigned an archaeological and scientific committee to inspect the damage and suggest reconstruction solutions. “Restoration work is to start as soon as the committee has finished its inspection and written its report within two days,” al-Damâtî asserted. Other procedures are to be taken to preserve the cemetery and prevent similar accidents, he added. al-Damâtî said the German archaeological mission, which has been working at the site since 2006, is to participate in the restoration work. Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Azîz, assistant to the head of the Islamic Antiquities Department, explained that the Fatimid cemetery is one of the most important archaeological sites in Aswân. It is located in front of the eastern gate of the Nubia Museum. (Nevine El-Aref, “Crane damages al-Ma’adâwî dome in Aswân”, Ahram Online, February 10, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Destruction de la coupole d’al-Ma’adâwî à Aswân », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 10 février ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Une commission archéologique examine les dégâts de la coupole d’al- Ma’adâwî », al-Ahrâm, 11 février ; Nasma Réda, « Dôme historique à moitié détruit », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 18 février). - - Mercredi 11 février 2015 À l’occasion de l’initiative de restauration des 5 musées, l’urbaniste de renom Galila Al-Qadi parle de son projet de réaménagement du palais Sa‘îd Halîm et de son environnement. Al-Ahram Hebdo : Comment vous vous êtes intéressée au palais Sa‘îd Halîm ? Galila Al-Qadi : C’était à l’occasion du projet européen Heritage Conservation and Managment in Egypt and Syria (Hercomanes) pour la préservation du patrimoine architectural et urbain de la fin du XIXe siècle et du début du XXe siècle. C’était en 2002, il s’agissait alors de dresser un inventaire des bâtiments du centre du Caire, candidats à être répertoriés, le palais Sa‘îd Halîm en fut un. — Qu’est-ce qui distingue le palais Sa‘îd Halîm des autres palais du Caire ? — D’abord, c’est l’un des rares palais du Caire khédivial qui existent encore. À cette époque, Le Caire était délimité au nord par la place Ramsès, au sud par la place ‘Âbidîn et au sud-ouest par la place Tahrîr. Le palais possède une grande valeur historique. Il a été construit en 1898 par le prince Sa‘îd Halîm, petit-fils de Muhammad ‘Alî, qui a eu recours au célèbre architecte austro-italien, Antonio LASCIAC. Celui-ci a adopté un style hybride alliant la renaissance anglaise et le néoclassicisme. Il a aussi une valeur symbolique : transformé par la suite en une école, il a été le lieu de formation des enfants issus de l’élite égyptienne, dont certains sont devenus de grandes figures de la médecine, du cinéma et de la politique, tels les grands médecins Ibrâhîm Badrân et Muhammad Abû al-Ghâr, le directeur de la Bibliothèque d’Alexandrie, Ismâ‘îl Sirâg al-Dîn, la star de cinéma Husayn Fahmî, le photographe al-Shîmî et les deux frères Amîn, fondateurs de la maison de presse Akhbâr al-Yawm, pour ne citer que quelques exemples. — En quoi consiste votre projet de restauration du palais ? — Le meilleur moyen de sauvegarder un bâtiment c’est de lui attribuer un nouvel usage. C’est ainsi que nous proposons la transformation de ce palais en musée de l’histoire du Caire, tout en respectant bien entendu son style, sa configuration interne et ses façades. En effet, Le Caire, considéré en quelque sorte la capitale du monde arabe, a besoin d’un musée qui raconte l’histoire de son évolution et qui mette en évidence sa riche architecture dont certains vestiges remontent à l’Ancien Empire, quand Memphis était la capitale de l’Égypte. — À votre avis, comment peut-on développer les environs du palais ? — Le palais est situé dans une zone déshéritée, mais qui est devenue une destination culturelle grâce à la galerie Townhouse. Mais il y a sûrement un important travail de rénovation qui reste à faire au niveau du quartier, notamment la restauration de ses bâtiments de valeur. Les problèmes auxquels on fera face sont liés aux habitations sauvages dont il va falloir reloger les occupants une fois la zone autour du palais rénovée. — Avez-vous la même vision pour les autres palais concernés par cette initiative de restauration ? — Chaque palais a sa propre histoire et sa propre particularité, mais l’usage le plus adéquat pour ces bâtiments historiques devra être d’ordre culturel. Ces palais devront être aménagés en musées, bibliothèques, écoles, ou en hôtels, dans la mesure du possible. (Doaa Elhami, « Galila Al-Qadi : Le meilleur moyen de sauvegarder un bâtiment c’est de lui attribuer un nouvel usage », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 11 février 2015). - -

Les palais Sa‘îd Halîm, Qazdughlî, Falakî, Bostani et ‘Umar Tusûn sont les cinq palais qui ont été sélectionnés pour le début d’un projet de restauration et de préservation du patrimoine alide (de la dynastie de Muhammad ‘Alî). Ce projet, lancé par le ministère des Antiquités et le gouvernorat du Caire, vise à protéger le patrimoine architectural khédivial qui s’est répandu en Égypte au XIXe siècle et jusqu’au début du XXe siècle. Le projet sera entamé grâce aux recherches et études d’un comité scientifique composé des urbanistes Suhayr Zakî Hawwâs, Galila Al-Qadi et l’expert en archéologie islamique ‘Abd al-Munsif Sâlim Nigm. « Ces palais se sont beaucoup détériorés, surtout ces dernières années », assure Nigm. Pour lui, ces palais ont été, pendant la période de la révolution de 2011, sujets à plusieurs vols et incendies, à l’exemple du palais Qazdughlî, situé place Simon Bolivar, théâtre d’événements violents pendant la révolution. Il fallait stopper cette altération et préserver cet héritage. Ces cinq palais ont une valeur historique et architecturale exceptionnelles. Ils se trouvent tous au centre-ville du Caire, à l’exception du palais ‘Umar Tusûn qui se trouve à Shubrâ. Une localisation idéale, puisque suite à leur restauration, ils pourront être un vrai atout pour la promotion touristique. « Après un tour au Musée du Caire, le touriste pourra facilement accéder aux palais à pied et contempler cette architecture exceptionnelle », renchérit Nigm. Bien que tous ces palais soient construits pendant la même époque, chacun reflète un style architectural particulier. Le palais Sa‘îd Halîm est de l’école classique, celui de ‘Umar Tusûn est du style néogothique anglais et celui d’al- Bustânî est un mélange du style rococo à l’intérieur avec une façade néogothique. Quant aux deux derniers palais, Falakî et Qazdughlî, ils incarnent le style architectural européen du XIXe siècle. Outre leur intérêt architectural, ces palais ont un intérêt historique. Chacun a été témoin de la vie privée des membres de la famille alide qui y avaient vécu ou ont été témoins d’événements historiques. D’après Nigm, les restaurateurs auront recours aux archives, aux cartes, aux plans et aux anciennes photos des palais et la restauration sera accompagnée d’un réaménagement urbain des quartiers environnants. Bien que le projet soit prometteur pour la relance touristique et la préservation du patrimoine, il se confronte à plusieurs problèmes de taille. En effet, la gestion de tous les palais historiques se partage entre les ministères des Antiquités, des Waqfs (biens religieux) et le gouvernorat du Caire. À cause d’une telle dispersion administrative, « il était difficile de prendre la décision de restauration. Le comité en charge du projet est en train de se former et comprendra des membres des différents organismes concernés », explique Nigm qui souligne la lenteur administrative d’une telle procédure. Le comble des problèmes qui freinent cette initiative est que les palais al-Bustânî et ‘Umar Tusûn servent d’établissements scolaires. Pour résoudre ce problème, le gouverneur du Caire, Galâl al-Sayyid, a proposé d’évacuer ces bâtiments historiques pendant la période de restauration. Le premier ministre espère bâtir de nouvelles écoles, afin de faire de ces palais des lieux de visite. « Il me faut obtenir un décret présidentiel pour que ces palais soient évacués », reprend Nigm. Si le comité réussit à résoudre le problème des écoles, il doit en affronter d’autres encore. Le palais Sa‘îd Halîm appartient à un homme d’affaires. « Ces propriétaires devraient choisir entre vendre leur palais au gouvernorat ou être indemnisés par un terrain », explique Sâlim. L’historien architectural et photographe Ahmad al-Bindârî propose une autre alternative. « Le fait que des palais historiques soient des propriétés privées appartenant à des investisseurs peut constituer un avantage. Ces hommes d’affaires peuvent exploiter ces palais à des fins culturelles ou des projets adaptés au palais », pense-t-il. Selon les experts, la réutilisation de ces palais est d’une importance capitale pour préserver le patrimoine, mais la nature des activités reste encore à déterminer. Pour le professeur Nigm, ces palais pourraient être transformés en musées pour les trésors de la famille alide, loués à des entreprises touristiques, ou devenir des établissements de divertissement et de culture. Pour al-Bindârî, les activités de ces palais historiques doivent être bénéfiques aux habitants des alentours. « Je propose aux membres du comité de faire une tournée dans les quartiers où se situent ces palais, afin de connaître les besoins des habitants et leur expliquer l’intérêt de ces restaurations. Il faut créer une sorte d’intimité entre le bâtiment historique et son entourage », conseille-t-il.

Sous la houlette du banquier Flex SAWARÈS, l’architecte autrichien Edouard MATASEK a construit un grand palais dans le quartier de Garden City en 1906. Après le décès de SAWARÈS, le palais a été acheté par le millionnaire grec Emanuel Qazdughlî. Le style est néoclassique, répandu à l’époque. Ainsi le palais Qazdughlî est l’un des plus élégants palais de tout le quartier. Sa superficie s’étale sur 2 000 m2, il se compose de deux étages et d’un sous-sol doté d’un escalier en marbre. Le palais était fameux par ses meubles et son intérieur élégants : armoires, consoles, cheminées en marbre et miroirs belges, sans oublier les ornements internes qui sont d’une beauté exceptionnelle. Les héritiers de Qazdughlî ont loué le palais à plusieurs diplomates dont le consul britannique. Pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale et jusqu’en 1947, ce palais devint la résidence de l’ambassadeur américain. Ensuite, le palais a été loué par le ministère de l’Enseignement pour devenir l’école préparatoire ‘Alî ‘Abd al-Latîf pour les filles jusqu’en 2009, quand le Conseil suprême des antiquités a classé le bâtiment. Après la révolution de 2011, le palais a été partiellement incendié et pillé. Bâti en 1896, le palais Sa‘îd Halîm est situé rue al-Antikhâna. Il est plus connu aujourd’hui sous le nom du palais Champollion, puisque la rue elle-même a pris le nom du grand égyptologue français.

Le palais a été édifié par le fameux architecte italien Antonio LASCIAC, comme lieu de résidence pour l’épouse du prince Sa‘îd Halîm pacha, petit-fils de Muhammad ‘Alî pacha. Le prince avait hérité ce terrain de sa tante paternelle Zaynab Hânim, fille de Muhammad ‘Alî. Une fois la construction du palais achevée, son épouse a refusé d’y habiter. Après la révolution de 1952, comme beaucoup d’autres palais, il a été transformé à son tour en établissement scolaire, l’école al-Nâsiriyya, une école qui a vu passer sur ses pupitres les grands journalistes Mustafa et ‘Alî Amîn, fondateurs de la Société de presse Akhbâr al-Yawm, ainsi que le célèbre acteur Husayn Fahmî. En 2007, le gouverneur du Caire a décidé de classer le palais monument historique en vue de sa restauration.

Ce palais se trouve dans la rue Falakî au centre-ville. Son propriétaire était l’astronome renommé Mahmûd Hamdî al-Falakî, ministre de l’Astronomie khédiviale sous le règne du khédive Ismâ‘îl. Il est composé de deux bâtiments, al- Salamlek réservé à l’accueil des convives de l’astronome et al-Haramlek qui était la résidence d’al-Falakî et de sa famille, mais également son bureau où l’astronome faisait ses recherches. Mahmûd pacha al-Falakî était membre de la mission envoyée par le khédive pour explorer des sources d’eau à Hilwân. Il a aussi dessiné une carte de cette ville afin de préciser sa pureté pour y fonder la cité thérapeutique de Hilwân. Après la mort du pacha, « le palais a été habité par Muhammad Mahmûd pacha, qui était ministre de l’Intérieur sous le règne du roi Fu’âd », raconte Nigm.

Ce palais appartenait à l’origine au prince Tusûn, petit-fils du grand Muhammad ‘Alî pacha. Il était ministre des Waqfs, des Finances et de l’Enseignement. « Cet endroit était occupé par l’une des usines établies par Muhammad ‘Alî pacha et a été racheté ou donné à Tusûn pacha », raconte le professeur Nigm. Pour lui, ce palais ayant la forme de la lettre H incarne le style de la renaissance anglaise. Il renferme deux édifices : al-Salamlek et al-Haramlek. Après le décès du prince Tusûn, le palais a été donné en héritage à son fils ‘Umar. Ce dernier a ensuite quitté le palais qui a été transformé en école secondaire.

Connu sous le nom de l’école Qirbiyya ou le palais Bustânî, ce palais se dresse majestueusement au carrefour de la rue Cheikh Rayhân avec celle de Yûsuf al-Gindî. Cette bâtisse est bâtie vers la fin du XIXe siècle. D’après les documents, ce palais appartient au prince Ibrâhîm Ismâ‘îl Halîm, frère du prince Sa‘îd Halîm pacha. L’architecture du palais reflète les styles néogothique et rococo. Ses murs sont décorés de légendes européennes accompagnées de motifs pharaoniques et islamiques. Il a été vendu à la famille Bustânî, connue pour le commerce du tabac et a été ensuite transformé en établissement scolaire. (Doaa Elhami, « Rénovation du patrimoine : Redonner au centre-ville sa splendeur d’antan », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 11 février 2015). - - Mardi 17 février 2015 The spell of the boy king Tutankhamun continues. Some newspapers reported that the ministry of antiquities is to use laser to remove the epoxy resin used to glue the beard to the king’s funerary mask to fix botched restoration work previously carried out. In a statement the minister of antiquities, Mamdûh al-Damâtî, asserted that what has been reported in newspapers is unfounded and that the rumours are fake. He told Ahram Online that there is now a scientific committee that includes restorers, natural scientists and archaeologists who are discussing several conservation plans in which they will choose the most likely method of success to remove the epoxy and properly restore the mask. “When the committee approves one of the suggested restoration methods it would be implemented first in a laboratory on a modern sample made of similar material in order to inspect the results before its implementation on the authentic mask,” al-Damâtî pointed out, asking all reporters to be sure of the information they receive before publishing it. “The ministry is keen on showing the whole truth before the public,” al-Damâtî concluded. (Nevine El- Aref, “The ministry of antiquities will not use laser to remove the epoxy from Tutankhamun’s mask”, Ahram Online, February 17, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Le directeur du service de restauration au Musée Égyptien : la restauration du masque de Toutankhamon n’est pas encore tranchée », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 1er février ; Dînâ ‘Abd al- ‘Alîm, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie nie tout recours au laser pour restaurer le masque de Toutankhamon », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 17 février ; ‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « al-Damâtî : Nous n’avons pas utiliser le laser sur le masque de Toutankhamon », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 17 février ; “Antiquities Minister denies using laser in the restoration of the Tutankhamun mask”, Egypt Independent, February 18). - -

The Permanent Committee for Islamic and Coptic Antiquities approved the restoration project of al-Azhar Mosque after a Saudi Arabian contractor company provided the required funding. Mustafa Amîn, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, told Ahram Online that the restoration work is to start next month and includes the consolidation of the mosque’s foundations, the injection of the soil beneath it to make it stronger, the conservation of the minaret, and some decorative elements at the mosque’s main building. A new set of toilets with similar architectural style is to be provided within the mosque’s walls. The budget required for the restoration project is a grant offered by the Kingdom of the Saudi Arabia. al-Azhar Mosque, meaning “the Mosque of the Most Resplendent”, was built during the reign of the Fatimid Caliph al-Mu‘izz l-Dîn Allah al-Fâtimî in 972 for the newly established capital of Egypt, al-Qâhira (Cairo). The mosque was previously restored in 2011 and covered the whale mosque; the Fatimid, which is the core component — commonly known as the Fatimid Umbrella — the Mamluk and the Ottoman parts. The mosque took its name from the Prophet Muhammad’s daughter Fâtima al-Zahrâ’. During the span of time the mosque developed into what is today the second oldest continuously run university in the world after al-Qayrawân, in Ummyyad Fes. The mosque and university were neglected and its religious role declined during the Ayyubid era that promoted Sunnis, even though the mosque was founded as a Shiite Ismaili institution. But it regained its importance during the Mamluk ages and witnessed numerous expansions and renovations. Today al-Azhar remains a deeply influential institution in Egyptian society and is highly revered in the Sunni Muslim world as a symbol of Islamic Egypt. (Nevine El-Aref, “al-Azhar mosque restoration project is to start next month”, Ahram Online, February 17, 2015). - - Mercredi 18 février 2015

Une stèle ptolémaïque en calcaire très identique à la pierre de Rosette a été découverte sur le site archéologique Taposiris Magna, à l’ouest d’Alexandrie. Datant de la 7e année du règne de Ptolémée V (204 - 181 av. J.-C.), elle porte des hiéroglyphes et des écritures démotiques. « Y sont inscrits des écritures hiéroglyphes ainsi que des cartouches royaux portant le nom du roi Ptolémée V, de son épouse et sœur, la reine Cléopâtre Ire, son père le roi Ptolémée IV et la femme de celui-ci, Arsinoé III », déclare Mamdûh al-Damâtî, ministre des Antiquités. Les 5 lignes d’inscriptions démotiques au bas de la stèle seraient probablement une traduction des 15 lignes de hiéroglyphes inscrites au-dessus. C’est la mission archéologique de l’Université catholique de Saint-Domingue de la République dominicaine qui a fait cette découverte. Cette équipe dirigée par Kathleen MARTINEZ travaille depuis plus de 6 ans sur ce site. La stèle découverte est de 105 cm de longueur, 65 cm de largeur et de 18 cm d’épaisseur.

« Les inscriptions qui se trouvent sur la stèle rappellent la célèbre pierre de Rosette qui a été sculptée au 9e année du règne de Ptolémée V, soit deux ans après cette stèle », explique al-Damâtî. À noter que la pierre de Rosette mesure 112,3 cm de long, est de 75,7 cm de large, avec une épaisseur de 28,4 cm. Elle porte trois inscriptions : hiéroglyphe en haut, au centre, un texte en écriture démotique, et en bas du grec ancien. Le ministre ajoute que la nouvelle stèle est également une copie exacte de la stèle du temple de Philae à Aswân, qui remonte aussi au roi Ptolémée V. (Nasma Réda, « Découverte d’une stèle de Ptolémée V près d'Alexandrie », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 18 février 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Mise au jour d’une stèle inscrite en calcaire », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 11 février ; MENA, « Découverte d’une stèle en calcaire portant des inscriptions comme la pierre de Rosette », al-Shurûq, 11 février ; Amal al-Gayyâr, « Découverte d’une stèle de Ptolémée V », al-Ahrâm, 12 février). - -

Tomb of Khentkaus New insights have come to light into the history of a lost ancient queen discovered earlier this year at the Abûsîr necropolis, southwest of Cairo. The insights come as part of work done by Salima IKRAM, a professor of Egyptology and head of the Egyptology unit at the American University in Cairo (AUC) and a Czech archaeological team. The site of the queen’s tomb, which the Czechs have been excavating for the past 55 years, now offers insight into understanding the royal family’s history during the Old Kingdom. “What is fascinating about the tomb are the inscriptions, because they show that this is a completely new member of the royal family of the Fifth Dynasty,” said Miroslav BÁRTA, director of the Czech Institute of Egyptology. Within the tomb, the inscriptions identified her as “king’s wife” as well as “mother of the king” according to an AUC press release. The inscriptions on her burial chamber also bore the name “Khentkaus”, which means “the one foremost of her souls”. The fact that two previous queens had the same name, along with the aforementioned inscriptions, indicates that the women who was laid to rest was in fact a queen. Adding the queen to the lineage of ancient Egyptian royalty makes her Queen Khentkaus III, who, according to BÁRTA, was most likely married to King Raneferef because of the proximity of her tomb is his. Further investigation of the tomb has helped archaeologists understand the role that women held in ancient Egypt. “Women, especially in the Old Kingdom, had a significant amount of power and prestige” said IKRAM. The inscriptions on Queen Khentkaus III’s tomb indicate two main phases of her life. Initially, she was married to a king, but then, she gave birth to a boy who would later become a king himself, most likely King Menkauhor.

Limestone vessels, copper tools and small fragments of bone. The discovery of this Old Kingdom tomb, which has been dated to about 2450 BCE, was made earlier this year. The tomb was discovered in a small cemetery that was home to the burial sites of prestige ancients who held court and sway over the public. The archaeological team was also able to discover 24 limestone vessels and four copper tools. Small fragments of bone were also discovered. “We assume, given the archaeological context, that the bones are hers (Queen Khentkaus III),” BÁRTA said. The discovery of this tomb has helped researchers add another piece to the puzzle, and begin to hopefully uncover, the mysteries that shroud the ancients. (“Details on lost Ancient Egyptian queen’s tomb emerge”, Daily News Egypt, February 18, 2015). - - 3 questions à Zâhî Hawwâs, archéologue de renom, qui a été le guide de plusieurs personnalités célèbres durant leur visite des sites archéologiques en Égypte. Al-Ahram Hebdo : elon vous, peut-on mieux exploiter les visites de personnalités célèbres en Égypte pour promouvoir le tourisme ? Zâhî Hawwâs : Certainement, ces visites peuvent être très fructueuses pour la promotion du tourisme en Égypte. C’est une propagande gratuite pour les sites archéologiques égyptiens à condition de bien les exploiter. C’est un travail qui peut être accompli par les bureaux de promotion touristique affiliés à nos ambassades, les opérateurs touristiques eux-mêmes. Aujourd’hui, les réseaux sociaux peuvent aussi faciliter la tâche. — Vous avez été le guide de plusieurs personnalités célèbres durant leur visite des sites archéologiques. Concrètement, comment ces visites peuvent-elles se répercuter sur le nombre de touristes ? — Lorsqu’une grande personnalité visite l’Égypte, les médias s’intéressent à l’événement et la nouvelle est diffusée à une grande échelle à l’étranger. Je me souviens qu’après la visite du président américain en Égypte en 2010 et les photos superbes qu’il avait prises sur le plateau des pyramides, le nombre de touristes américains a beaucoup augmenté cette année-là. Même chose lors de la visite de la princesse Margaret, sœur de la reine d’Angleterre, au Musée égyptien. La visite de Lady Diana était également inoubliable. Personnellement, j’ai été ébloui par les tas d’informations qu’elle avait sur les pyramides et la civilisation pharaonique en général. Ce jour-là, les journaux britanniques ont titré : « L’autre amour égyptien de Diana », en faisant allusion à son amour pour l’égyptien Doudi Al-Fayed. En revanche, son mari, le prince Charles s’est montré beaucoup plus exigeant quand il est venu visiter les pyramides à minuit et a insisté pour entrer à tout prix dans la grande pyramide de Chéops. La reine Sophie d’Espagne était elle aussi très fascinée par la région de Saqqâra. Elle s’y est rendue plus de huit fois, et la plupart du temps pour son plaisir, hors des voyages officiels. La reine Sonja de Norvège, et la reine Beatrix des Pays-Bas ont, elles aussi, visitaient les pyramides et les temples de la Haute-Égypte plusieurs fois. Bien évidemment, les visites de ces personnalités ont été des coups de pub pour l’Égypte. — Mais il n’y a que des hommes politiques qui visitent l’Égypte ? — Non, j’ai reçu également des acteurs amoureux de la civilisation égyptienne. J’ai accompagné d’innombrables stars lors de leurs visites des sites archéologiques en Égypte tels Roger MOORE, Kurt RUSSEL, Jacqueline BISSET, Salma HAYEK, Math LOWER ou encore la chanteuse Beyoncé. (Nasma Réda, « Zâhî Hawwâs : Aujourd’hui, les réseaux sociaux peuvent faciliter la promotion touristique », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 18 février 2015). - - Jeudi 12 février 2015

Head of Sarapis-Zeus-Amun-Helios Some 80 km southeast of Cairo is the small village of Karânîs, once one of the largest Graeco-Roman towns in Fayyûm. It was established in antiquity by Ptolemy II Philadelphus, as part of a scheme to settle Greek mercenaries among indigenous Egyptians and exploit the fertile Fayyûm basin. Karânîs flourished until the end of the 3rd century CE, when the town started to decline due to troubles in the wider Roman Empire. The town was abandoned by the beginning of the 5th century, as part of momentous socioeconomic, political and religious changes taking place throughout the Mediterranean region. The site was forgotten, buried by the sands, until the early 19th century when farmers unearthed papyri among organic debris left by the ancient inhabitants. It is these papyri, suitably conserved and restored, that have now been put on display at the Egyptian Museum. Archaeological excavation, led by British Egyptologist Bernard Pyne GRENFELL and papyrologist Arthur Surridge HUNT, started in Karânîs in 1895. However, they did not continue their work, deciding that the site had been too plundered in antiquity to produce anything of value. The few papyri and artefacts they stumbled upon were not considered important enough to lead to a better understanding of the history of the site during the Graeco-Roman period. In 1924 the archaeological rescue of the site began, continuing for the next 12 years under the leadership of an American mission from Michigan University directed by Francis W KELSEY. Two temples, residential houses and urban districts were discovered, along with cisterns, public baths and a collection of household objects of different shapes, sizes and materials. A large collection of papyri, now exhibited at the Kelsey Museum in Michigan in the US, was also unearthed. The papyri are historically significant as they provide an idea of the lives led by the town’s inhabitants in ancient times, as well as of Egypt’s relationship with the Roman Empire. The papyri were written at the same time and unearthed from the same place, all of them written in Greek and dating to the period between the reign of the emperor Diocletian and the 370s CE. “It is the dry climate of Karânîs which preserved these papyri,” said German papyrologist Cornelia RÖMER, who noted that although the papyri had been taken to Michigan the university had given part of the collection back to Egypt in 1952. This part was then put in storage at the Egyptian Museum and had not been closely studied. In 2010, RÖMER came to Egypt for excavation work in Fayyûm, in an area called Filoteris, five km from Lake Qârûn. She hoped to investigate drainage systems used in Fayyûm during the Graeco-Roman period. But due to her interest in papyri and her desire to promote papyrology in Egypt, RÖMER started to study the Karânîs papyri, often known as the Michigan papyri. In collaboration with young restorers at the Egyptian Museum, RÖMER started conservation work on the papyri, which are of different sizes and in different conditions of conservation. Some of them are tiny fragments in a poor state of conservation, while others are larger and in a much better condition. RÖMER then published the results of her work in collaboration with professors from Alexandria University and Cairo and ‘Ayn Shams Universities in Egypt. “When I came face to face with the papyri, I was very excited as I could not have expected what I would find,” RÖMER told the Weekly. Her work concentrated on a group of papyri found in the house of a man called Socrates who lived in the 2nd century CE. He was a tax collector who went door to door to collect money from people for the Roman state. “We knew his profession from papyri found inside his house, which include long lists of names and numbers,” RÖMER said, adding that he kept a register of who had paid what in the village. Studies of these lists revealed that people had to pay taxes for baths and guards, among other things. Tax rates were the same for everybody and did not depend on income.

A greeting letter written by a woman to her brothers and their families The papyri show that Socrates was a rich man who gained a lot from his profession. In Roman times, RÖMER said, a tax collector typically took more than he needed to remit to the state. “Obviously, he was a clever and rich man in the village,” RÖMER said, adding that he lived in a large house located in the best area, was married, and had two sons and a daughter. “From the names of Socrates’s family and the names written in the tax lists, we also know that ancient Karânîs was a multicultural society,” RÖMER said. While Socrates bore a Greek name, his wife and two sons had Roman names, while his daughter had an Egyptian name and her husband had a Roman name. The names written on the lists are in Latin, Greek and Egyptian. RÖMER said that when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in 332 BCE Egypt became part of the Hellenistic world. His former general, Ptolemy, established a Greek-speaking dynasty in the country that then ruled it for the next 300 years. Even after the beginning of Roman rule in 1st century BCE, tens of thousands of Greek-speaking people lived in Egypt, working in the army and administration of the country. The Ptolemies created new settlements for the newcomers, including in Fayyûm, a depression centred on Lake Qârûn south of Cairo. A sophisticated system of canals and dams was built to lower the level of the lake. “Thousands of new fields were created and Fayyûm was declared a new settlement to host the new settlers,” RÖMER said, adding that the town of Karânîs was among these new settlements. Study of the papyri show that the number of inhabitants in Karânîs reached 1,500 people, two thirds of whom were Egyptians and one third Greek. In the 2nd century CE, when Socrates lived, the population reached nearly 4,000 people. Along with tax records, RÖMER said that literary papyri had also been found. It seems that in order to fit into society in Karânîs, Socrates thought it important to hone his Greek culture and read classical Greek literature. “We found papyri of poems written by the Greek poet HOMER and Greek plays written by the dramatist MENANDER who lived in 300 BCE,” RÖMER said. She added that this highlights the fact that people continued to read MENANDER’s comedies 450 years after they were written. Ancient Greek comedy “always has a happy ending,” RÖMER said. As well, fragments of a play called “A Man on Trial” were found. She continued to say that among the papyri at the Egyptian Museum is a love letter written by an unidentified woman, as well as notifications of death and complaints about robberies. Among the latter was one presented by a man who was attacked and beaten on the road, and another by a farmer who lost some of his harvest to thieves. “Studying these papyri has taken us deep into the daily life of this society,” RÖMER said. It has even been possible to identify the type of clothes people wore. One text complaining of a robbery said that a man broke into the author’s house and stole boxes of clothes, she said. “Living standards in Karânîs were lower than in Alexandria, the capital of Egypt at the time, but the inhabitants tried to imitate the life of the capital nonetheless,” RÖMER said. The Greek comedy that Socrates had been reading was to the taste of people living in rural areas, whereas in Alexandria, tragedies considered too difficult for people in the provinces would have been read. “However, the existence of such literary texts indicates that residents were keen to show themselves to be well educated in Greek,” she added. A medical handbook from the first century CE showing surgical techniques was also found. Part of it shows a dislocated shoulder and the recommended treatment to fix it. “This piece is a section of a papyrus roll and the other part is in the British Museum in London,” RÖMER told the Weekly. The papyri will now be on display for three weeks in the temporary exhibition hall at the Egyptian Museum. The display includes information about Socrates and his family, his library and the excavation work carried out.

Clay and bronze statues depicting Greek and ancient Egyptian deities found in the houses of the town’s inhabitants are also on show, along with glass vessels of different shapes and sizes.

“I am very happy with the results of the collaboration with Egyptian restorers, and I aim to continue studying the rest of the Karânîs papyri,” RÖMER said. (Nevine El-Aref, “Papyri on display”, Al-Ahram Weekly, February 12, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « al-Damâtî inaugure une exposition de papyrus au Musée Égyptien », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 9 février ; MENA, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie et l’ambassadeur d’Allemagne inaugurent une exposition temporaire au Musée Égyptien », al-Shurûq, 10 février ; Nasma Réda, « Karânîs, un village à la croisée des civilisations », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 18 février). - - Mardi 24 février 2015

Sekhmet’s bust The European-Egyptian archaeological mission headed by famed Egyptologist Hourig SOUROUZIAN unearthed two busts of the lioness goddess Sekhmet at the north-eastern side of the pillar halls of King Amenhotep III’s temple at Kom al-Hîtân on Luxor’s west bank. SOUROUZIAN told Ahram Online that the temple’s pillars hall is now a void area filled with dust and sand. She said that the mission is currently working there to see if there is anything to discover amidst the ruins. “This is not the first time statues of the lioness goddess have been unearthed at Kom al-Hîtân,” said SOUROUZIAN, adding that the mission previously un-earthed 64 statues of Sekhmet in different shapes and sizes. Minister of antiquities, Mamdûh al-Damâtî, told Ahram online that the first bust is 174 cm tall and depicts Sekhmet sitting on the thrown, while the second is 45 cm tall and features the face of the lioness god Sekhmet. Such a large number highlights the important role of the goddess during the reign of the 18th dynasty king Amenhotep III, father of the monotheistic king Akhnaten, and grandfather of the golden king Tutankhamun. Sekhmet was believed to be a protective goddess as she was also the goddess of war and destruction. “Some Egyptologists,” pointed out SOUROUZIAN, “believe that king Amenhotep constructed a large number of statue goddess Sekhmet in an attempt to cure him of a specific disease that he suffered during his reign.” Sekhmet was well known for her supposed ability to cure critical diseases. Ten years ago, the archaeologists unearthed a large number of statues of Amenhotep III and his wife Queen Tiye, as well as some parts of the temple’s walls. The team aims to produce a virtual reconstruction of the temple using the latest computer programs, she added, saying that this reconstruction would show the original position of every surviving piece within the original temple. (Nevine El-Aref, “Busts of the lioness goddess unearthed in Luxor”, Ahram Online, February 24, 2015. Voir également MENA, « Découverte à Louqsor de deux statues de Sekhmet en granit noir », al-Shurûq, 22 février ; “German archeologists discover statues of Sekhmet in Luxor”, Egypt Independent, February 24). - - Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a reçu ce matin le vice-président exécutif des missions et programmes de la National Geographic Society (NGS), Terry D. GARCIA ; ainsi que Fredrik T. HIEBERT. L’entretien a porté sur les moyens de renforcer la coopération bilatérale dans les domaines de l’archéologie et de la recherche scientifique. Ils ont également discuté la possibilité d’organiser quelques expositions égyptiennes à l’étranger, afin de compenser la perte des ressources financières du ministère. al-Damâtî a révélé que la NGS soutiendra financièrement les fouilles archéologiques, à commencer par celle de Mârînâ. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « al-Damâtî examine avec des cadre du NGS les modalités de coopération », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 24 février 2015. Voir également ‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « Coopération entre le ministère de l’Archéologie et le NGS en matière de recherche scientifique », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 24 février).

- - Jeudi 26 février 2015

After a five-year hiatus, the second phase of the restoration project for the al-Zâhir Baybars Mosque in Cairo is to resume soon after approval from the Permanent Committee of Islamic Antiquities. According to Mustafa Amîn, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), the mosque restoration started in 2007, but was stopped in 2010 when the SCA’s archaeological committee supervising the work realised that the contractor in charge was using red bricks that did not match the mosque’s original bricks. “The committee had agreed to use adobe bricks in the restoration work that were similar to those of the mosque,” Amîn told the Weekly. He said that the restoration, funded by the government of Kazakhstan to the tune of LE88 million, would continue soon. Up to now, LE31 million has been made available for the first and second stages of the second phase of the work. According to the original plan, the restoration work would be carried out in three phases to return the mosque to its original glory. The first phase, completed in 2008, consolidated the mosque’s foundations, putting an end to the leakage of subterranean water into the foundations by installing a new drainage system. The faulty electricity system was also replaced. The second phase is to start soon and includes restoration of the minaret, the dome and the columns. “The second phase of the project will be more holistic in scope,” said Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî. The floor of the open courtyard will be paved with tiles similar to those used in the original design, while the four halls around the open court will be covered in a manner consistent with the mosque’s architectural style to protect the edifice from rain. A new lighting system will be also installed. The third and final phase will include the restoration of the decorative features inside and outside the mosque building. Sultan al-Zâhir Baybars was one of the greatest of the Mameluke sultans who ruled Egypt in the mediaeval period, and he is remembered for his battles against the Mongols and the Crusaders. Baybars possessed unique qualities that enabled him to rise from the position of a slave to become the ruler of Egypt from 1260 to 1277 CE. As a military leader, he accomplished enormous achievements for his adopted country. He originally came from Central Asia and what is now Kazakhstan. He established good relations with many foreign nations, sending ambassadors to the Byzantine Empire and the kingdom of Sicily, and signing commercial treaties with Christian kings in Spain. Baybars’s great ideal was Salâh al-Dîn al-Ayyûbî (Saladin), the military leader and former Egyptian sultan who conducted holy war against Crusader strongholds in the Middle East. Baybars rebuilt the citadels and fortresses in Syria that had been destroyed by the Mongol invasion at the beginning of his rule, and he built advanced military infrastructure including new arsenals, warships and cargo vessels. In 1267, Baybars built the mosque that bears his name in the al-Husayniyya district of Cairo, now known as al- Dâhir, a corruption of al-Zâhir, the sultan’s first name. The mosque covers an area of 10,000 square metres enclosed by a 10-metre wall. It has three monumental projecting entrances. The main one in the western wall leads to a passageway with a domed ceiling at the beginning and ends with a shallow dome. Inside the mosque is a square courtyard surrounded on four sides by aisles. The most distinguished feature of the mosque is the chamber that precedes the mihrâb, which indicates the direction of Mecca, which is a square structure topped by a redbrick dome. The southern aisle consists of six colonnades; those on the east and west consist of three colonnades each, and the northern aisle has only two colonnades. All the latter’s arches are supported by marble columns.

The original doors of the mosque resembled those of the Madrasa al-Zâhiriyya in Cairo, while the dome would have been as large as that of al-Shâfi‘î Mosque. The rest of the plan is very similar in design to that of the Fatimid al-Hâkim Mosque, built 250 years earlier, but some modern scholars argue that it looks more like a fortress and consider it to be a symbol of the triumph of Sunni Islam. For Baybars, constructing a mosque of this size was part of his desire to establish his authority as a legitimate Muslim ruler. Raw materials for its construction were imported from all corners of the empire. Marble columns and wood were taken from the citadel of Jaffa, which Baybars had taken from the Crusaders. The marble was used in the facing of the mihrâb and the wood in the construction of the maqsûra (chapel). The mosque has been through many changes since it was built at the end of the 13th century. According to historians, prayers were held in the building until the early 16th century, almost at the end of the Mameluke period. But the Ottoman conquest in 1517 turned Egypt from a seat of power to a mere province, and under such circumstances the mosque was too big for the provincial government to maintain and it fell into disrepair. During the Ottoman period it was used as an army storehouse, where supplies such as tents and saddles were kept. During the Napoleonic Expedition at the end of the 18th century, the contemporary historian ‘Abd al-Rahmân al- Gabartî reported that it was used as a fortress and garrison for soldiers. In the 19th century, during the rule of Muhammad ‘Alî Pasha, it became an army camp and bakery, and later a soap factory. In 1812, Sheikh al-Sharqâwî, a prominent sheikh of the time, used some of the mosque’s marble columns to build the Riwâq al-Sharqâwî at al-Azhar Mosque. It is even rumoured that some of the columns were used to build the Qasr al-Nîl Palace. At the end of the century the British occupying forces used the mosque as a bakery and a slaughterhouse, hence the still-popular name of al-Madbah al-Ingilîzî (the English slaughterhouse). This continued until 1915. Amîn said that several attempts to restore the mosque failed until 1995, when a restoration project focussed on cleaning the mosque, removing some small shops in the external enclosure and raising the height of the walls to prevent future incursions. However, cracks were found in the walls of the northern riwâq (prayer hall). The Ministry of Culture blamed the contracting company, which said that the cracks were related to the mosque’s poor condition.

Work was halted, and the ministry filed a lawsuit against the company. In 2000 the dispute was resolved, and the company resumed the restoration work. In 2007, the government of Kazakhstan signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Culture to restore the mosque, seeing the building as marking the achievements of one of Central Asia’s greatest sons. (Nevine El-Aref, “Mosque restoration resumes”, Al-Ahram Weekly, February 26, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Reprise des travaux de restauration de la mosquée Baybars », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 15 février ; Hasan Sâlih, « al-Zâhir Baybars : des travaux de restauration sans fin », al-Watan, 3 mars). - - A Czech expedition directed by Miroslav BÁRTA recently made a great discovery at the site of Abûsîr, to the south of the Gîza Pyramids and between the Pyramids and Saqqâra. Abûsîr is the site of the “forgotten pyramids,” and the Czech expedition has been working there for many years, first under Miroslav VERNER, and now under BÁRTA. Last month it found a tomb at Saqqâra recording for the first time the name of a queen. Her name is Khent-kawes, but we know of two other queens named Khent-kawes. Khent-kawes I is known from Gîza, where Egyptologist Silîm Hasan found her tomb in 1932-1933. Some scholars believe that this Khent-kawes ruled at the end of Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, between the pharaohs Khafre and Menkaure. Her tomb is unique for a queen, and its construction may be evidence that she actually ruled in her own right. It consists of a huge mastaba that caused Hasan, its excavator, to designate it as a fourth pyramid of Gîza. The tomb, which had a boat located near its southwest corner, is associated with a settlement that may have housed the priests who maintained the cult of the queen after her death. This is the oldest such settlement to be found in Egypt, and the tomb is also associated with a structure that could be a valley temple. The settlement is surrounded by an enclosure wall. The title of the queen was Mother of the Two Kings of Upper and Lower Egypt, and these may have been kings of the Fifth Dynasty. It is also possible that this title can be read as two separate titles, as the Kings of Upper and Lower Egypt and Mother of the Kings of Upper and Lower Egypt. A second Khent-kawes is also known. A block of limestone inscribed with words “the king’s wife Khent-kawes” has been found, and this, associated with the Fifth Dynasty pyramid of Neferirkare at Abûsîr, indicates that she may have been Neferirkare’s queen. In the 1970s, a Czech expedition under Miroslav VERNER found a small pyramid that belonged to her. Strangely, this Khent-kawes had the same titles as the Gîza one. Scholars postulate that the Abûsîr Khent-kawes was the mother of the pharaohs Raneferef and Niuserre. VERNER believed that the Khent-kawes of Abûsîr was different from the one attested to at Gîza and that she also ruled.

The limestone discovered Regarding the third Khent-kawes, whose tomb was recently found at Abûsîr, the expedition found some two dozen symbolic vessels made of limestone and four of copper. The most interesting find was in the burial chamber, where an inscription indicating that Queen Khent-kawes III was the wife of a king and also the mother of a king was found. Scholars theorise that this queen was the wife of King Raneferef, who was buried in an unfinished pyramid at Abûsîr, and VERNER was able to recover evidence attributing the pyramid to this king. Egyptologist Mark LEHNER believes that even though this pyramid is unfinished, it may be the only one in Egypt that can provide us with information regarding how Fifth Dynasty pyramids were constructed and how they functioned as ritual centres. We know that the king who came immediately after Raneferef was the son of Queen Khent-kawes II. From all this we can conclude that the name Khent-kawes was very popular among the royal family in the Fourth and Fifth Dynasties. The discoveries also emphasise the power of queens in ancient Egypt, because the evidence proves that Khent-kawes I actually ruled the country. The other major discovery made at Abûsîr was the Abûsîr papyri written in hieratic script and found inside the temple of Neferirkare. The papyri relate the functions of the temple and the role of the personnel within it. The Arabic name Abûsîr is derived from the hieroglyphic word “pr-Wsir,” meaning the land or place of Osiris. The Greeks called the site Busiris. There are some 14 places named Abûsîr in Egypt. According to Egyptian mythology, each of these locations was thought to contain a piece of the body of the god Osiris, strewn all over Egypt by his murderer, the evil god Seth.

The site still contains many secrets that can reveal much information about the history of the Fifth Dynasty. But the question arises of why the discovery was announced to the media twice. The first announcement was made by the Ministry of Antiquities, while the second was made by the American University in Cairo. Someone should explain. (Zâhî Hawwâs, “The tomb of Queen Khent-kawes III”, Al-Ahram Weekly, February 26, 2015).

- - - -

III – MARS 2015 Mardi 3 mars 2015

The entrance of the side hall An 18th dynasty tomb belonging to the guard of the ancient god Amun’s gate, Amenhotep, has been discovered in al-Qurna on Luxor’s west bank. The tomb was uncovered by an archaeological mission of the American Research Centre in Cairo during excavation work carried out in the al-Qurna necropolis.

The tomb’s large hall Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told Ahram Online on Tuesday that the tomb is a T-shaped tomb with two large halls and an unfinished small niche at its end. An entrance leading to a side room with a shaft at its middle is found at the tomb’s southern side. “Such a shaft could lead to the burial chamber,” al-Damâtî pointed out. He went on saying that the tomb’s walls are painted with scenes depicting the tomb’s owner and his wife in front of an offering table. Hunting scenes are also decorating a part of the walls.

A painted wall depicting a cultivation scene Sultân ‘Îd, director of Upper Egypt Antiquities, explained that the tomb was subjected to deterioration and looting in antiquity as some parts of the decoration scenes and hieroglyphic texts are erased as well as the name of god Amun. Such action, asserted ‘Îd, indicates that the tomb was deteriorated during the religious revolution led by monotheistic king Akhenaten who united all ancient Egyptian gods into one called Aten. The tomb will be subjected to restoration in order to open it to visitors. (Nevine El-Aref, “Tomb of Amun gate’s guard uncovered in Luxor”, Ahram Online, March 3, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Découverte d’une nouvelle tombe du gardien d’Amon à Louqsor », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 3 mars ; Nayera Yasser, “Ancient tomb discovered in Luxor”, Daily News Egypt, March 3 ; ‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « Mise au jour d’une nouvelle tombe archéologique à Louqsor », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 10 mars ; Nasma Réda, « Amenhotep découvert à al-Qurna », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 11 mars). - -

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a approuvé une série de promotions décidées par le secrétaire général du Conseil Suprême des Antiquités dans la zone archéologique de Haute-Égypte. En vertu de ces avancements de carrière :

— Sultân ‘Îd est nommé directeur général des antiquités de Haute-Égypte.

— Mustafa Wazîrî est nommé directeur général des antiquités de Louqsor.

— Nawâl ‘Abd al-Gâbir est nommée directeur général des antiquités de Tûd.

— Amîn Ramadân ‘Ammâr est nommé directeur général des antiquités d’al-Qurna.

— Tal‘at ‘Abd al-‘Azîz est nommé directeur général du temple de Louqsor.

— Gamâl Muhammad Mustafa devient directeur général de la documentation archéologique.

— al-Qazzâfî ‘Azab ‘Abd al-Rahîm est nommé directeur général des antiquités de Karnak.

— Muhammad Yahya ‘Uwayda est nommé directeur des antiquités d’al-Qurna.

— ‘Âdil ‘Irfân est nommé directeur des missions et des fouilles archéologiques dans la zone d’al-Qurna.

— Hikmat ‘Arabî est nommée directeur de la recherche scientifique dans la zone d’al-Qurna.

— Muna Fathî Sa‘d est nommée directeur du temple de Karnak.

— Enfin, Nâhid Ahmad Mahmûd est nommée directeur des recherches scientifiques à Louqsor. (Mustafa Gabr, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie approuve le nouvel organigramme dans la zone archéologique de Haute-Égypte », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 3 mars 2015). - - Mercredi 4 mars 2015 Alexandrie, les milieux archéologiques, mais aussi les habitants de la ville ne cachent pas leur indignation face à la décision des autorités locales de démolir une partie du mur historique du port Est, l’un des monuments les plus importants de la ville. La raison de cette démolition n’est pas moins scandaleuse que l’acte lui-même. Il s’agit en fait de construire un parking privé pour servir le complexe des tribunaux dans le quartier de Manshiyya. « Construire un parking dans cet endroit, c’était la solution que j’ai proposée pour trouver une place aux dizaines de voitures qui se garent un peu n’importe comment sur la corniche, provoquant un vrai problème de circulation », se vante Ahmad Abû Tâlib, chef du quartier Gumruk. Pour les archéologues, il s’agit simplement d’une catastrophe en plus qui s’ajoute aux violations qui frappent le patrimoine alexandrin depuis des années. Muhammad ‘Awad, professeur d’architecture à la faculté de Génie d’Alexandrie, explique que le mur de la corniche dans le quartier de Manshiyya a été construit pendant le règne de ‘Abbâs Hilmî II en 1905. « Ce mur qui fait partie de l’histoire d’Alexandrie a été classé sur la liste, dressée en 2003, du patrimoine de la ville, en plus de toute la zone de Silsila devant la Bibliothèque d’Alexandrie. Il est donc interdit de faire n’importe quel changement susceptible d’endommager ces édifices », ajoute le spécialiste. Selon lui, le projet du parking n’est pas nouveau. « J’ai pu le freiner en 2008, mais malheureusement, cette fois-ci, ils ont réussi à démolir 3 mètres du mur, sans même consulter les spécialistes ». En tant que responsable actif dans le domaine de la préservation du patrimoine d’Alexandrie, le professeur ‘Awad n’entend pas laisser passer cette violation sous silence. Il promet d’en parler avec le nouveau gouverneur. De leur côté, les habitants ont lancé la campagne « Protégez l’héritage d’Alexandrie » dans le but d’arrêter ce projet. Sur les réseaux sociaux, ils affirment avoir envoyé une plainte au nouveau gouverneur qui n’aurait pas encore réagi. « Ce qui se passe actuellement sur la corniche du port Est est un vrai crime contre un chapitre de l’histoire d’Alexandrie, tous les responsables doivent être punis », s’indigne à son tour Ahmad ‘Abd al-Fattâh, un archéologue et membre de la campagne. « Le port Est d’Alexandrie qui commence du quartier de Silsila jusqu’à Baharî est d’une grande importance historique et archéologique. Ce fut l’un des ports les plus importants au monde il y a plus de mille ans. Ce port a été témoin de l’échange culturel et commercial entre l’Égypte et les autres pays du monde. C’est tout ce qui reste comme monument de l’ère ptolémaïque », souligne-t-il.

En fait, le mur en question n’est qu’un exemple de la vague de démolition et de défiguration qui balaie depuis 2011 les bâtiments historiques de cette ville portuaire. En l’espace de quatre ans, plus de 33 villas et bâtiments historiques ont été démolis sous le regard passif des responsables. Cette fois, c’est encore plus grave puisque le dégât provient de ces derniers. (Samar Zarée, « Un parking sur les ruines ptolémaïques », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 4 mars 2015). - -

al-Masrî al-Yawm received a copy of a pornographic video clip and photos shot at the Pyramids and Sphinx, which have been uploaded on three porn websites. Usâma Karâr, the coordinator of the Popular Front to Defend Antiquities in Egypt, said Wednesday that the 10- minute movie has been available online for nine months and includes several pornographic scenes filmed at Sin al- ‘Agûz area inside the Pyramid and near the Sphinx. The tour guide and the name of the tour company are clearly visible in the video, Karâr said. The scenes were made by Russian tourists who translated the clip into English later, he added. “Where was security during this incident? There is supposed to be an engineering unit inside the Pyramids, responsible for watching over the site. If a violation occurs, it should be spotted immediately,” Karâr said, pointing out that the security system installed in the are of the Pyramids cost LE230 million. A pornographic movie that won the best porn film award at the Cannes Festival was shot in 1997 in Luxor, Aswân, and the Pyramids, according to Karâr. He called for an immediate investigation into the incident and for tightening the control of tourists and tour companies. The movie was photoshopped in an attempt to harm Egypt’s reputation, Yûsuf Khalîfa, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, told al-Masrî al-Yawm. “Foreigners have their own culture, so we cannot object to kisses or acts taking place between the tourist and his girlfriend,” Khalîfa added. (“Porn movie shot at Sphinx and Pyramids”, Egypt Independent, March 4, 2015. Voir également « Le ministère de l’Archéologie nie le tournage d’un film porno au pied des pyramides », al-Bashâyyir, 4 mars ; Ahmad Mansûr, « Le secrétaire général du CSA : Le film porno des pyramides n’est pas authentique et vise à nuire à l’Égypte », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 4 mars ; « Le Daily Mail révèle photos à l’appui l’histoire du film porno des pyramides », Akhbarak.net, 8 mars ; « Le ministre de l’Archéologie avoue : Un film porno a réellement était tourné aux pyramides », al-Bashâyyir, 10 mars). - - En coopération avec la Bibliotheca Alexandrina, l’ambassade de Pologne au Caire organise le 24 mars un colloque international sur la sauvegarde et la gestion des sites archéologiques. Ce colloque de deux jours attirera des égyptologues, des archéologues et des restaurateurs du monde entier. Ils examineront les dernières découvertes scientifiques en matière de restauration et de préservation du patrimoine. Le colloque vise également à discuter un certain nombre de sujets, en premier le sauvetage, la préservation et le développement des sites archéologiques, les problèmes environnementaux, historiques et archéologiques affrontés sur le terrain. En marge du colloque se tiendra une exposition sur les derniers matériaux, les méthodes de restauration et l’expérience polonaise pour protéger les bâtiments historiques, notamment ceux de la ville de Noron gravement endommagés par la Deuxième Guerre mondiale. (‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « L’ambassade de Pologne au Caire organise un colloque international sur la sauvegarde des bâtiments historiques », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 4 mars 2015). - - Jeudi 5 mars 2015

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a reçu ce matin l’ambassadrice de la République dominicaine en Égypte, S.E. María Gabriella BONETTI, en présence de Kathleen MARTINEZ, chef de la mission archéologique qui fouille sur le site de Taposiris Magna. L’entretien a porté sur le renforcement de la coopération bilatérale en matière de recherches et de publication scientifique des pièces découvertes sur le site depuis sept années et entreposées dans le magasin de Mâriyâ. Sachant que les pièces les plus importantes seront transférées au Grand Musée Égyptien (GEM) pour y être exposées. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie reçoit l’ambassadrice de la République dominicaine », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 5 mars 2015). - - Vendredi 6 mars 2015

Novelist and writer Gamâl al-Ghîtânî called Thursday on Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al-Damâtî to announce the names of officials responsible for the scandal of the porn movie which was shot at the Pyramids and Sphinx area. al- Ghîtânî told al-Masrî al-Yawm the names of employees who allegedly disabled the surveillance cameras must be disclosed. He described the incident as “a crime against the country that could be exploited politically in the future.” Haram district prosecutors Thursday started investigating a claim filed by a citizen over a pornographic video clip, shot at the Pyramids and Sphinx, that has been uploaded on three porn websites. The prosecutors received four other photos, beside the video, with sexual content of tourists at Pyramids and Sphinx dating back to 2011, according to investigations. The backgrounds of the photos showed walls that have been demolished in the past few years due to changes carried out at the archaeological area of the pyramids. It also showed recruits with the Tourism and Antiquities Police who have been in service at the Pyramids area in 2011, according to investigations. Usâma Karâr, the coordinator of the Popular Front to Defend Antiquities in Egypt, said Wednesday that the 10- minute movie has been available online for nine months and includes several pornographic scenes filmed at Sin al- ‘Agûz area inside the Pyramid and near the Sphinx. The tour guide and the name of the tour company are clearly visible in the video, Karâr said. The scenes were made by Russian tourists who translated the clip into English later, he added. Minister al-Damâtî issued a statement Thursday saying the incident has been referred to the prosecution for investigation. (“Writer: Authorities must reveal officials who cooperated in Pyramids porn movie”, Egypt Independent, March 6, 2015. Voir également Radwa Hâshim, « Une pornstar poste ses photos de nu sur Twitter », al-Watan, 30 avril ; Ahmad Mansûr, « Carmen de Luz poste sur Facebook les photos de son voyage en Égypte », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 30 avril). - - Dimanche 8 mars 2015 A Belgium archaeological mission working at Tell al-Amarna area in al-Minyâ governorate, 300 km south of Cairo, revealed through satellite imagery how the ancient Egyptians built such a historically controversial and mysterious city. Tell al-Amarna was the short-lived capital built by the henotheistic 18th dynasty Pharaoh Akhenaten after he abandoned the traditional Egyptian polytheism and introduced the worship of one deity, the power of the sun God Aten. The city was deserted shortly after Akhenaten’s death in 1332 BCE.

Tell al-Amarna is historically interesting, as it remains the largest readily accessible site dating from ancient Egypt. It is thus simultaneously the key to a chapter in the history of religious experience and to a fuller understanding of what it was like to be an ancient Egyptian. Though long periods of excavation work have previously unearthed remains of temples, chapels and tombs, no one had uncovered the details of the city until this week when the Belgium archaeological mission revealed its layout. Minister of antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî described the discovery as “great” and asserted that it will not only reveal how the ancient Egyptians built their monotheistic capital but it will also help in discovering more edifices of the city. He explained that the satellite images show that the northern side of the city was an industrial province, which extended 12 kilometres and also included a large collection of mines. Harco WILLEMS, head of the Belgium mission, told Ahram Online that their work succeeded in determining the location of several ancient corridors and roads of the ancient city, which were too hard to discover through normal material used in excavation because the surface of the land is very solid. Ramps and transportation paths from the mines to the city’s main road were also discovered as well as others leading to the Nile Valley. WILLEMS said that a harbour was found close to the river. The harbour was constructed to transport Talatât blocks to the eastern side of al-Amarna to be used in the construction of temples and other edifices. Al-Damâtî told Ahram Online that more studies are now taking place in order to understand these images in more detail, which could lead to further major discoveries in the future. (Nevine El-Aref, “The layout of al-Amarna ancient city revealed”, Ahram Online, March 8, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Les images satellites révèlent le plan d’al-Amarna », al- Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 7 mars ; MENA, « Les relevés satellitaires révèlent le plan d’al-Amarna », al-Shurûq, 7 mars ; ‘Alâ’ al- Dîn al-Zâhir, « La coopération entre le ministère de l’Archéologie et une mission de la Katholieke Universiteit Leuven révèle de nouvelles informations au al-Amarna », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 7 mars ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Les satellites révèlent le plan de la ville d’al-Amarna », al-Ahrâm, 8 mars ; Nasma Réda, « L’imagerie d’Akhenaton enfin révélée », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 25 mars). - -

In a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Housing, and Antiquities, Wakâlat Qâytbây will be restored, while Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque will be built with an EGP 75m budget. Project Manager Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Azîz announced that the renovations of Wakâlat Qâytbây will focus mainly on the top floor, due to its severe damage. The current plan suggests turning the place into a historic hotel by reserving its identity. Wakâlat Qâytbây was built during the Mamluk era in the 15th century. ‘Abd al-‘Azîz added that Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque will be built among the religious shrines in the area, which include Sayyida Nafîsa square, Sayyida Zaynab mosque and al-Husayn. This project is set to revive religious tourism in Egypt, as well as increase the ministry’s income. The mosque will host prayers in the area, while offering several services, such as the library and the celebrations hall, which are highly needed. Meanwhile, the latest techniques and technology will be used in order to give the project the suitable historic character.

Minster of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî praised the role of the Housing Ministry for funding the project completely and taking care of developing Old Cairo and the surrounding areas. al-Damâtî explained that this project will create new touristic destinations in Egypt, which will increase the number of job opportunities in the governorate, as well as boosting tourism. (Nayera Yasser, “Ministries of Housing, Antiquities to restore Islamic Cairo”, Daily News Egypt, March 8, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Lancement de la restauration de Wakâlat Qâytbây et de la mosquée Sayyida Ruqayya pour un montant de 75 millions L.E. », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 5 mars ; MENA, « Début de la restauration de Wakâlat Qâytbây et de la mosquée Sayyida Ruqayya pour un montant de 75 millions L.E. », al-Shurûq, 5 mars). - -

Part of a statue representing a sitting woman has been discovered by the Egyptian Tourist Police in Akhmîm in the Suhâg Governorate. The statue, which was confirmed to be original by Minster of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî, was found during digging to establish a new residential tower in Akhmîm Sharq city. General Director of the Suhâg Archaeological Area, Gamâl ‘Abd al-Nâsir, announced that the statue is 140cm tall and 56cm wide. Moreover, it represents the lower part of a sitting woman. Additionally, at the left side of the statue appear four vertical hieroglyphic lines in bas-relief of the titles of the pharaoh, Ramses II.

The statue’s cleaning procedures and text studies are currently ongoing. al-Damâtî also said further inspections are being carried out to determine whether the construction site contains other archaeological objects or not. (“Pharaonic statue discovered in Suhâg”, Daily News Egypt, March 8, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Découverte d’un fragment d’une statue à Suhâg », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 4 mars ; MENA, « Découverte de la partie inférieure d’une statue en pierre à Suhâg », al-Shurûq, 4 mars ; Nasma Réda, « Une statue saisie par la police à Suhâg », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 25 mars). - - Lundi 9 mars 2015

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a reçu ce matin l’ambassadeur de Suisse au Caire, S.E. M. Markus LEITNER, afin d’examiner les moyens de renforcer la coopération archéologique bilatérale. L’entretien a porté sur la participation suisse au projet de restauration de la façade du musée d’Art islamique, en coopération avec l’American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE). De son côté, M. LEITNER a affirmé que son gouvernement est disposé à appuyer techniquement et financièrement les projets archéologiques en Égypte. Il s’agit, entre autres, du projet de réaménagement du musée national d’Ismâ‘îliyya : aménagement de la salle dédiée à accueillir la tombe de Kenamon découverte à Tell al-Maskhûta, installation d’un laboratoire de restauration et de vitrines d’exposition. Parmi les projets proposés à la partie suisse figurent le réaménagement du site de Mârînâ al-‘Alamayn, la restauration et le réaménagement du musée archéologique de Banî Swayf, etc. L’entretien a porté également sur la possibilité d’organiser une exposition archéologique islamique en Suisse. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « al-Damâtî reçoit l’ambassadeur de Suisse », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 9 mars 2015. Voir également ‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « Coopération entre le ministère de l’Archéologie et la Suisse », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 9 mars). - - Jeudi 12 mars 2015 In 1859, the Frenchman Auguste MARIETTE found a huge double statue of Amenhotep III and his favourite queen, Tiye. MARIETTE was the first director of antiquities in Egypt and “discovered” famous monuments like the Serapeum at Saqqâra and the Valley Temple of Chephren at Gîza. The statue was found at Madînat Hâbû, the great temple of Ramses III in western Thebes, near the Roman Court. But the statue originally stood at the great southern gate of the funerary temple of Amenhotep III at Kom al-Hîtân, to the east of Madînat Hâbû. When the statue was discovered, many sections of the figures of the king and queen were missing and had to be restored by filling in the gaps. The restoration work was carried out at the turn of the last century, by an Italian artist and restorer. He clearly showed the difference between the original parts of the statue and the restored portions. The statue is now housed in the Cairo Museum, at the end of the main hall on the ground floor. The king is shown seated, with his hands placed flat on his knees. Queen Tiye sits beside him, with one arm placed around the king’s waist. Between them is a small statue of one of their daughters, perhaps the one who married her brother Akhenaton and was the mother of Tutankhamun. The most interesting characteristic of this statue is that the figure of the queen is the same size as that of the king. This is considered unusual because a queen was always shown as being significantly shorter than a king. This sculpture shows the power of Queen Tiye, the beloved of Amenhotep III. He built a palace and had an artificial lake constructed at Malkata so he could sail in the royal barge with his favourite queen. Egyptologists Hourig SOUROUZIAN and Rainer STADELMANN are now working at the Kom al-Hîtân Temple. They have found other huge standing statues of the king and queen, as well as of Sekhmet, the goddess of war and healing. This has led some scholars to speculate that Amenhotep III suffered ill health at the end of his reign, and that the statues of Sekhmet were intended to help him become well again. Thanks to the expedition’s good work, the temple can now be reconstructed, except for the northern section, where a modern restaurant and house are located. The second part of this story began when the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded a project supported by Fâyza Abû al-Nagâ, the minister of international co-operation. The project began in 2009 and was intended to lower the level of the water table around the temples on the west bank at Luxor. The team worked under my direction and was headed by ‘Abd al-Ghaffâr Wagdî and others. In the course of our work at Madînat Hâbû, we came away with many surprises, including the recovery of more than 16 pieces that appeared to be statue fragments. We then became detectives, searching for the statue that the missing pieces had come from. Because the statue must have been a huge one, we decided that we should look at two kings — Amenhotep III and Ramses II. Their reigns were known to feature colossal statues. We faced a problem, however, because the pieces that we discovered were not inscribed, and they could not be easily dated. But we had a clue: because some of the statues of Amenhotep III had been found at Madînat Hâbû, we began to wonder if these blocks belonged to the famous double- seated statue of the king and queen.

This statue was missing many parts when it was first recovered. Through careful examination and study, we were able to confirm that the newly found pieces included Queen Tiye’s left arm and leg, and part of the king’s names. Other fragments matched gaps in the statue. When our newly discovered pieces are incorporated into the statue, it will be about 70 per cent complete. (Zâhî Hawwâs, “Finding the missing pieces”, Al-Ahram Weekly, March 12, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Réérection d’une statue d’Amenhotep III et de la reine Tiyi en Haute-Égypte », al- Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 21 mars). - -

The Antiquities Ministry has unearthed a new Pharaonic tomb at the al-Qurna archeological site in the Luxor governorate. The ministry, in collaboration with the American Research Center mission, found the tomb while digging in the area. Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al-Damâtî said that the new cemetery belongs to a person named Sa-mut, while his wife is called Ta Kha-At. It is estimated that the tomb dates back to the era of the modern state in the eighteenth dynasty of the New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC). al-Damâtî noted that the cemetery has various scenes that reflect the nature of daily life during that era. Moreover, it illustrates the ceremonies made for the tomb owner and his family. “Apparently, the tomb might has been looted, because some inscriptions and scenes have been erased,” al-Damâtî said. Head of the American Research Center mission John SHERMAN said that the tomb was discovered a few days after the discovery of the Amen Hotep Rebeo tomb, at the same archeological site. This finding opens the way for further discoveries in the next phase, which will need more work to reach additional scientific and archaeological discoveries. On 3 March, al-Damâtî reported that the ministry discovered a new tomb at the al-Qurna archeological site in Luxor for a person named Amonhotep, who was the porter of Amun. Meanwhile, archaeologist ‘Alî Hinnâwî, an Egyptian team mission member said that the new tomb is located in the east of the tomb No. TT110, as both shares an open yard. “The new tomb consists of a cross-sectional reception, centered with a well filled with Rudiment,” Hinnâwî said. (“New tomb discovered in Luxor”, Egypt Independent, March 12, 2015). - -

Les villes de Louqsor et de Turin ont conclu un accord de coopération dans les domaines culturels, archéologiques et académiques. Cet accord a été signé par le gouverneur de Louqsor, Muhammad Badr, et le maire de Turin, Piero FASSINO. L’accord prévoit un échange d’expertises en matière de restauration archéologique, de découverte, de préservation et de gestion des sites historiques. À cela s’ajoutent la coopération entre les musées des deux villes, la tenue d’ateliers et de stages, l’échange de restaurateurs et l’organisation d’expositions archéologiques. (Rânyâ ‘Abd al-‘Âtî, « Coopération culturelle entre l’Égypte et l’Italie », al-Ahrâm, 12 avril 2015). - -

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a reçu ce matin le ministre libyen de la Culture, ‘Umar al- Quwayrî, pour examiner les moyens de renforcement de la coopération bilatérale. L’entretien a porté sur l’appui prodigué par l’Égypte pour la préservation du patrimoine archéologique libyen considéré comme partie intégrante de l’histoire et de l’identité du monde arabe. Les deux hauts responsables ont convenu de l’envoi d’experts égyptiens en Libye dans les différents domaines : restauration, musées, fouilles archéologiques, création d’entrepôts muséologiques, fouilles sous-marines, etc. La transmission du savoir vise à former des cadres archéologiques et des restaurateurs libyens. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « al-Damâtî reçoit le ministre libyen de la Culture », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 12 mars 2015). - - Mercredi 14 mars 2015 Le secrétaire général du Conseil Suprême des Antiquités, Dr Mustafa Amîn, a décidé une série de novelles nominations : — Ashraf Mahmûd est nommé directeur général des antiquités islamiques et coptes en Basse-Égypte et au Sinaï. — Dr Sâmî Sâlih ‘Abd al-Mâlik devient directeur général des antiquités islamiques et coptes à l’Est du Delta. — ‘Âdil Ghunaym est nommé à la tête des antiquités de Wâdî al-Natrûn. — Dr Muhammad al-Shishtâwî est nommé directeur général des antiquités islamiques à Gîza. — Enfin, Gamâl al-Hawwârî s’occupera des antiquités de la Citadelle de Salâh al-Dîn. (« Nouvelles réaffectations des cadres du département des antiquités islamiques et coptes », al-Ahrâm, 14 mars 2015. Voir également MENA, « Du sang jeune injecté dans le département des antiquités islamiques et coptes », al-Shurûq, 13 mars). - - Dimanche 15 mars 2015

The minaret consolidated with scaffollding After two years of conservation work at the Fâtima al-Shaqrâ’ mosque, its leaning minaret is to be straightened. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told Ahram Online that an archaeological team had finally completed all investigations into the minarets condition and restoration work will begin in collaboration with the Ministry of Endowments. The restoration will be undertaken within the framework of the Historic Cairo rehabilitation project, which is in its third phase, he added. Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Azîz of the ministry’s Islamic monuments department, explained that the mosque had been restored except for the minaret, which is leaning some 12cm. The mosque, which is located in the Bâb al-Khalq area of Cairo, was built in 1477 CE by Rashîd al-Dîn al-Bahâ’î for Fâtima al-Shaqrâ’, the wife of the Sultan Qâytbây. During the Ottoman period, the mosque was renovated and renamed the Mar’a Mosque, the Women’s Mosque, instead. The mosque has two tombs, one dedicated to al-Shaqrâ’ and the other dedicated to an unknown person. Time has taken its toll on the mosque since its last restoration, and before its present rehabilitation cracks had spread in its walls, its masonry had been broken, and water had leaked over its floors. When in 1992, the mosque’s minaret started to lean some 12cm, the Ministry of Antiquities stepped in to consolidate it with wooden and iron scaffolding. This restoration work then stopped until 2004 when work resumed on the mosque, without, however, treating the problem of the leaning minaret. But the masonry was repaired, the walls consolidated and the cracks restored. The mosque’s minaret remains in a dangerous condition, and earlier in 2013 the ministry assigned an archaeological committee to inspect its condition in order to undertake the required procedures for restoration. (Nevine El-Aref, “Leaning minaret on downtown Cairo mosque to be restored”, Ahram Online, March 15, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « 1,1 millions L.E. pour la restauration du minaret de la mosquée Fâtima al-Shaqrâ’ », al-Yawm al- Sâbi‘, 11 mars ; MENA, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie lance la restauration du minaret de la mosquée Fâtima al- Shaqrâ’ dans le cadre du projet de réaménagement du Caire historique », al-Shurûq, 11 mars ; Muhammad ‘Abd al- Mu‘tî, « Restauration du minaret de la mosquée Fâtima al-Shaqrâ’ », al-Ahrâm, 12 mars). - - Mardi 17 mars 2015 The monumental bridge of Muhammad ‘Alî, built in 1824 over al-Qanâtir al-Khayriyya barrage in al-Qalyûbiyya district, is safe and sound despite being hit by a bomb explosion last night. Muhammad ‘Abd al-Latîf, head of the Islamic antiquities department at the ministry of antiquities, told Ahram Online that the bridge is very well preserved except of four windows located on its side wall. The windows, he explained, are small open niches on the sidewall of the bridge used by pedestrians to stand on and freely admire the Nile or the water of the barrage. He continued to say that the windows are partly damaged and the explosion made holes of 50x30cm in diameter in each one. “The most destructed window is the one near the explosion and it needs an immediate intervention in order to prevent its collapse,” asserted ‘Abd al-Latîf, adding that scaffolding will be installed immediately to hold it until the beginning of a comprehensive restoration work which will begin within two days. The other three windows are in a better condition but need restoration, ‘Abd al-Latîf explained. (Nevine El-Aref, “Limestone niches damaged on Muhammad ‘Alî bridge after a bomb explosion”, Ahram Online, March 17, 2015). - - Mercredi 18 mars 2015

La Bibliotheca Alexandrina vient d’accueillir une conférence sur la préhistoire dans le monde arabe. Zeidan Kafafi, ex- doyen de la faculté d’Archéologie et d’Anthropologie de Yarmouk en Jordanie, revient sur cette période qui ne suscite encore que peu d’intérêt dans la région. Al-Ahram Hebdo : Quelle est l’importance de la préhistoire dans le monde arabe ? Zeidan Kafafi : Sur ce sujet, la conférence est une bonne occasion d’échanger les points de vue. On cherche à mieux connaître la préhistoire et à permettre aux jeunes générations de profiter des expériences des spécialistes dans ce domaine. La préhistoire est une période très importante puisqu’elle est à l’origine de toutes les civilisations. — La science de la préhistoire est encore naissante dans le monde arabe... — Les pionniers de la préhistoire sont les Français. Cette science est née grâce à l’exploitation du carbone 14 dans la datation. Aux États-Unis aussi il existe des études très poussées dans ce domaine. Mais dans le monde arabe, la préhistoire est encore négligée. Il n’y a pas, dans les facultés arabes, de départements spécialisés dans la préhistoire, même pas de cours qui expliquent cette période dans les programmes universitaires. En revanche, au cours des dernières années, ont apparu des préhistoriens arabes de très haut niveau, comme on a pu le voir lors de cette conférence. — Quels sont les défis du monde arabe quant aux études sur la préhistoire ? — Parmi les plus importants : la terminologie et le budget. On vise à former un comité général qui a deux rôles : scientifique et financier. Il faut aussi unifier la terminologie préhistorique entre les experts du monde arabe. Malheureusement, nos experts se basent sur les terminologies européennes et américaines. Les pays du Maghreb s’appuient sur la terminologie française, alors que la Syrie, par exemple, utilise l’anglais. Ce qui a résulté en une grande confusion entre les préhistoriens. Quant au plan financier, on est à la recherche de budget pour soutenir cette science. — Comment peut-on préserver et conserver les sites préhistoriques connus ? — Malheureusement, ces sites sont privés de tout intérêt touristique et sont négligés par les responsables. Les vestiges préhistoriques remontent aux origines de l’homme et sont les plus anciennes évidences de sa présence sur Terre. Il faut les conserver et les préserver de toute nuisance. (Doaa Elhami, « Zeidan Kafafi : Dans le monde arabe, la préhistoire est négligée », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 18 mars 2015). - - Jeudi 19 mars 2015

At the southern tip of Ruda Island in Cairo stands Manyal Palace, its exquisite early 20th-century architectural style welcoming visitors. Closed for ten years for restoration, the palace has now regained its original splendour. The site combines Fatimid and Mameluke styles, as well as Ottoman elements and features drawing on Persian, Andalusian, Syrian and Moroccan architecture, as well as European rococo. Prime Minister Ibrâhîm Mihlib, Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî and Prince ‘Abbâs Hilmî, grandson of the Manyal Palace’s builder, Prince Muhammad ‘Alî, cut the ribbon last week to mark the reopening of the palace to the public. During the opening ceremony, held in the Golden Hall of the palace, al-Damâtî said the restoration was carried out within the framework of the ministry’s mandate to preserve the country’s heritage and protect it for future generations. Ahmad Sharaf, head of the Museums Department at the ministry, told the Weekly that the restoration project cost LE61 million and included the main building of the palace as well as its gardens, mosque and clock tower. The buildings were consolidated and cleaned, and new ventilation and lighting systems installed in the palace and gardens, he said. An important part of the restoration was the strengthening and restoration of the ceiling of the palace’s Throne Hall, built in the 1940s, to reduce the load on the original ceiling. As part of the site’s return to its earlier glory, an adjacent hotel, built in the 1960s by the Egyptian Organisation for Tourism and Hotels (EGOTH), was removed and the garden fountains restored. The basement of the Golden Hall was converted into a storage space, Sharaf said. A new building housing a tapestry museum, a laboratory and administration offices was constructed in the gardens. All decorative elements found at the palace, including manuscripts, carpets, textiles, brass work and crystal pieces, have been restored.

Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Azîz, head of the Historic Cairo Rehabilitation Project, said the palace was built in 1901 by Prince Muhammad ‘Alî, son of Khedive Tawfîq and cousin of King Fârûq I, in a revived Islamic architectural style, unlike the European style usually employed for the royal family’s palaces. The prince chose Ruda Island because of its beautiful foliage, including Banyan trees, cedars, royal palms and Indian rubber trees, part of the Bustân al-Kabîr (the large gardens), established in 1829 by the prince’s great-grandfather, Ibrâhîm Pasha. “Prince Muhammad ‘Alî went on a mission to resurrect the old gardens in a large dedicated enclosure henceforth known as Manyal Palace,” Sharaf said. Rare species from around the world were introduced to the gardens. The prince thought of the palace as a haven for Islamic art. Its façade and gates are reminiscent of a Fatimid fortress, while the main entrance uses a 14th-century Iranian design. The two towers are in the style of Fatimid minarets. Elements of Mameluke architecture can be seen in the palace’s sarây al-iqâma (domestic spaces), especially in the main gate, as well in its use of mashrabiyya and the glass-embedded windows that overlook an Andalusian-style fountain. The palace’s mosque is built in the Moroccan style, while the Throne Room is in the Ottoman style. The latter style dominates the interior of the palace, which boasts a rare collection of 350 Turkish carpets, Turkish chandeliers, shell-encrusted arabesque ensembles, exquisite wall ceramics and a sun-ring motif decorating the ceilings. “The palace is also home to a rare collection of antiques that the prince collected from different parts of the world or picked out of the rubble of collapsing Mameluke and Ottoman houses,” ‘Abd al-‘Azîz told the Weekly. He said that the prince was keen to turn his palace into a museum, and in 1908 registered it on Egypt’s Heritage List for Islamic Monuments. He devoted the annual revenue from some 2,213 feddans of arable lands to its maintenance, but this was sequestrated after the 1952 Revolution. “The palace itself was never sequestrated, being registered as an antiquity,” ‘Abd al-‘Azîz said, adding that in the prince’s will he gave directions to convert the palace into a state museum. However, in 1965, ten feddans of the palace gardens were brought under the jurisdiction of the Tourism Authority and its affiliate company EGOTH, which leased the land to a French company that constructed two-storey wooden chalets on the land. The company filled in a lake and cut down trees to provide its new hotel with a swimming pool and tennis court. In 1984, a ministerial decree designated the palace and gardens as an antiquity, but the company did not vacate the gardens until 1994, when EGOTH started to look for another company to lease the land. In 1997, a renovation plan was launched for the re-opening of the then Manyal Palace Hotel. A ministerial decree was issued that same year, stipulating the removal of the hotel and all encroachments on the building and gardens. Negotiations between the EGOTH and the Ministry of Culture resulted in the latter winning the argument over the building’s future. In 2000, the ministry cleared the site of 18 bungalows, a complex with a capacity of 300 rooms, and the hotel’s kitchens and swimming pool.

A restoration project was then launched, but major work on the palace’s restoration only started in 2005. (Nevine El- Aref, “Manyal Palace re-opens”, Al-Ahram Weekly, March 19, 2015. Voir également Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Mihlib inaugure le palais Manyal après sa restauration », al-Ahrâm, 2 mars). - -

Le conseil d’administration du Conseil Suprême des Antiquités (CSA) a décidé, lors de sa dernière réunion, la fermeture du musée des Textiles égyptiens situé dans la rue al-Mu‘izz à partir du 1er avril 2015. Durant deux mois, le musée sera hors service, afin de recevoir les travaux de maintenance. Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al- Damâtî, a précisé que les travaux de maintenance consistent, surtout, à réguler le taux d’humidité qui affecte considérablement le bâtiment et les collections. Rappelons que le musée des Textiles égyptiens a été installé en 2007 à l’intérieur du sabîl de Muhammad ‘Alî. Les travaux de réaffectation avaient alors coûté 13 millions de livres égyptiennes. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Fermeture début avril du musée des Textiles », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 19 mars 2015). - - An American-Egyptian archaeological mission stumbled upon two exquisitely painted New Kingdom tombs in Luxor last week in a discovery that shows how skilful ancient Egyptian artists were. The tombs were uncovered in the Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qurna area on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor during cleaning work carried out by the mission from the American Research Centre in Cairo (ARCE). The tombs share one courtyard and their walls are painted with stunning and colourful scenes depicting their owners with the god Amun, and during hunting and cultivation activities. Other scenes show the tombs’ owners and their wives in front of an offering table. The first tomb belongs to a guard of the temples of the god Amun named Amenhotep Rabiu and his wife Satamen. The second belongs to a noble called Samut and his wife Takhaeet. “The incredibly beautiful works displayed in the tombs demonstrate once again the majesty of the ancient Egyptians and their unequalled skill in creating gorgeous murals depicting scenes from Egyptian life,” said Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî. Sultân ‘Îd, director of Upper Egyptian Antiquities at the ministry, said that the tombs were looted in antiquity, as their funerary collections and sarcophagi are missing. Some parts of the decoration and hieroglyphic texts were also erased, as well as the name of the god Amun, indicating that the tombs could have been damaged during the religious revolution led by the monotheistic king Akhenaten, who united all the ancient Egyptian gods into a single god, known as Aten. Amenhotep’s tomb is T-shaped with two large halls and an unfinished small niche at the rear of the tomb. An entrance leading to a side room with a shaft in the middle is at the tomb’s southern side. “A shaft of this type could lead to the burial chamber,” al-Damâtî said.

The second tomb is composed of a rectangular hall with a shaft, now filled with sand, in the middle. Two doors opening to the first tomb were also found. Both tombs will now be restored. (Nevine El-Aref, “Luxor tombs found”, Al-Ahram Weekly, March 19, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie annonce la découverte d’une nouvelle tombe à Louqsor », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 10 mars).

- - Dimanche 22 mars 2015

After five years of restoration the first and fifth Sphinxes Avenues, which once connected both Karnak and Luxor temples in ancient times, are to be opened tomorrow night for the first time. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al- Damâtî is to cut the ribbon to open a new tourist destination in the town. He told Ahram Online that the restoration of the Sphinx Avenue and installing new lightening and security systems in Luxor temple came within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to protect the country’s ancient shrine. al-Damâtî explained that the development of Luxor’s temple lighting and security systems is a part of a Spanish grant of 150 million euros used for the implementation of a scheme to protect every archaeological site in Theban so they can be visited at night and be well-protected. He went on to say that the new lighting system is made according to the latest technology, which guarantees the preservation of the temple walls and engravings. For his part Major General Muhammad al-Shaykha, head of the Projects Department at the ministry of antiquities, said that the security system installed in the temple includes of an electronic curtain stretched around the temple, along with monitoring cameras connected to a TV circuit. He told Ahram Online that the restoration of the first and fifth sections of the Sphinxes Avenue represents 37 per cent of the whole path. It was carried out in collaboration with the National Service Projects with a budget of LE66.5 million. He went on to say that the restoration work of the first section, which stretches from the Luxor temple to 350 metres long, includes the removal of all encroachment as well as the consolidation of the avenue’s eastern wall and the restoration of the sphinxes themselves. The restoration of the 600-metre-long fifth section extends from the area behind Luxor Library to the town’s airport road. al-Shaykha pointed out that restoration is continuing on the other sections of the avenue in order to open more sections soon. (Nevine El-Aref, “Two sections of Sphinxes Avenue in Luxor to open”, Ahram Online, March 22, 2015). - -

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a tenu hier soir une conférence de presse dans le temple de Louqsor, afin d’annoncer l’achèvement du projet d’éclairage et de sécurisation de ce temple. Réalisé par une société espagnole, ce nouveau réseau d’éclairage et de vidéosurveillance économise près de 70 % de l’énergie électrique gaspillée auparavant. 540 différents projecteurs, 100 projecteurs LED, 35 caméras de surveillance fixes et amovibles ont été installés. Le coût global de ce projet — qui englobe les temples de Louqsor, d’al-Dayr al-Baharî, la vallée des Rois et le dromos — s’élève à 20 millions d’euros. (Rihâm ‘Umar, « Achèvement du projet d’éclairage du temple de Louqsor », al-Tahrîr, 22 mars 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie inaugure le projet d’éclairage et de sécurisation du temple de Louqsor », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 21 mars ; Usâma al-Hawwârî, « Le temple de Louqsor dit adieu à l’obscurité », al-Ahrâm, 22 mars ; MENA, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie inaugure le projet d’éclairage et de sécurisation du temple de Louqsor », al-Shurûq 22 mars). - -

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a donné ses instructions de retirer les herbes sauvages qui envahissent le Médamoud et d’assainir le lac sacré de ce temple situé au Nord de Louqsor. Le ministre a également insisté sur la nécessité d’élargir la rue qui mène au temple, de résoudre le problème des eaux souterraines et de prendre toutes les dispositions afin de relancer les travaux de fouilles arrêtés depuis 1942. (Mustafa Gabr, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie ordonne le désherbage et l’assainissement du lac sacré du Médamoud », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 22 mars 2015). - - Lundi 23 mars 2015 La faculté de Lettres de l’université de ‘Ayn Shams, sous les auspices de son doyen, Dr ‘Abd al-Râziq Barakât, organise une journée culturelle dédiée aux musées égyptiens. Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, assistera à cette journée du 29 mars et donnera une conférence intitulée : les défis qu’affrontent les musées égyptiens et les moyens de les relever. De son côté, le superviseur général du musée d’Art islamique, Dr Ahmad al-Shûkî, parlera du musée d’Art islamique : espoirs et défis. (Ahmad Mansûr, « La faculté de Lettres organise une journée culturelle autour des musées égyptiens », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 23 mars 2015). - -

Dans le cadre de la coopération culturelle entre l’Égypte et la France, une convention a été signée aujourd’hui entre le ministère égyptien de l’Archéologie et le ministère français de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche. Cette convention porte sur le développement de la coopération et des échanges en matière de restauration et de préservation des pièces archéologiques entre le centre de restauration du Grand Musée Égyptien (GEM), le musée national de la Civilisation égyptienne d’un côté et, de l’autre, le laboratoire de restauration et d’études des matériaux de l’Institut français d’archéologie orientale (Ifao). La convention englobe également l’échange d’informations, la formation du personnel, la participation aux travaux et projets archéologiques. Elle a été signée, du côté égyptien, par le superviseur général du projet du GEM, Dr Târiq Tawfîq ; le superviseur général du musée de la Civilisation, Dr Khâlid al-‘Inânî. Du côté français, la convention a été signée par la directrice de l’Ifao, Béatrix MIDANT-REYNES. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Signature d’une convention entre l’Égypte et la France dans le domaine de la restauration », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 23 mars 2015. Voir également “Egypt, France sign archaeological conservation agreement”, Egypt Independent, March 24). - - Mardi 24 mars 2015

Ahmad Sharaf The head of the museums section at the antiquities ministry, Ahmad Sharaf, was arrested by police on Monday night at his office in Lâzughlî, downtown Cairo, after meeting with a Greek-Egyptian contractor who is working with the ministry on a restoration project. Sharaf was accused of taking bribes from the Greek-Egyptian in order to provide his company with a contract related to the restoration of Cairo’s Museum of Islamic Art. Doing so contravenes the agreement outlining details related to the restoration process, which was signed between the antiquities ministry and the UAE, which is funding the project. The MIA has been under restoration for more than a year after a car bomb exploded outside the Cairo security directorate adjacent to the museum in 2014. According to a source at the ministry who spoke on condition of anonymity, Sharaf has been put in custody while the case is investigated and his office has been locked-up by police. Director of regional museums, Ilhâm Salâh, is now temporarily in charge of the museums section at the ministry of antiquities. (“Head of Egypt museums arrested for taking bribe”, Ahram Online, March 24, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « La Cour des comptes interroge Ahmad Sharaf au sujet d’infractions financières », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 23 mars ; Muhammad Busayla, « Arrestation du président du département des musées en possession d’un pot-de-vin de 30 000 L.E. », al-Shurûq, 26 mars). - -

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a annoncé la découverte du plus ancien cas de cancer du sein qui remonte à la fin de la VIe dynastie. Cette révélation est le fruit des recherches menées par la mission archéologique de l’université de Jaen en Espagne sur des squelettes exhumés dans la nécropole de Qubbat al-Hawâ située à l’Ouest d’Aswân.

En effet, l’équipe de recherche a repéré des tumeurs malignes sur le squelette d’une femme enterrée dans cette nécropole. Ce qui prouve l’existence du cancer du sein en Égypte depuis des époques reculées. Dr al-Damâtî a souligné l’importance de poursuivre de telles recherches qui contribuent grandement à révéler des réalités archéologiques et historiques et ouvrent une fenêtre sur les détails des conditions de vie à ces époques.

De son côté, Miguel BOTELLA, le chef de l’équipe d’anthropologues, précise que l’examen du squelette indique que la patiente appartenait à la haute société d’Éléphantine. Son cancer du sein l’a probablement empêchée d’exercer toute activité. Néanmoins, il apparaît clairement qu’elle a reçu des soins durant toute sa maladie jusqu’à son décès. Le chef de la mission espagnole, Alejandro JIMÉNEZ, a rappelé que la mission a commencé ses activités à Qubbat al-Hawâ en 2008. Elle y étudie les détails de la vie quotidienne et des rites funéraires des gouverneurs d’Éléphantine et de leurs familles. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Découverte du plus ancien cas de cancer du sein de l’époque pharaonique », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 24 mars 2015. Voir également MENA, « Une mission archéologique découvre une momie atteinte de cancer du sein à Aswân », al-Shurûq, 24 mars). - - Mercredi 25 mars 2015

Une nouvelle maison de repos appartenant au roi Thoutmosis II a été mise au jour par la mission archéologique égyptienne opérant sur le site d’al-Qantara Sharq, à Tell Habwa, dans le gouvernorat d’Ismâ‘îliyya. Sur une superficie de 120 m2, elle est construite en brique crue. Plusieurs objets ont été trouvés à l’intérieur, tels que des poteries sur lesquelles sont gravés les noms du pharaon. Cette maison vient s’ajouter à deux autres déjà découvertes ces dernières années. La première appartient au roi Seti Ier, alors que la seconde est celle de Ramsès II.

Par ailleurs, le ministre des Antiquités, Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a demandé de modifier le trajet d’une nouvelle route pour éviter qu’elle ne traverse la ville antique de Tanis, la capitale de Ramsès II, célèbre pour ses trésors funéraires. (Nasma Réda, « Une maison de repos de Thoutmosis II découverte à l’est du Canal de Suez », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 25 mars 2015. Voir également MENA, « Découverte à Tell Habwa d’un rest house royal de Thoutmosis II », al-Shurûq, 2 mars ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie annonce la découverte d’un rest house royal de Thoutmosis II à Ismâ‘îliyya », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 2 mars ; “Pharaonic rest house discovered east of Suez Canal”, Egypt Independent, March 2 ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Mise au jour d’un rest house royal de Thoutmosis II à Ismâ‘îliyya », al-Ahrâm, 3 mars). - - « Le palais du Baron d’Héliopolis n’est ni vendu ni à vendre », jure le ministre des Antiquités, Mamdûh al-Damâtî. « Depuis 1993, c’est le Conseil Suprême des Antiquités (CSA) qui s’occupe du palais après avoir indemnisé les héritiers », précise Mustafa Amîn, secrétaire général du CSA. Le palais du Baron Empain est l’un des monuments les plus remarquables du quartier d’Héliopolis, voire de l’Égypte. Bâti au début du XXe siècle par l’architecte français Alexandre MARCEL, le palais du Baron est de style hindou. Sa construction a duré 9 ans, de 1905 à 1914.

Ces dernières semaines, plusieurs médias ont annoncé une vente imminente du palais Empain. Une rumeur pour l’instant niée par le gouvernement. Selon un communiqué de presse du ministère des Antiquités, « la publication d’un avis de vente d’un immeuble situé dans le même quartier que le palais, précisément dans la rue al-Thawra, et qui en plus était l’une des propriétés de la famille du Baron et donc porte son nom, a donné lieu à cette confusion ». Le Baron Empain a eu un rôle majeur dans la construction du quartier bourgeois d’Héliopolis. Quand il est arrivé au Caire, en 1904, il a créé sa propre entreprise, la Héliopolis Oasis Company, et acheté un immense terrain dans le désert aux forces coloniales. C’est lui qui a transformé ce terrain en ville, connue aujourd’hui sous le nom d’Héliopolis. Empain est mort en 1929, et a été enterré dans l’église basilique à Héliopolis.

Depuis plusieurs années, le palais Empain avait besoin d’être restauré, mais l’absence de financement semble y faire obstacle. (Nasma Réda, « Le Baron cherche un nouvel essor », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 25 mars 2015). - - Jeudi 26 mars 2015 Public outrage erupted today over rumours, which emerged in the media reporting that further damage occurred to Tutankhamun’s funerary collection during its transportation between museums. Some media reported that the wooden gilded chair of the boy king Tutankhamun was broken during its transportation between the Egyptian museum in Tahrîr Square to the planned Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) overlooking Gîza plateau.

Almost two months ago news broke about the flawed restoration work on Tutankhamun’s golden mask at the Egyptian museum. It was reported that three other artifacts of Tutankhamun’s collection were also damaged during their transportation. These objects, according to reports, are the top of the sarcophagus, a round offering table, and a marble vessel. The reports also accused the Ministry of Antiquities of negligence. “What has been published in newspapers are unfounded claims,” GEM’s director general Târiq Tawfîq told Ahram Online. He continued to say that the objects that were transported to the GEM were not broken and do not even belong to the boy king’s funerary collection, despite photos in the media which suggest this to be the case. “They are non-royal objects from the Old and Middle Kingdoms discovered in Dahshûr necropolis and were dismantled at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr, and not broken as claimed,” confirmed Tawfîq. The objects which were identified in the media as Tutankhamun’s chair, he asserted, is instead a non-royal table from the Middle Kingdom. The sarcophagus, the vessel and the offering table have been in two pieces since they were discovered last century and were not broken during transportation. ‘Îsa Zaydân, the head of restoration at the GEM, told Ahram Online that what was thought to be a sarcophagus, was in fact an Old Kingdom alabaster plaque that was discovered last century in two pieces. All the newly transported objects, Zaydân continued, are safe and none of them were broken. They came to the museum in their current condition and were subjected to normal restoration procedures like any other transported objects. An archaeologist at the GEM, who spoke to Ahram Online on condition of anonymity, said that the person behind the publishing of the false news is a former restorer at the GEM. The administration terminated his contract and transferred him to his original job as a restorer in the al-Manyal Palace restoration department. The official said that the former restorer at the GEM made up the rumours as revenge for his demotion. (Nevine El-Aref, “Tutankhamun’s chair is ‘safe and sound’, says museum official”, Ahram Online, March 26, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Grosse catastrophe : 4 pièces antiques dont le siège de Toutankhamon brisées au cours de leur transfert vers le GEM », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 27 mars ; ‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « Un haut responsable du GEM nie la détérioration du siège de Toutankhamon lors de son transfert », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 27 mars ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Les caméras d’al-Masrî al- Yawm confirment que le siège de Toutankhamon est en bon état », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 28 mars ; Nada al-Khûlî, « Les directeurs du Musée Égyptien et du GEM nient la détérioration de toutes pièces antiques lors de leur transfert », al- Shurûq, 29 mars ; Radwa Hâshim, « Le superviseur du GEM : la détérioration du siège de Toutankhamon lors de son transfert est mensongère », al-Watan, 29 mars ; Fâdî Francis, « Le directeur du Musée Égyptien : le siège de Toutankhamon est intact », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 30 mars ; Ahmad Mansûr, « al-Damâtî tente de réparer le siège de Toutankhamon avant de le présenter aux journalistes », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 9 avril). - -

Senebkay’s tomb The Pharaoh Senebkay was one of the first kings of the 13th Dynasty, known as the “lost dynasty of Abydos,” a small town near the Upper Egyptian city of Suhâg. His tomb was accidently found last year during excavation work by an American-Egyptian archaeological mission from the Penn Museum in South Abydos. Although the tomb was robbed in antiquity, it still bears witness to the political and social history of Egypt’s Second Intermediate Period and the lost Abydos Dynasty. According to tomb discoverer Josef WEGNER, an associate curator at the Penn Museum, the discovery of the tomb confirms the existence of an independent “Abydos Dynasty.” According to Danish Egyptologist Kim RYHOLT, this dynasty was contemporary with both the Kingdom of Thebes and the Hyksos Kingdom in the north of Egypt. The discovery also identifies the location of the dynasty’s royal necropolis in South Abydos, in an area called “Anubis-Mountain” in ancient times. Royal burials were placed here adjacent to the tombs of earlier Middle Kingdom pharaohs. “Senebkay’s name may have appeared in a broken section of the famous Turin King List,” said WEGNER. The Turin King List is a papyrus document dating to the reign of Ramses II and now at the Turin Museum in Italy. WEGNER explained that two kings with the throne name Woseribre, the first name of the pharaoh, are recorded at the head of a group of more than a dozen kings, most of whose names are entirely lost. The remains of the king were unearthed amidst the debris of his fragmentary coffin, funerary mask and canopic chests made of cedar wood that had been reused from the nearby tomb of Sobekhotep I and still bore the name of the earlier king and were covered in gilding. “Using objects from the nearby Sobekhotep tomb shows the limited resources and isolated economic situation of the Abydos Kingdom, which lay in the southern part of Middle Egypt between the two larger Kingdoms of Thebes and the Hyksos in northern Egypt,” said WEGNER. He said that the pharaohs of the Abydos Dynasty were largely forgotten by history and their royal necropolis had been unknown until the discovery of Senebkay’s tomb.

Ankle and skull of Senebkay Research and forensic analysis was carried out on the king’s skeleton after the discovery, revealing details of his life, the Abydos Dynasty and the Second Intermediate Period of which he was a part. In a report published on the Penn Museum website, WEGNER wrote that analysis carried out by Maria ROSADO and Jane HILL of Rowan University indicates that Senebkay lived during the latter part of Egypt’s Second Intermediate Period and died between the age of 35 and 40 years during a vicious assault by multiple assailants. “The king’s skeleton has 18 wounds penetrating to the bone, as well as vertical major cuts in his feet, ankles, knees, hands and lower back,” WEGNER said. Three major blows were found on Senebkay’s skull, the result of the use of battle-axes. “This evidence indicates the king died violently during a military confrontation, or in an ambush,” he added. The angle and direction of the wounds suggest that Senebkay was in a higher position than his assailants when they attacked him with axes. “He was possibly mounted on horseback, and blows to his back and legs caused him to fall to the ground where he was brutally struck on his head until death,” said WEGNER, who added that the shape of the pharaoh’s pelvis indicated that he was a skilled horse rider. “Another king’s body discovered this year in a tomb close to that of Senebkay also shows evidence of horse riding, suggesting that these Second Intermediate Period kings buried at Abydos were accomplished horsemen,” WEGNER wrote. The use of horses in battle was not common until the Bronze Age. Yûsuf Khalîfa, head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Department at the Ministry of Culture, told the Weekly that it was not clear if Senebkay had died in battle against the Hyksos, occupying Lower Egypt at the time. But if this was the case, it would make Senebkay the first warrior king to fight for Egypt’s liberation before Senakhtenre, the founder of the 17th Dynasty and grandfather of the pharaoh Ahmose, who defeated the Hyksos.

WEGNER said Senebkay could have died in a battle against enemies in the south of Egypt. “Historical records dating to Senebkay’s lifetime record at least one attempted invasion of Upper Egypt by a large military force from Nubia to the south. Alternatively, Senebkay may have had other political opponents, possibly kings based at Thebes,” he said. “Senebkay’s tomb and the discovery of seven royal neighbouring tombs shed light on an obscure period in the ancient Egyptian era,” Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told the Weekly, describing the discovery as “very important.” He said that Senebkay and other Abydos Dynasty rulers seem to have formed a short-lived dynasty and had chosen Abydos as their capital and burial ground.

Excavations by Penn Museum researchers are now ongoing in collaboration with the National Geographic Society in order to reveal more about this little-known dynasty. (Nevine El-Aref, “Death of a pharaoh”, Al-Ahram Weekly, March 26, 2015). - - The Gîza Pyramids, the one surviving wonder of the ancient world, have always been a focus of interest. Historians, archaeologists and scientists are fascinated by the mystery they emanate. They have also generated more extreme pseudoscience than any other ancient monument on the planet, being popular focal points for theories on ufology, the Illuminati and Atlantis. People who subscribe to such notions even have their own name now: “pyramidiots”. The most popular theory is that the Pyramids have supernatural or paranormal powers to preserve food, maintain the sharpness of razor blades, improve health and trigger sexual urges. It is not clear who came up with such ideas or what they are based on, but it has prompted numerous people to come to Egypt seeking to absorb the mystical vibes said to be trapped inside the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkawre. Pyramid power is said to cure a host of ills, give glimpses of the future, provide a better night’s sleep and even halt aging.

More recently, driven by the idea that the Pyramids can enhance sexual prowess, in the absence of guards or police to stop them, a group of people shot pornography on the Gîza Plateau that was later posted on the Internet by a Russian-speaking woman. The ten-minute video was apparently posted last year but did not generate attention until newspapers published screenshots with the woman’s breasts blurred out. According to reports, much of the video was shot in areas closed off to tourists and the actress is a young porn star named Aurita, who posts on a website called Porn Travelling. The video sparked anger in Egypt, where Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî referred the issue to the prosecutor general for investigation. A week after the incident a local, privately owned newspaper published a story about foreigners who came to the Gîza Plateau after midnight for a special ritual that newspapers have referred to as “Masonic.” The newspaper claims that the group spent the night in King Khufu’s burial chamber where they chanted, meditated in the lotus position and danced. Kamâl Wahîd, the head of the Central Administration for Cairo and Gîza Monuments, however, said the newspaper’s report was based on unfounded claims. “No Masonic parties or ritual processions have taken place inside the Great Pyramid or anywhere on the plateau,” Wahîd said. He went on to explain that hundreds of tourist groups come to the plateau for private visits, whether inside the Great Pyramid or by the Sphinx, for a special fee after they obtain the approval of Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism and the Antiquities Police. From two to four archaeological inspectors and a police security force accompany each group on these private visits. Before entering the Pyramid or the Sphinx courtyard, Wahîd explained, every tourist is subjected to inspection by police in order to guarantee that they do not possess illegal objects such as candles, cameras, liquids or any solid object that could harm the monuments. The tour guide is even required to sign a pledge not to let the group conduct rituals inside the monument.

“All these procedures take place according to Ministry of Antiquities regulations,” Wahîd asserted, citing cases where the police have prohibited private groups from entering the Pyramid. “Did the reporter see them or only hear about them?” Wahîd asked, dismissing the newspaper report and claiming it was bad press for tourism at a time when the country is in dire need of foreign visitors. “What kind of rituals is she talking about and what is her proof?” (Nevine El-Aref, “‘Pyramidiots’”, Al-Ahram Weekly, March 26, 2015. Voir également « Le ministère de l’Archéologie nie le tournage d’un nouveau film porno au pied des pyramides de Gîza », al-Bashâyyir, 4 mars ; Radwa Hâshim, « Des rituels maçonniques célébrés dans les pyramides », al-Watan, 21 mars). - - Samedi 28 mars 2015

À l’occasion de la Journée internationale de la femme, le ministère de l’Archéologie et l’Egypt Exploration Society présenteront leurs hommages au Dr Fâyza Haykal, professeur d’égyptologie à l’American University in Cairo. Dans son communiqué, le ministère de l’Archéologie précise que « ces hommages visent à couronner les grands efforts déployés par Haykal dans le domaine de la sauvegarde du patrimoine archéologique égyptien. Sans oublier son rôle pionnier dans le projet de sauvetage des antiquités du Sinaï entre 1992 et 1996 ». Rappelons que Fâyza Haykal a été la première femme à avoir participé à la campagne internationale pour le sauvetage des monuments de Nubie, la première présidente l’Association internationale des égyptologues, la première présidente du Congrès international des égyptologues en 1988. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie honore Fâyza Haykal », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 28 mars 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Muhammad ‘Abd al- Maqsûd surnomme Fâyza Haykal la Dame du Sinaï », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 29 mars). - - Dimanche 29 mars 2015 Le conseil d’administration du ministère de l’Archéologie, présidé par Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a approuvé le projet présenté par la mission archéologique italienne visant à démonter et transporter la tombe de Kenamon découverte à Tell al-Maskhûta, puis son remontage à l’intérieur d’une des salles d’exposition du musée archéologique d’Ismâ‘îliyya. Le président du département des antiquités égyptiennes, Dr Yûsuf Khalîfa, a précisé que ces opérations de démontage et de remontage de Kenamon seront entièrement financées par le côté italien. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie approuve le transfert de Kenamon », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 29 mars 2015). - - Lundi 30 mars 2015

The famous Egyptian statue Sekhemka will not leave the United Kingdom, the UK Culture Ministry announced. A 4,000-year-old statue was sold by Northampton Borough Council (NBC) last year despite an outcry from within the UK as well as other places, including Egypt. NBC sold the Sekhemka statue for £15.76m to an overseas buyer — widely believed to be from Middle East — in July to “help fund an extension to the town’s museum and art gallery.” Ed VAIZEY, minister for culture, communications and creative industries decided to “place a temporary export ban” on the statue. He said the statue was "gifted" to the council in 1880. The statue “will not be allowed to leave the country,” VAIZEY said. Arts Council England ruled earlier the sale breached the accredited standards for how museums manage their collections. Arts Council England banned Northampton Council from the Museums Association and accordingly has had a Heritage Lottery Fund bid rejected. VAIZEY’s decision is understood to be based on a recommendation by the reviewing committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA), which is administered by Arts Council England. The RCEWA said the statue was of "outstanding aesthetic importance" and was significant in the study of "the development of private statuary and funerary religion in Egypt and the history of human self-representation."

Save the Sekhemka Action Group praised the ban on exporting the statue. It said in a statement “Our group are obviously delighted that Sekhemka will not be leaving the UK.” However, the group, which has been campaigning for the statue for many years, remains “deeply disappointed that the situation has been allowed to escalate.” The statement described the NBC actions as “reckless” and “threatening” the future of Northampton museum. (Marwan Sultan, “Sekhemka is to remain in the UK”, Ahram Online, March 30, 2015. Voir également BBC, « Sekhemka interdit de quitter le territoire britannique”, al-Shurûq, 30 mars). - -

En coopération avec l’American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), le ministère de l’Archéologie élabore un projet de sauvetage du temple d’Abydos menacé par la hausse du niveau des eaux souterraines. Le directeur général des antiquités de Louqsor et de Haute-Égypte, Sultân ‘Îd, a précisé que le projet vise à protéger le cœur du temple et l’Osireion à travers l’installation d’un réseau de drainage et d’évacuation des eaux souterraines. En plus des travaux de nettoyage et de consolidation des parois décorées. (Deutsche Presse-Agentur, « Projet de sauvetage du temple d’Abydos », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 30 mars 2015. Voir également Deutsche Presse-Agentur, « Projet égypto-américain pour protéger le temple d’Abydos contre les eaux souterraines », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 29 mars). - - Le secrétaire général du Conseil Suprême des Antiquités (CSA), Dr Mustafa Amîn, a pris la décision n° 2587/2015 qui confie à Ilhâm Salâh al-Dîn Muhammad la responsabilité de gérer les affaires du département des musées, en attendant de pourvoir ce poste. Mme Ilhâm Muhammad est actuellement directeur des musées régionaux et superviseur des expositions archéologiques organisées à l’étranger. En sus de ces fonctions, elle devra assumer celles du département des musées, après l’arrestation de l’actuel titulaire du titre, Ahmad Sharaf, pour pot-de-vin. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Ilhâm Muhammad chargée de gérer les affaires du département des musées », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 30 mars 2015). - -

Du nouveau dans l’affaire de la disparition du vase en verre colorée inscrit sous le n° 577 dans les registres de l’entrepôt muséologique d’al-Ashmûnayn à Minyâ. Ce vase faisait partie des découvertes du Dr Sâmî Gabra. Selon des sources du ministère de l’Archéologie, ce vase a été volé puis substitué par une réplique brisée. Assertion niée, bien entendu, par le président du secteur des antiquités égyptiennes, Dr Yûsuf Khalîfa.

Toujours selon les mêmes sources, le directeur général des musées de Moyenne-Égypte et présidente de la commission d’inventaire du musée d’al-Ashmûnayn, Nagwa Ahmad ‘Alî, révèle : « J’ai subi des pressions après avoir relevé de nombreuses infractions que je ne saurais passer sous silence. Parmi ces infractions, citons le cas de la pièce n° 577 dont l’authenticité ne peut être établie qu’après sa restauration. Elle a été brisée en plus de 100 fragments. Voilà pourquoi j’ai décidé de me retirer de cette commission d’inventaire. J’en ai soumis la demande à la directrice générale des musées régionaux, Ilhâm Salâh. Celle-ci a toutefois refusé de recevoir ma demande. Elle a décidé de former une nouvelle commission d’inventaire ».

Nos sources précisent que la nouvelle commission aurait due être constituée en août dernier. Le retard est dû au fait que nombreux responsables refusent d’y participer à cause de la présence de nombreuses pièces non authentiques dans l’entrepôt. C’est le même constat fait par Nagwa Ahmad ‘Alî qui est monté mercredi dernier au Caire pour rencontrer le président du département des musées, Ahmad Sharaf. Manque de chance : ce dernier vient d’être arrêté pour corruption et pot-de-vin ! (‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « La présidente de la commission d’inventaire du musée d’al- Ashmûnayn se retire », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 30 mars 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Surprise : retrait de la directrice des musées de Moyenne-Égypte de la commission d’inventaire du musée d’al-Ashmûnayn », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 29 mars ; Ahmad Mansûr, « La commission d’inventaire du musée d’al-Ashmûnayn est à l’arrêt, malgré la disparition de quelques pièces », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 5 avril).

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IV – AVRIL 2015 Mercredi 1er avril 2015

Un an après sa destruction, le musée d’Art islamique à Bâb al-Khalq est aujourd’hui une vraie ruche d’abeilles. Pour lui rendre sa beauté d’antan, le travail se poursuit jour et nuit. Restaurateurs, techniciens et employés sont à pied d’œuvre avec un objectif précis : rouvrir le musée le jour de l’anniversaire de la guerre du Six-Octobre. Tâche difficile mais pas impossible. Le musée a été gravement endommagé le 24 janvier 2014 suite à l’explosion d’une voiture piégée devant le quartier général de la police du Caire situé juste en face. Les dégâts ont été importants, et même le bâtiment historique a été gravement touché. « La réparation du bâtiment de l’extérieur a un peu tardé, mais la restauration des pièces à valeur historique a immédiatement commencé après l’accident », affirme Hamdî ‘Abd al-Mun‘im, chef du département de restauration au Musée islamique. « Sur les 1 471 pièces qui étaient exposées lors de l’attentat, 175 ont été fortement endommagées, dont 10 presque entièrement », précise-t-il. « La restauration de ces pièces est presque terminée. Les restaurateurs ont commencé par les pièces les plus endommagées. Pour les dix qui ont été complètement détruites, on a toujours espoir d’en trouver des débris qui permettent de les reconstituer en se référant aux photos d’archives », ajoute-t-il encore. Les travaux sur les pièces en tissu et les tapis ont pris fin quelques jours après l’attentat. Ce sont surtout les pièces en verre et en céramique qui ont été le plus touchées. Six pièces en verre sont toujours en cours de restauration. Alors que trois grandes pièces en bois, à savoir le minbar de Ruqayya (fille du prophète Muhammad), le plafond suspendu et un moucharabieh attendent leur tour. Elles sont actuellement bien conservées en vue de leur restauration qui débutera après la fin des travaux d’aménagement internes, affirme ‘Abd al-Mun‘im.

Les réparations d’intérieur concernent les vitrines, l’électricité et le système de sécurité. Reste aussi la façade du musée avec son architecture exceptionnelle qui a besoin de beaucoup de travail. « La restauration de la façade et de la cour intérieure a commencé il y a seulement deux mois », souligne le directeur du musée, Ahmad al-Shûkî. Le retard est dû, selon lui, au manque de financement. « Les Émirats arabes unis ont versé une somme de 50 millions de L.E. pour la restauration des salles. L’United States Agency for International Development (USAID) et le gouvernement suisse ont versé ensemble près d’un million de dollars pour la restauration de la façade », a précisé al- Shûkî. Une autre assistance est venue de la part du gouvernement italien pour la formation des restaurateurs et l’achat de nouvelles vitrines.

À part les travaux de restauration, quelques rénovations seront effectuées. Une nouvelle salle sera aménagée pour l’exposition de pièces retraçant la vie quotidienne de l’Égypte islamique, des bijoux féminins, des jouets d’enfants, etc. « Des spécialistes venus des universités égyptiennes sont en cours de réviser les étiquettes descriptives des pièces exposées pour rectifier certaines erreurs historiques », ajoute le directeur du musée. Aussi le ministre des Antiquités, Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a-t-il décidé de relancer le magazine scientifique du musée qui s’est arrêté depuis 1998. Pour la même occasion, les responsables du musée se sont intéressés à leurs ressources humaines et accorderont désormais plus d’importance à la formation des inspecteurs, des restaurateurs et des employés. « Les travaux de restauration et d’aménagement prendront fin en juillet prochain pour prendre le temps d’exposer les pièces et d’éviter les surprises de dernière minute », conclut al-Shûkî. Le travail bat son plein en vue de l’inauguration du musée le 6 octobre. (Nasma Réda, « Le Musée islamique en pleine restauration », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 1er avril 2015. Voir également ‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « Inauguration du musée d’Art islamique en octobre prochain », Ruz al- Yûsuf, 19 février ; Ahmad Mansûr, « al-Shûkî : Nous œuvrons pour l’amélioration du scénario muséologique du musée d’Art islamique », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 1er avril ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Résurrection du musée d’Art islamique », al-Ahrâm, 7 mai ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « 100 000 dollars de l’Unesco pour restaurer le musée d’Art islamique », al-Ahrâm, 13 mai). - - Jeudi 2 avril 2015 During excavation work by the French Institute for Oriental Studies (IFAO) at Tabbat al-Gaysh in the south Saqqâra necropolis, two very-well preserved tombs were uncovered. The tombs belong to two priests from the reign of the sixth dynasty King Pepi II, and include their skeletons and a few items of their funerary collection. The first priest is named Ankhti and the second is Saby.

Vue générale du site de Tabbat al-Gaysh. (Photo : Nasma Réda) Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî explains that the walls of both tombs are very well decorated with paintings depicting religious rituals, among them presenting offerings to deities. He asserted that the paintings are still bearing their vivid colours as if they were painted yesterday, although they were dug 4,200 years ago. “These paintings are a good documentary revealing the type of religious rituals at that time as well as showing the skill of ancient Egyptian artisans,” al-Damâtî confirmed.

Tomb of Ankhti French Egyptologist Vassil DOBREV, head of the mission, explains that burial shafts are found at a very deep level inside the tombs. Saby’s burial shaft was six metres deep, while the one of Ankhti was found 12 metres deep. He went on to say that each tomb is built on two levels: the upper one is on the ground built of mud bricks, while the lower part is a rock hewn of limestone. Kamâl Wahîd, director of the central administration of Gîza antiquities, told Ahram Online that although a few alabaster vessels, offerings and the skeletons of both priests were found, both tombs were subjected to looting in antiquity. Both skeletons were found scattered on the ground and not inside sarcophagi. He explains that both tombs are almost identical and bear very distinguished scenes, among them the ancient Egyptian offerings painted on the walls of the priests’ burial chambers. It shows the pot of the seven ritual oils and the list of offerings with their names and quantities. Incense balls and copper burning incense are also depicted as well as head rests and necklaces worn by priests. (Nevine El-Aref, “Painted priests’ tombs uncovered in Saqqâra”, Ahram Online, April 2, 2015. Voir également MENA, « Découverte à Saqqâra de 2 tombes datant du règne de Pépi II », al-Shurûq, 2 avril ; ‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « Découverte de deux tombes à Saqqâra », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 3 avril ; Nasma Réda, « Tabbat al-Gaysh, extraordinaire complexe funéraire », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 29 avril). - -

Tonight the Gîza pyramids will be illuminated in blue to support Autism Speaks’s global annual Light it up Blue campaign to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day and the start of Autism Awareness Month. Nashwa Gâbir, head of the technical office at the Ministry of Antiquities, said that they chose the colour blue because of its positive effect on people who are affected by autism. The Gîza pyramid will join a list of nearly 10,000 iconic buildings and landmarks in cities across all seven continents that will shine a bright light on autism tonight. Gâbir said that throughout April, the ministry will organise a series of lectures and workshops for children in different archaeological museums. (Nevine El-Aref, “Pyramids in blue to support autism”, Ahram Online, April 2, 2015). - -

Qubbat al-Hawâ site At the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Qubbat al-Hawâ, near the Upper Egyptian city of Aswân, Spanish excavators, restorers and anthropologists have been hard at work since 2008. It was then that a Spanish-Egyptian team from Granada and Jaen Universities and the Ministry of Antiquities began excavations aimed at reconstructing the lives and funerary rituals of people living on Elephantine Island between 2250 and 1750 BCE. Elephantine Island was a ruling power in the southern part of Egypt, and its governors were almost kings of the territory since the country’s capital was some 100 km to the north. Led by Egyptologist Alejandro JIMÉNEZ, the team has unearthed a large necropolis with some 60 rock-hewn tombs filled with the mummies and skeletons of the island’s governors, administrators and nobles and dating back to the Old and Middle Kingdoms. Historically very important inscriptions have been found that show relations between Egypt and its neighbours in Nubia, now modern Sudan, over a period of nearly a millennium. Such discoveries highlight the importance of the Qubbat al-Hawâ necropolis not only for Egypt but also for the world as a whole. The site has revealed information about health and disease in ancient times and on intercultural relations in the distant past.

Tomb number 33 According to JIMÉNEZ, tomb number 33 was filled with 200 skeletons and mummies of top officials and members of the elite of Elephantine Island. It was built during the 12th Dynasty but was later reused during the New Kingdom, the Third Intermediate Period and the Late Period. The tomb, JIMÉNEZ said, has an intact burial chamber in which three decorated wooden sarcophagi were found. Analysis has shown that the population suffered from poor health, including members of the area’s elite and even the governors themselves. “They lived in precarious conditions on the edge of survival,” said Miguel BOTELLA, an anthropologist from Granada University. Average life expectancy was 30, and people suffered from malnutrition and acute gastrointestinal disorders due to drinking contaminated water from the Nile. “Analysis of the bones of children has revealed that they died from acute infectious diseases,” BOTELLA said. He said that the first mention of the Pygmies had been found in a scene engraved on the walls of Governor Herjuf’s tomb dating from 2200 BCE. “It shows three trips to central Africa, one of which mentions a Pygmy, the earliest mention of this ethnic group,” he said.

The diseased skull Last week, the team discovered the oldest evidence of breast cancer yet found during the examination of the skeleton of an aristocratic lady excavated at the site. Studies of the remains revealed extraordinary deterioration of her skeleton, including damage caused by the spread of breast cancer when it metastasizes in the bones. “The virulence of the disease stopped her from carrying out any kind of labour, but she was treated and taken care of during a long period until her death,” BOTELLA said. The discovery comes a year after the discovery of metastatic cancer in the skeleton of a young man who lived in ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago. The skeleton was unearthed at the Amara Wet site in northern Sudan.

“This is a very important discovery,” Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told the Weekly, adding that it contradicted views that cancer is a modern disease resulting from modern lifestyles. New evidence had shown that cancer is a very old disease, he said, even if it had not been detected as often in past centuries as many people died in middle age from infectious diseases or even earlier in childhood. (Nevine El-Aref, “Tracking ancient disease”, Al- Ahram Weekly, April 2, 2015). - - This week further controversy broke out about the conservation of the funerary collection of the ancient Egyptian boy pharaoh Tutankhamun. This time the object of concern was not the king’s golden funerary mask, the beard of which was clumsily reattached two months ago, but his gilded wooden chair. Local newspapers reported that a gilded wooden chair belonging to the boy king was broken during its transportation from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square to the planned Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) overlooking the Gîza Plateau. The report claimed that in addition to the chair three other artefacts from Tutankhamun’s collection were also damaged in transit. These objects were the top of a sarcophagus, a round offering table and a marble vessel. The report accused the Ministry of Antiquities of negligence, and photographs of the broken objects were published with the report. “What has been published in the newspapers are unfounded claims,” Târiq Tawfîq, director-general of the GEM, told the Weekly. He said that photographs published in the newspapers were of objects that were not broken in transportation and did not belong to the boy king’s funerary collection. They were non-royal objects from the Old and Middle Kingdoms discovered at the Dahshûr necropolis in the last century and stored at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square ever since. The object described as Tutankhamun’s chair was not a chair, he said, but a non-royal stool from the Middle Kingdom. It had not been broken, but only dismantled, since the way it was constructed made it easy to dismantle and later put back together. The sarcophagus, vessel and offering table were always made in two pieces, he said, and these objects too were discovered in the last century and were not broken during transportation. ‘Îsa Zaydân, head of restoration at the GEM, told the Weekly that the object identified as a sarcophagus was in fact an Old Kingdom alabaster plaque discovered in two pieces and stored in this condition at the museum. It had also been transported in this condition, he said. All the newly transported objects are safe and sound, and none of them were broken during transportation, he said. The only object broken during transportation was an inauthentic glass cover made by the museum’s curators to protect a papyri collection during transportation. According to Tawfîq, “1,700 artefacts” have been safely transported to the GEM from the Egyptian Museum.

An archaeologist at the GEM, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Ahram Online that the person behind the publication of the allegations was a restorer whose contract with the GEM had ended. “The supposedly broken objects were not broken at all, as claimed, but only dismantled for packing and transportation,” Tawfîq said. (Nevine El-Aref, “Tutankhamun’s chair safe and sound”, Al-Ahram Weekly, April 2, 2015). - -

In an attempt to teach young children hieroglyphics and introduce them to Jean-François CHAMPOLLION, the Egyptologist who deciphered them, the French Institute for Oriental Studies (IFAO) in Cairo recently organised an exhibition displaying a chapter of the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead. The chapter was rewritten by pupils from three primary schools in Egypt, who worked together with their teachers and an Egyptologist from the institute to write out texts they had chosen. “The preparations for this event started last October when some 150 students from three French schools in Egypt, five teachers and three Egyptologists from the IFAO met together to produce one chapter of the Book of the Dead,” said research director Nicolas MICHEL. He said that the idea had been to teach the students, aged nine and ten years old, the basics of writing the hieroglyphic alphabet and to introduce them to CHAMPOLLION as well. “The students were keen to learn about this history, and their class teachers followed the work with them,” MICHEL said. The students’ work included copying papyri, writing their names using the hieroglyphic alphabet, and engraving the ancient Egyptian life-key and Horus eye on soap bars. On display in the main hall of the IFAO is a painting of the jury scene, one of the chapters of the Book of the Dead that was copied by the children. Hasan Silîm, a professor of Egyptology at ‘Ayn Shams University and a researcher at the IFAO, described the painting as reflecting modern Cairo as well as the pharaohs and ancient Egyptian gods by the River Nile. The painting shows ancient Egyptian gods playing music and modern air force planes flying over the Pyramids. Silîm said the children had been affected by contemporary events since the 25 January Revolution. The project was part of celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the publication of CHAMPOLLION’s book L’Égypte sous les Pharaons (Egypt under the Pharaohs), published in Paris in 1814. An original edition of the book was on display at the event. “This book was published before CHAMPOLLION was able to discover the key to the hieroglyphic language. It was a beginning to his attempt to understand hieroglyphics,” MICHEL said. The book deals with topics such as the religion, language, history and geography of ancient Egypt before the Persian invasion in the 6th century BCE. Egyptologist Marie-Lys ARNETTE told the Weekly that the Book of the Dead had been chosen for several reasons. It is a very important religious text, she said, and working on it was an opportunity to explain Egyptian funerary concepts to the children. It contains texts and images, so the children can copy the hieroglyphics and have fun at the same time. One of the three Egyptologists working on the project, Florence ALBERT, is a specialist on the text, she said. Arnette said that this was the first time she had worked on such a scale with school students, helping them to learn and practice writing hieroglyphics. Many of them wrote their names, and all were enthusiastic and willing to participate in the project, she said. MICHEL said the project aimed at creating teamwork among the students and a spirit of cooperation rather than competition. The schools involved had selected the chapters they wanted to work on based on a Ptolemaic copy of the Book of the Dead provided by the IFAO. Arnette said that Chapter 125 was included because it showed one of the main themes of the Book of the Dead, the judgement of the dead in the presence of the god Osiris. The heart of the deceased, seat of emotions and thoughts, is shown being weighed, the divine jury then deciding whether the dead will live forever in heaven or be devoured by a monster and be condemned to eternal nonexistence.

“The results of the project were amazing,” Arnette said, adding that the children had carved hieroglyphs in soap so they could discover different carving techniques and understand their difficulty and written texts on potsherds so they could understand the writing tools used in ancient Egypt. Each class wrote and drew its own Book of the Dead, and all of them were very different from one other. Some of them were very close to the ancient copy, whereas others were funny and more up-to-date, she said.

“All the material has been returned to the teachers, so they can organise new exhibitions in their schools. Then the Books of the Dead produced will be framed and kept in the schools. The written potsherds, called ostraca, and the carved soap will be returned to the pupils, so they can keep reminders of the event,” Arnette concluded. (“Write like an Ancient Egyptian”, Al-Ahram Weekly, April 2, 2015). - - Vendredi 3 avril 2015 Le président du département des antiquités islamiques et coptes, Dr Muhammad ‘Abd al-Latîf, a décidé la nomination de Wagdî ‘Abbâs au poste de directeur général du bureau technique du département. Il a également nommé Munîr Sa‘îd directeur général de la zone archéologique de Sayyid Zaynab et d’al-Khalîfa. Ces nominations s’inscrivent dans le cadre d’une politique ambitieuse visant à récompenser les compétences réelles et à promouvoir la jeune génération. (MENA, « Wagdî ‘Abbâs est nommé directeur général du bureau technique », al-Shurûq, 3 avril 2015). - -

Samedi 4 avril 2015 Du 5 au 9 avril, le ministère de l’Archéologie organise un stage à l’attention des inspecteurs archéologiques dans quatre gouvernorats de Haute-Égypte : Suhâg, Qinâ, Aswân et mer Rouge. Intitulé Fondements et principes de la restauration, ce stage, organisé en collaboration avec la faculté d’Archéologie de l’université de Qinâ, donnera lieu à plusieurs conférences sur la méthodologie de la restauration à travers les conventions internationales, les bâtiments historiques de Qinâ et les moyens de les sauvegarder, la réaffectation des monuments entre la théorie et la pratique, comment rehausser la conscience archéologique en Haute-Égypte, etc. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Lancement d’un stage pour les inspecteurs archéologiques de Haute-Égypte », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 4 avril 2015). - -

Lundi 6 avril 2015 Le directeur général de la zone archéologique de Gîza, Kamâl Wahîd, a annoncé la fermeture de la pyramide de Chéphren fin avril prochain pour cause de restauration et de travaux de maintenance. Le réseau électrique et le système d’aération vont être remplacés. La pyramide ouvrira ses portes aux visiteurs dans deux mois. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Fermeture de Chéphren pour remplacer son réseau électrique et améliorer l’aération », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 6 avril 2015). - -

Le Comité permanent, présidé par le secrétaire général du CSA, Dr Mustafa Amîn, a approuvé l’inscription de l’église Sainte-Eugénie sur la liste du patrimoine. Située à Hayy Sharq à Port Saïd, cette église a été fondée en 1890. D’architecture néo-classique, elle renferme des éléments décoratifs distingués. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Sainte-Eugénie classée monument historique », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 6 avril 2015). - - Mardi 7 avril 2015 Le superviseur général du Musée national de la Civilisation égyptienne, Dr Khâlid al-‘Inânî, a annoncé que le comité scientifique se réunit deux fois par semaine, afin d’achever le scénario muséologique de l’exposition temporaire qui sera inaugurée cet été sous le titre : L’artisanat et l’industrie égyptienne à travers les époques. Le comité a déjà sélectionné les pièces qui y seront exposées. La salle d’exposition est en cours d’aménagement. Rappelons que le Musée national de la Civilisation égyptienne renferme neuf salles d’exposition. Cette première exposition qui sera inaugurée peut être considérée comme une ouverture partielle du musée. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Inauguration d’une exposition temporaire au musée de la Civilisation cet été », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 7 avril 2015). - - Mercredi 8 avril 2015 L’ambassadeur égyptien à Berlin, Muhammad Higâzî, et Friederike SEYFRIED, directrice du l’Ägyptischen Museums und Papyrussammlung, ainsi que le ministre égyptien des Antiquités, Mamdûh al-Damâtî, ont célébré, mercredi 2 avril, la restitution des 7 pièces antiques illégalement sorties d’Égypte et exposées en novembre 2013 au Salon international de l’artisanat à Berlin, pour être vendues. « Après de longues discussions et procédures juridiques, l’Égypte a réussi à récupérer 7 pièces antiques qui sont sorties illégalement du pays », s’est félicité al-Damâtî. Les objets rapatriés comprennent une tête gréco-romaine d’une femme, une autre en brique crue représentant Horus enfant, en plus de cinq amulettes datant de différentes époques tardives, dont l’une représente Isis et une autre Sekhmet. Cette restitution arrive en marge de la visite du ministre des Antiquités à Berlin pour inaugurer l’exposition « EIN GOTT - Abrahams Erben am Nil » (Un seul Dieu, l’héritage d’Abraham sur le Nil). Cette exposition, qui durera quatre mois, est organisée par le Musée national de Berlin et le British Museum, notamment. Elle renferme 300 pièces antiques uniques. L’objectif principal de cette exposition, d’après le ministre des Antiquités, est de présenter la coexistence des trois différentes religions sur les bords du Nil. (Nasma Réda, « L’Allemagne restitue 7 pièces antiques », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 8 avril 2015. Voir également Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « L’Allemagne restitue 7 pièces volées à l’Égypte », al-Ahrâm, 1er avril ; MENA, « al-Damâtî reçoit des pièces antiques sorties illégalement d’Égypte », al- Shurûq, 2 avril ; MENA, « Les visiteurs affluent à l’exposition EIN GOTT - Abrahams Erben am Nil », al-Yawm al- Sâbi‘, 10 avril). - - Jeudi 9 avril 2015

Egyptian archaeologists have reacted with anger to claims that the “Maydûm Geese” painting, on display in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square, is a fake. According to a recent study, the scene was in fact created in the 19th century and painted over a real Pyramid Age painting. Francesco TIRADRITTI of Kore University, director of an Italian archaeological mission to Egypt, published his findings in Live Science magazine and suggested that the painting may be a forgery. The painting was discovered in 1871 by the Italian curator Luigi VASSALLI in a chapel dedicated to Princess Atet, the wife of the vizier Nefermaat, the son of the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Senefru, inside his mastaba tomb near the Maydûm Pyramid in Fayyûm. VASSALLI took the painting off the wall and put it on display at the then Bûlâq Museum. In 1902, the painting was transported with the rest of the Bûlâq Museum collection to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square where it has remained until today. The painting depicts three kinds of geese — white-fronted, bean and red-breasted — and is considered to be a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian art. Although TIRADRITTI believes that doubting the authenticity of the painting is a painful step, he spent months on its study and used high-resolution photographs as part of his research. When he realised that the bean and red-breasted geese were unlikely to have been seen in ancient Egypt, being native to Greece and Turkey, he took a more critical look at the painting. He also found that some of the colours in the painting, especially the beige and mauve, were not used by other ancient Egyptian artists. “Even the shades of more common colours, like orange and red, are not comparable with the same colours used in other fragments of paintings coming from Atet’s chapel,” TIRADRITTI told Live Science magazine. He said that the way the geese were drawn, so that they appear to be the same size, was also unusual. The ancient Egyptians drew animals and people in different sizes, sometimes in order to convey their different importance, he said. TIRADRITTI said the cracks in the painting “are not compatible with the supposed ripping of the painting from the wall.” He said that in his opinion the geese were actually painted in the 19th century by VASSALLI, a trained artist, over a real Pyramid Age painting. “The only thing that in my opinion still remains to be ascertained is what was, or is, painted under them. But that can be established through non-invasive analysis,” he told Live Science. The claims have triggered the anger of many Egyptologists who see TIRADRITTI’s research as being based on visual examination and not on proper scientific research and technical study. “We cannot prove the painting is a forgery unless state-of-the-art scientific study is used, and this was totally absent from TIRADRITTI’s research,” Mahmûd al-Halwagî, director of the Egyptian Museum, told the Weekly. al-Halwagî added that modern scientific technique could also decide the date when the painting was made. Such equipment and techniques are available at the Ministry of Antiquities and the required procedures will now be undertaken to respond to these “lies”, he said. Islâm ‘Izzat, a restorer at the Egyptian Museum, said that magnetic and free electron equipment could be used to determine the date of the painting without taking a sample from it. “Electron spin resonance is the perfect technique to determine the age of the Maydûm Geese painting,” ‘Izzat said. “There is no reason to doubt the authenticity of the Maydûm Geese painting,” Târiq Tawfîq, director of the Grand Egyptian Museum overlooking the Gîza Plateau, told the Weekly, adding that the painting was part of a larger scene inside the mastaba tomb of Nefermaat, who was known for his fondness for innovation. The scenes were painted using the tempera painting technique, he said, which painted images on gesso before drying. This technique was pioneered by Nefermaat and was often used by ancient Egyptians artists, even though it could lead to cracks after drying. What proves the authenticity of the painting, Tawfîq said, is the fact that the upper limit of the painting bears the remains of the rest of the scene on the wall of the chapel, including the feet of hunters gathering birds, geese, and ducks with nets. Such hunting scenes were common in ancient Egyptian tombs from the Old Kingdom. In response to TIRADRITTI’s theory that the geese are not like those found in Egypt at the time, Tawfîq said that the area of the Maydûm necropolis was located in Fayyûm, which is on the birds’ migration path, and that they would have rested in the area during their annual trip from north to south and vice-versa. “It is probable that the ancient Egyptian artists were inspired by the shapes, colours and sizes of the birds and then drew them in their paintings,” Tawfîq said. “Nefermaat’s mastaba tomb contains rare paintings as its owner was fond of innovations and applied new techniques in the decoration of his tomb,” Tawfîq said. He added that Nefermaat decorated his tomb using a technique known as coloured pasti, even though this was not always successful after drying. “The technique leads to cracking after drying, meaning that the paintings cannot remain perfect for eternity,” he said. “TIRADRITTI’s arguments are based on mere speculation about the scene and one of the discoverers of the tomb, VASSALLI,” Muhammad Migâhid, a researcher at the Czech Institute of Egyptology at Charles University, told the Weekly. He said that the bean and red-breasted geese depicted in the painting were not absent from ancient Egypt, but on the contrary archaeological excavations of the tombs and chapels of high officials from the Old Kingdom have brought to light the remains of bean geese, proving the existence of this species at the time. Meanwhile, the red-breasted goose was depicted on wall decorations of the causeway of the pharaoh Sahure at the Abûsîr Necropolis from the beginning of the Fifth Dynasty onwards, indicating that it lived in or migrated through Egypt at that time. As for the argument about the colours, Migâhid said the same shades have been found in other tombs from the Fourth Dynasty and later from the Old Kingdom. For instance, the orange shade was used in the tomb of Queen Mersyankh III in the eastern cemetery on the Gîza Plateau, he said. Inside the offertory chapel of the queen’s tomb a scene with a procession of geese was represented, he said, and one of them had an orange beak in the same style as one of the Maydûm Geese. Concerning the size of the geese and manner in which they were drawn, something which in TIRADRITTI’s opinion was unusual, Migâhid said that this was another false argument. “Comparing this feature to the cranes and geese depicted in the tomb of Mersyankh III, we can see the birds are the same size in this scene,” Migâhid said. He added that it was usual in Old Kingdom tombs for geese depicted in the same scene to be shown the same size. TIRADRITTI had claimed that the scene was painted over another painting, which was why the background had different colours in some places, he said. However, no traces of the supposed older scene can be seen, Migâhid said, and TIRADRITTI had not said what kind of scene the older one could be. A difference in background colour might also have been the result of older restoration. “Not mentioning anything about the scene does not mean that VASSALLI faked the Maydûm Geese painting, as TIRADRITTI claims,” Migâhid told the Weekly, adding that notes of the discovery had also been kept by VASSALLI’s colleagues. According to Albert DANINOS, the deputy of Egyptologist Auguste MARIETTE at the time, VASSALLI had moved the Maydûm Geese painting from the tomb’s corridor “with marvellous patience and care.” PETRIE, another contemporary who was not an admirer of his colleagues, claimed that VASSALLI had “hacked away much of the fresco” to remove the painting. It is known from MARIETTE’s records of the Maydûm excavation in 1871 that the work was not always carefully done, since much of his attention was given to the mastaba of Rahotep and Nefret where he found the two famous statues of the owners of the tomb that are today in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. TIRADRITTI also mentioned another painting, which in his view could have been done by VASSALLI. This is a fragment depicting the remains of two hieroglyphic letters, a basket with a handle that represents the hieroglyph K and a vulture that represents the hieroglyph A. TIRADRITTI said that these two signs were intended as a reference to VASSALLI’s second wife Gigliati ANGIOLA. However, Migâhid said that if the context of the tomb was studied it would be clear that these two signs were perhaps the remains of the names of Nefermaat and Atet’s son Serfka. The names appear in the tomb a number of times. “Moreover, the scene of the Maydûm Geese and the hieroglyphs come from the north wall of the east corridor inside the chapel of Atet, where a large figure of Serfka was depicted standing and catching birds amid an agricultural scene,” Migâhid said. It should also not be forgotten that when VASSALLI removed the painting of the Maydûm Geese from the north wall of the corridor, he cut into the scenes above and below the painting to make sure that the geese would not be damaged during this process, he said. Therefore, traces of feet, a hand and the top of a hieroglyph were preserved on the outside edges of the panel. “The rest of the wall decoration was affected by this action,” he said. Migâhid said that the tomb of Nefermaat, the son of the pharaoh Huni and his wife Atet, was the largest known tomb from the Old Kingdom, and Nefermaat was the earliest known Egyptian vizier to be attested. As a result, scholars should be careful about doubting one of the most beautiful ancient Egyptian works of art and should take into consideration the wider context of the scene and its discovery, in order to do more than simply feed speculation, he said. “We should not think about doing more studies to accept or refute the ideas of the Italian researcher because this way we would open the door to discrediting the great civilisation of ancient Egypt,” Migâhid concluded. Former minister of antiquities Zâhî Hawwâs described TIRADRITTI’s claims as “unfounded,” accusing him of breaking the antiquities law and the ministry’s regulations, which stipulate that any new discovery or research should first be presented to the ministry and its permanent committee for approval before being published. TIRADRITTI published his theory in Live Science without doing this, he said.

“He must be penalised for not following the rules, and the permanent committee could now stop his mission from resuming its archaeological work in Luxor,” Hawwâs said, who added that during his tenure as minister he had taken action against several foreign missions for breaking the ministry’s regulations. (Nevine El-Aref, “Controversy over the Maydûm Geese”, Al-Ahram Weekly, April 9, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Le président du département des musées : La stèle de Maydûm est authentique. La mettre en doute porte atteinte à notre patrimoine », al-Yawm al- Sâbi‘, 2 avril ; « Étude italienne : la stèle des oies de Maydûm conservée au Musée Égyptien est un faux », al-Shurûq, 3 avril ; Muhammad Mansûr, « Rapport de la mission italienne : la Joconde égyptienne n’est pas authentique », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 7 avril ; “Italian archaeologists: Ancient Egyptian ‘Mona Lisa’ fake”, Egypt Independent, April 7). - - It is very strange that these days we sometimes hear people appear suddenly to talk nonsense about famous objects in the Egyptian Museum. We have heard stories about the golden mask of Tutankhamun, for example, with some people claiming it is a fake. This of course is completely false. More recently, an archaeologist from Italy, Francisco TIRADRITTI, who has been excavating and restoring tomb TT37 in Herwa near Thebes on the west bank of the Nile, told the publication Live Science that “Egypt’s Mona Lisa may be fake,” in reference to the ancient Egyptian painting of the Maydûm Geese. The announcement is strange because TIRADRITTI is working in Egypt and he knows the law which states that any announcement or discovery has to be submitted first to the head of the antiquities department before it can be made public. I do not understand why TIRADRITTI said what he did without giving prior warning to the Ministry of Antiquities, instead of which he said the painting “may be fake.” Moreover, TIRADRITTI is an archaeologist and not an art historian, and therefore what he says about art should be questioned. The painting of the Maydûm Geese was found in 1871 in the tomb-chapel of Atet, or Itet, the wife of Prince Nefermaat, who was the son of the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Senefru. The latter is believed to have ruled Egypt for 54 years and built four pyramids at Sila-Maydûm and two in the Dahshûr Necropolis. The first two pyramids were built as step pyramids, but at the end of his reign Senefru completed a true pyramid. The tomb of Nefermaat and Atet was built beside Senefru’s pyramid at Maydûm, and the painting of the Maydûm Geese was found by an Italian artist called Luigi VASSALLI who took the painting from the tomb to the Egyptian Museum. In his interview, TIRADRITTI said that he had studied the painting for several months, and that he believed another painting could be hidden underneath the painting in the museum. However, if this were true this second painting could easily be detected using the new technology. TIRADRITTI claimed that the geese shown in the painting were not known in Egypt at the time, with one of them, the bean goose, being from northern Spain, Greece and Turkey, and the other, the red-breasted goose, being from the Aegean coast of Greece and Turkey. TIRADRITTI also said that the colours used in the painting, beige and mauve, were not used in ancient Egypt. I do not fully understand what he said about the cracks in the painting, but what he said was mostly speculation not backed up by evidence, including his comments about the Geese of Maydûm being overpainted on another painting. TIRADRITTI said that VASSALLI was an artist and a curator at the Bûlâq Museum in Cairo at the time and he wondered why VASSALLI had not published the discovery. He said he thought VASSALLI might have been looking for funding or been under pressure to find objects for the museum. I think TIRADRITTI has ignored many things here and has made some shameful comments in doing so. Many scholars who have made discoveries in Egypt never published their work, and I cannot believe that a curator in a museum would produce a fake and put it in the museum simply out of fun. Where were his curatorial colleagues? Where were the people who worked with him at the tomb? How could he have deceived all these people? We should also bear in mind that Egyptologist Auguste MARIETTE was in charge at the time, and he would never have allowed a fake to enter the Egyptian Museum. Major ancient Egyptian artworks were discovered at the same time, including the beautiful statues of Rahotep and Nofret, as well as the Sheikh al-Balad statue. If the painting were fake, its colours would be faded after almost 145 years, but this did not happen which on the other hand prove that the Maydûm geese is the work of Ancient Egypt. The fact is that major authorities like GREBAUT, SCHAFER, MASPERO, RHONE and MARIETTE all authenticated the painting. Such geese were not known in ancient Egypt, TIRADRITTI said. However, he should have looked at the scene of geese recently found in the Sahure’s causeway and other recently found tombs in Saqqâra by the Polish mission. These are the same kind of geese shown in the Maydûm painting. It is as if the artist had imitated the Maydûm Geese in his painting. We also have scenes from tombs in Abûsîr and the Saqqâra Necropolis that show some 32 kinds of geese. TIRADRITTI says the two types of geese shown in the Maydûm painting came from Turkey or Greece or other countries, but he does not take the issue of migration into account. He should have looked at the geese in the tomb of Mry-If-Benif, which dates to the Fifth Dynasty. This was found by a Polish expedition, and it contains paintings showing images of geese that suggest the Maydûm Geese are authentic. Beige and brown colours are also found in the tombs of Kaiprkar and Fetekry in the Abûsîr Necropolis and also in a tomb that I myself found at Saqqâra. TIRADRITTI should also have read “the Colours of Hetep I in Abûsîr: Secrets of the Desert and the Pyramids,” (Praha 2006, p.264) written by Egyptologist Mirik BARTA. The Maydûm Geese painting follows the spirit of the ancient Egyptian artists and also the symmetrical style that they used. Had VASSALLI faked the painting, we would not see this spirit so clearly. And why would VASSALLI have faked the painting anyway? Had there been another original underneath, surely he would have stated this and explained the situation. The painting of the Maydûm Geese was found on the northern wall of the tomb and this is the usual location of hunting scenes in ancient Egyptian tombs. It must be said that there have been many Egyptologists who have made major discoveries and never published their work. The ancient Egyptians painted many different species of birds, in the scenes of catching birds and if VASSALLI had the intention to fake a painting he would choose a common species and not rare species. All of them had their own character, including the Maydûm Geese. In this painting, we can see that the artist was free to express his vision but that he also followed the canons of ancient Egyptian art.

I believe that TIRADRITTI is wrong and that he has made a mistake in announcing his fake theory. One of these days someone will say that the Great Pyramid of Khufu itself is a fake! (Zâhî Hawwâs, “TIRADRITTI is wrong’”, Al- Ahram Weekly, April 9, 2015. Voir également “Experts argue over authenticity of ‘Egyptian Mona Lisa’”, Egypt Independent, April 9). - - Today the Ministry of Trade and Industry is to hand over the 19th century edifice of the Assay and Weights Administration in historic Cairo to the Ministry of Antiquities for restoration and to convert it into an authentic hotel. In addition to the rooms and restaurants, the Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî said that the hotel will include a visitor centre that relates to the history of the Assay and Weights building from Mediaeval Egypt until the current era. The development of the hotel will be also shown through photos and documents. Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Azîz, the assistant minister of antiquities for Islamic monuments, told Ahram Online that the building was completed in 1888 in the Bayt al-Qâdî area of historic Cairo in order to be the first premises for golden and silver coins. (Nevine El-Aref, “The Assay and Weights edifices in historic Cairo to become a hotel”, Ahram Online, April 9, 2015). - -

Neolithic settlement During the recent archaeological season which ends in April, the mission of the Egypt Exploration Society uncovered new scientific evidence revealing that the borders of the major Neolithic settlement site of Merimde Banî Salâma on the western margin of the Delta, extends a further 200 metres to the south-west. Joanne ROWLAND, head of the mission, explained that they started the work to know about such extensions in the summer of 2014, after test trenches had been dug by the ministry of antiquities prior to the laying of a gas pipeline. It was then possible to examine the area just to the west of the modern asphalt road and it was also confirmed by the ministry investigations, as well as in test trenches worked on by the current mission, that ceramics of the Neolithic era were present. “This means that the settlement extents at least 200m south-west of what was formerly considered to be the boundary of the settlement,” ROWLAND told Ahram Online. She continued to say that the forthcoming investigations and post-excavation analysis would be able to confirm whether this newly discovered area was occupied during the latest periods of occupation of the settlement as anticipated, or whether it is from earlier times. ROWLAND and her team will reconsider the site within its wider geographic and environmental context. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî said that the team also unearthed a collection of ceramics and lithics of Neolithic dates and that more investigations will present much information about the various roads and means of living during this era. Merimde Banî Salâma is a major Neolithic settlement site on the western margin of the Delta, about 60km north- west of Cairo. The site is the largest and earliest known evidence of settlement in the Nile Valley or Delta region and has been given the name ‘Merimde’, which is the phase of Lower Egyptian Predynastic culture. It was found in 1928 by German archaeologist Herman JUNKER who excavated the site throughout 1939. Through carbon dating, the site was occupied between 4880BC and 4250BC. Unfortunately, most of JUNKER’s notes were destroyed in World War II. EIWANGER has conducted more recent studies. The earliest level is characterised by a wide range of polished and unpolished untemper pottery decorated with a herringbone design. The Middle Merimde level shows complex structures of wood and basketwork, straw-tempered pottery and many burials. Flint tools inserted into wooden, bone and ivory handles were also found. The later level of the Classic Merimde, considered the period of occupation, is when the settlement consisted of a large village of mud huts and workspaces in organised groups of buildings laid out in streets. The high level of organisation in the villages, indicated by numerous subterranean silos or granaries, lined with basket ware and used to store grain, are probably associated with individual dwellings. The suggestion is that by the later phases the population consisted of economically independent family groups in a formalised village life. (Nevine El-Aref, “Merimde Banî Salâma site in Delta is larger than was thought”, Ahram Online, April 9, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Nouvelle découverte à Merimde Banî Salâma », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 8 avril ; “New borders of archaeological city discovered northwest of Cairo”, Egypt Independent, April 8). - - Samedi 11 avril 2015

An action group campaigning to keep the Egyptian Sekhemka statue in the United Kingdom has appealed to Egypt to support its efforts to impose a permanent export ban on the artefact. Last week, the UK Ministry of Culture placed a temporary export ban on the statue that was bought by an overseas buyer for £15.76 million in July 2014. The buyer, believed to be of Middle Eastern origin, has applied for a licence to move the ancient statue from the UK. A UK minister of state for culture decided to defer the export licence application until 29 July, which could be extended to 26 March 2016. The Save Sekhemka Action Group (SSAG) doubts the legality of how the statue was brought to the UK. It has suggested that Egyptian authorities actively work on tracing the way the statue originally left Egypt. It is said that the Second Marquees of Northampton purchased and exported the statue from Egypt in 1850, and then gifted it to the Northampton Museum. However, SSAG suggested there are no documentation of the purchase and export of the statue to the UK. “We hope the Egyptian authorities expedite its efforts to find out if the purchase and export of the statue from Egypt was in accordance with then in force Egyptian laws on antique artefacts,” Ruth THOMAS, deputy head of SSAG told Ahram Online. “While the group strongly believes the 4000 year old statute belongs to Northampton Museum, we support the idea of sending it back to Egypt, instead of it being owned by someone who takes it from the UK and keeps it out of display,” THOMAS said. According to UK laws, if the purchase and export of Sekhemka can be proved to be illegal, Egyptian authorities can seek to recover it. The UK Ministry of Culture told Ahram Online last week that “If a UK buyer makes a matching offer to the current owner, and the owner rejects the offer, then the UK Secretary of State could decide to refuse to grant an export licence.”

SSAG says this is unlikely and rules out taking part in a campaign to raise funds to match the offer, as it “doesn’t believe the sale of the statue was legal in first place.” SSAG will be meeting in next few days to consider its next steps, THOMAS said. (Marwan Sultan, “Egypt urged to expedite efforts to keep Sekhemka statue on display”, Ahram Online, April 11, 2015). - - Dimanche 12 avril 2015

Egypt’s minister of antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî visited the construction site of the Aten Museum in the Upper Egyptian city of Minyâ on Sunday. He was accompanied by Ingo MEYER, mayor of the German city of Hildesheim, Regine SCHULZ, director of the Hildesheim Museum, and Friederike SEYFRIED, director of the Ägyptischen Museums und Papyrussammlung. During the tour, they discussed the completion of the third and final phase of the museum’s construction to finally open it next year, after a delay of over a decade. Several financial and construction problems have stalled the museum’s completion since Germany suggested its pyramid-shaped design in 1998. Set by the Nile in Minyâ, when it is finished, the museum is to exhibit artifacts from the rule of Ancient Egyptian monotheistic king Akhenaten, whose capital was located in Amarna, outside the modern-day city of Minyâ. During his rule, the king converted to the worship of the god Aten, hence the name of the museum.

Egypt and Germany are to sign a new agreement to fund the third phase of the museum at a cost of LE100 million, according to al-Damâtî. This phase, the minister said, is to include the completion of museum grounds, designed by consultant Mahmûd Mabrûk and to include exhibition spaces and an open-air theatre. The antiquities ministry previously provided LE 102 million for the first two phases of the project, including the construction of the museum’s main five-floor building, he said. The building, whose design was modified by late architect Gamâl Bakrî, is said to feature up to 14 exhibition halls, a conference hall, and a school for museum and restoration studies. In 2013, Egypt and the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation signed a letter of intent to execute the final phase of the museum’s construction, to be carried out by the Berlin Museum and Egypt’s ministry of antiquities, he said. Hishâm al-Laythî, in charge of scientific documentation at the ministry, told Ahram Online that the museum would display a large collection related to king Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti, found in the archaeological site of Amarna. This collection includes statues of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, as well as of his father, king Amenhotep III, and his mother Tyie. The exhibition is also to explore Egypt’s relations with its neighbours in the period, through a display of the diplomatic archive from his rule. Also to be exhibited are a set of talâtât stones, blocks of a standardised size used in the construction of temples to the god Aten in Karnak and Amarna during Akhenaten’s reign. (Nevine El-Aref, “Egyptian, German officials visit Minyâ’s unfinished Aten Museum”, Ahram Online, April 12, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « al-Damâtî inspecte le Musée Atonien à Minyâ », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 12 avril ; Nasma Réda, « Minyâ aura-t-elle enfin son musée ?», Al-Ahram Hebdo du 20 mai ; Ahmad Mansûr, « Le conseil des ministres affecte 45 millions L.E. pour l’achèvement du Musée Atonien », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 18 juin). - - Mardi 14 avril 2015

A German-Egyptian archaeological mission has discovered the lower part of an over-two-millennia-old basalt chapel in Cairo’s suburb of Matariyya. Found on the archaeological site of the Heliopolis temple, the chapel is believed to have built while Ancient Egyptian king Nectanebu I ruled over Egypt from 380 to 362 BC. Egypt’s minister of antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî explained that the chapel is made up of several basalt blocks engraved with hieroglyphic text. “It’s a very important discovery,” the minister said, explaining that it is the first time that a chapel has been found within the temple’s walls. A team is now working to reduce the level of underground water in the area so as to continue excavations to reveal more of the temple’s secrets, he said. The archaeological team also unearthed a royal statue featuring the cartouche of king Merneptah, who ruled centuries earlier from 1213 to 1203 BC, said Ayman ‘Ashmâwî, Egyptian co-director of the mission. Dietrich RAU, German co-director of the mission, added that his team hoped to uncover the rest of the chapel during the next archaeological season, to start in September. (Nevine El-Aref, “Two-millennia-old chapel discovered in Cairo’s Matariyya”, Ahram Online, April 14, 2015. Voir également Reuters, « Découverte d’une statue de Mérenptah dans un temple au Caire », al-Tahrîr, 15 avril ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Mise au jour à Matariyya d’une statue de Mérenptah », al-Ahrâm, 15 avril ; « Une chapelle pharaonique dans le temple d'Héliopolis », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 29 avril). - - Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a procédé à une série de nouvelles nominations : — Wa‘d Abû al-‘Ilâ est nommé président du département des projets, en remplacement du major Muhammad al- Shaykha. — Sâmya Binyâmîn est chargée de gérer les affaires du département du financement. — Dr ‘Alî al-Asfar est nommé président de l’administration centrale des antiquités de Moyenne-Égypte. — Sultân ‘Îd est nommé président de l’administration centrale des antiquités de Haute-Égypte — Yûsuf Khalîfa devient président de l’administration centrale des antiquités de Basse-Égypte. — Enfin, Dr Muhammad ‘Afîfî devient président du département des antiquités égyptiennes, en remplacement du Dr Yûsuf Khalîfa. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Wa‘d Abû al-‘Ilâ est nommé président du département des projets », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 14 avril 2015). - - Jeudi 16 avril 2015

Le directeur du département des acquisitions archéologiques, ‘Alî Dâhî, a annoncé que le palais Fâtima Ismâ‘îl (actuel musée de l’Agriculture) situé dans le quartier de Duqqî a été inscrit sur la liste du patrimoine. Ce palais renferme des décorations et des éléments architecturaux exceptionnels. Rappelons que le musée de l’Agriculture s’étend sur une superficie de 125 000 m2. Les différents bâtiments du musée proprement dit occupent près de 20 000 m2. Ils sont entourés d’un jardin qui regroupent des arbres et des plantes rares. Le musée expose des milliers de pièces qui reflètent l’évolution de l’agriculture égyptienne depuis l’époque des pharaons. Le musée est devenu le point de mire des scientifiques et des chercheurs dans les domaines botaniques, vétérinaires et historiques. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Classement sur la liste du patrimoine du musée de l’Agriculture », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 16 avril 2015). - - Vendredi 17 avril 2015 Le président de l’administration centrale des accès archéologiques, Ahmad al-Râwî, a annoncé une nouvelle initiative visant à inciter les pêcheurs de ‘Izbat al-Burullus et al-Burg, situés à Damiette, à remettre immédiatement aux autorités toute pièce antique sortie dans leurs filets. Cette initiative est le fruit d’une coopération entre le ministère de l’Archéologie, les garde-côtes et la police du tourisme et des antiquités. Les services de renseignement et les garde-côtes ont délivré des autorisations permettant aux inspecteurs archéologiques d’accéder à la zone et de contrôler le travail des pêcheurs.

Soulignons qu’avant-hier, un pêcheur a repêché une poterie pharaonique lors de son activité dans le lac al-Burullus. La pièce a été remise à l’administration des antiquités submergées, afin qu’elle soit restaurée. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Coopération entre le ministère de l’Archéologie et les garde-côtes pour rehausser la conscience archéologique des pêcheurs », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 17 avril 2015). - - La mission archéologique russe travaillant à Kom Tûmân à Mît Rahîna est parvenu à exhumer une portion du mur blanc de Memphis, en plus d’un certain nombre de four de potiers et d’outils en bronze. Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, à souligné l’importance de cette découverte qui contribue à la connaissance de la capitale Memphis, qui a joué un rôle politique, religieux et économique déterminant dans l’histoire de l’Égypte ancienne. De son côté, la chef de mission, Dr Galina BELOVA, a annoncé la poursuite des fouilles, afin d’exhumer d’autres portions du mur. Quant au président du département des antiquités égyptiennes, Dr Mahmûd ‘Afîfî, il a précisé que toutes les mesures ont été prises, en coopération avec la police du tourisme et des antiquités et la préfecture de Gîza, afin de combattre les empiètements sur le site qui pourraient freiner les activités de la mission russe. (Dînâ ‘Abd al- ‘Alîm, « Découverte à Mît Rahîna d’une portion du mur blanc de Memphis », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 17 avril 2015. Voir également Nasma Réda, « Le mur blanc de Memphis découvert », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 6 mai). - - Samedi 18 avril 2015 Le musée d’Art islamique organise demain un stage de formation de deux jours. Intitulé « Première session pour les conservateurs des musées égyptiens », ce stage vise à rehausser le niveau professionnel des conservateurs des musées et à focaliser l’attention sur les textes juridiques, les aspects administratifs et les mesures sécuritaires qui régissent les musées. Des professeurs de muséologie et de droit donneront des conférences aux 50 conservateurs qui y assisteront. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Le musée d’Art islamique organise un stage à l’attention des conservateurs des musées », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 18 avril 2015). - - Egyptian archaeological sites listed on the World Heritage List will allow all visitors, including Egyptians and foreigners, to enjoy the sites for free on Saturday. The listed sites in Egypt include each of the Abû Mînâ archaeological sites in Alexandria, Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, Historic Cairo, Memphis and its Necropolis — the Pyramid Fields from Gîza to Dahshûr, the Nubian Monuments from Abû Simbil to Philae, and the Saint Catherine area. The decision is based on the premise of celebrating World Heritage Day, which occurs every year on April 18. (“Archaeological sites receive visitors for free on World Heritage Day”, Egypt Independent, April 18, 2015). - - Lundi 20 avril 2015 In collaboration with the ministry of antiquities, the National Geographic Society in Egypt discovered a royal tomb from the Old Kingdom, third dynasty period of king Kha-Ba in a Quwesnâ archaeological site in the Delta. The tomb is made of mud brick and consists of a courtyard and a burial shaft. The Minister of Antiquities, Mamdûh al-Damâtî, described the discovery as very important because it is the first time that an Old Kingdom tomb has been found in a Quwesnâ site, which is well known for its Graeco-Roman tombs. “It is also the first tomb to be found for the mysterious king Kha-Ba,” asserted al-Damâtî, adding that no previous tomb has been discovered dedicated to such a king whom we do not know much about. “Studies on such a tomb are a very good opportunity to understand the system of regional administration in Egypt during the Old Kingdom,” al- Damâtî told Ahram Online. Studies on the tomb are now taking place in order to reveal more information and details about Kha-ba. (Nevine El- Aref, “The first tomb of King Kha-Ba discovered in the Nile Delta”, Ahram Online, April 20, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Mise au jour de la tombe du roi Kha-Ba sur le site archéologique de Quwesnâ », al-Yawm al- Sâbi‘, 20 avril ; MENA, « Mise au jour à Quwesnâ de la tombe de Kha-Ba, l’un des rois de la IIIe dynastie », al-Shurûq, 20 avril ; “Minister: Ancient tomb of king discovered in Quwesnâ”, Egypt Independent, April 20 ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Découverte d’une tombe archéologique à Quwesnâ », al-Ahrâm, 21 avril). - - New Valley security services seized on Sunday an archaeological mummy and four relics that were in the possession of a farmer. According to a lead that farmer Khidr Hasan ‘Alî, 50, had the artifacts in his home, permission was granted from the prosecution to storm his house where the items were found and confiscated. A police report has been filed and prosecution has been notified to conduct investigations. (“Artifacts held by farmer in New Valley seized”, Egypt Independent, April 20, 2015). - - Mardi 21 avril 2015 The authorities in the Upper Egyptian province of Luxor, in Upper Egypt are preparing to open the ancient royal tombs, located west of the city, for tourists at night, for the first time in history. Luxor Governor Muhammad Badr said the authorities are coordinating with the Antiquities Ministry in order to provide appropriate lighting and open the sites ahead of the start of the tourist season in October. The project is aimed at diversifying the offer of tourist attractions in Luxor and at avoiding the high daytime temperatures. It will also take advantage of the al-Qama mountain lighting project, which cost LE 56 million. Speaking to the German news agency DPA, Badr added that the historic Midâmûd temple, located northeast of the city, might also soon be open for tourists. (“Luxor to allow tourists visit ancient tombs at night”, Egypt Independent, April 21, 2015). - - Mercredi 22 avril 2015 Quinze ans séparent la ville de Louqsor de son ambitieux projet de protection et de conservation. Les étapes se succèdent, mais le travail à accomplir reste énorme. Louqsor 2030 a en fait surgi en 2005 : son but principal est de valoriser le patrimoine de cette ville unique en le protégeant de toute violation, qu’elle soit agricole ou urbaine. Louqsor vise à devenir un musée en plein air, variant entre beauté d’antan et modernité. « Les touristes se promènent librement dans la ville et jouissent de sa splendeur. Les temples font partie de la ville, ce qui la rend unique », se réjouit ‘Abd al-Hakîm Karâr, directeur du bureau des antiquités à Louqsor. Mais le plan prévu pour la Thèbes d’autrefois rencontre de nombreux problèmes. Le plus grand demeure la croissance démographique de la ville et l’empiétement des nouvelles constructions sur les sites archéologiques. Il a fallu beaucoup de patience et d’argent pour convaincre les habitants de déménager pour libérer des terrains sous lesquels se cachent encore de nombreux trésors. C’est le cas de Dayr al-Baharî. « Ce n’était pas facile au départ, mais on a pu finalement convaincre les habitants de déménager et on a créé une zone aux abords du temple où l’on a regroupé toutes les échoppes de souvenirs », reprend Karâr.

Le réaménagement des sites touristiques est un autre défi. L’Allée des sphinx, reliant le temple de Louqsor à celui de Karnak, en est le cœur. Pour l’instant, seuls 350 mètres d’un total de 3 kilomètres ont été éclairés et réaménagés. Le travail a duré près de 5 ans pour un budget de 66 millions de L.E. « Cela a nécessité d’éliminer tous les empiétements, de restaurer les statues et d’éclairer l’Allée », explique l’ex-directeur du bureau des antiquités de Louqsor, Mansûr Burayk. L’Allée, longue d’environ 3 km, compte plus de 1 200 sculptures. « Certains bâtiments et maisons récemment construits ont été démolis car ils cachaient les sphinx. Cette allée devait voir le jour en février 2011, mais à cause de la révolution, le travail s’est arrêté et de nouveaux empiétements sont apparus. Mais le travail a, depuis, repris son chemin », reprend Burayk. D’après le ministère des Antiquités, seul un tiers du travail de Louqsor 2030 a été réalisé. Toujours dans les environs du temple de Karnak, la cour ouest a été inaugurée après son élargissement. De petites boutiques ont été construites et des parkings ont été aménagés plus loin, rendant sa splendeur au temple du dieu Amon. Et les fouilles s’y poursuivent toujours. Le travail des missions égyptiennes et étrangères est indispensable. « Leurs idées ont beaucoup apporté au travail. Les missions sont à l’origine de la découverte de nouveaux sites et permettent de restaurer les édifices menacés », salue l’actuel directeur du bureau des antiquités. C’est par exemple une mission espagnole qui est chargée d’éclairer le temple de Louqsor. « Le développement du système d’éclairage et de sécurité provient d’une subvention espagnole pour un total de 150 millions d’euros. Ce système permet à ce que les sites soient accessibles à la visite la nuit, tout en étant mieux protégés », dit Mamdûh al- Damâtî, ministre des Antiquités. Aux éclairages des temples sera ajoutée de la musique pour donner une atmosphère particulière à certains sites. Toujours sur la rive ouest a lieu un projet de développement des sites dans la vallée des Rois et celle des Reines, ainsi que dans le fameux temple d’Hatchepsout. Le projet « Louqsor 2030 » nécessite de construire de nouvelles routes, pour éloigner les routes actuelles des sites archéologiques. « On s’est aperçu que certaines routes passent juste au-dessus de monuments de grande valeur », explique Burayk qui souligne que ce projet, lui aussi arrêté en 2011, reprendra petit à petit. Louqsor 2030 verra aussi la création d’un centre d’études à proximité de la maison de CARTER. De nouveaux centres d’études thébaines seront de même réalisés. À travers ces centres, on cherche aussi à éduquer les nouvelles générations et à promouvoir l’artisanat traditionnel avant qu’il ne disparaisse, reprend Burayk. Seuls quelques projets n’ont pas encore commencé, comme le village de Nag Abû ‘Usba situé sur l’un des plus importants sites archéologiques près de Karnak. Les habitants doivent déménager avant que ne commence la restauration du temple du dieu guerrier Montou.

Une chose est sûre : Louqsor 2030 devrait enfin permettre de considérer le développement urbain et touristique à travers une vision à long terme. (Nasma Réda, « Louqsor : Faire de la ville un musée », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 22 avril 2015). - -

L’égyptologue Christian LEBLANC se félicite des progrès du projet « Louqsor 2030 » tout en insistant sur l’urgence de protéger certains sites. Si beaucoup reste à faire, il estime que cet ambitieux programme est porteur d’une vision qui permettra de surmonter les défis à venir Al-Ahram Hebdo : Qu’est-ce que le projet « Louqsor 2030 » ? Christian LEBLANC : C’est un grand projet porté par le gouvernement égyptien, qui est né en 2005 et qui s’inscrit dans une volonté de protéger et valoriser un patrimoine unique, celui de l’ancienne Thèbes, et de promouvoir ce patrimoine en y associant un volet essentiel : celui du développement socioéconomique et culturel de cette belle ville de province que fréquentent des millions de visiteurs. C’est dire qu’il doit donc participer aussi à un meilleur bien-être de la population locale. Un grand nombre d’institutions et d’organismes égyptiens et internationaux soutiennent ce projet et y contribuent en tant que partenaires. — On imagine que de nombreux aspects ont dû être pris en considération… — Dans le but de protéger et valoriser l’ensemble du patrimoine thébain, il a fallu d’abord s’appuyer sur une carte archéologique qui a pu être établie, notamment pour l’ensemble de la rive occidentale, là où se trouvent de nombreux temples et nécropoles. Le concours du ministère français des Affaires étrangères a été d’un grand recours à ce sujet, puisque ce travail a pu être réalisé en collaboration avec le Centre de cartographie archéologique du Conseil suprême des antiquités (GIS Center). Il a fallu également prendre en compte certains problèmes liés notamment au développement d’un urbanisme sauvage, à la voirie, à l’extension de zones agricoles, à l’irrigation qui menaçait certains monuments, bref, à tout un ensemble de facteurs, parfois négatifs, pour lesquels il convenait de proposer des solutions qui permettent de protéger les sites archéologiques. On s’est rendu compte, par exemple, que sur la rive occidentale, certaines routes empruntant le tracé d’anciennes pistes traversent ou coupent des temples, comme celui de Thoutmosis III situé au nord du Ramesseum. On a pu constater encore que des constructions modernes se rapprochaient dangereusement des sites antiques, ou encore que la zone agricole pouvait parfois déborder et empiéter sur certains monuments. — Des solutions ont-elles pu être apportées à ces problèmes ? — Dans le cas de l’extension de la zone agricole, un mur protège aujourd’hui les vestiges de la résidence et des palais d’Amenhotep III situés à Malgatta. Mais il est loin d’être esthétique et coupe un magnifique panorama qui est celui de la montagne thébaine. Il aurait été souhaitable qu’il soit moins haut et ajouré, pour être davantage en accord avec l’environnement. La disparition des villages de Gurna a permis de sauvegarder la nécropole des nobles thébains, mais c’est aussi tout un pan de l’histoire locale qui a été gommé par cette disparition. Il n’est jamais facile de faire coexister le passé et le présent. C’est là un véritable dilemme qui nécessite une réelle concertation devant servir de frein à des solutions qui peuvent paraître parfois radicales et qui ne sont pas toujours en faveur des populations déplacées. Sans doute aujourd’hui, le problème majeur est celui des constructions illégales qui fleurissent non seulement dans la zone archéologique, mais encore agricole. Le sujet est vraiment devenu préoccupant, mais il ne pourra être réglé que par le respect des lois en vigueur. — Et pour le problème lié à l’irrigation des terrains agricoles ? — Sur la rive occidentale, ce problème a pu être traité par les autorités égyptiennes, à la suite d’un partenariat avec l’USAID. Un drain a pu être installé en 2009/2010 dans la zone agricole depuis Gurna jusqu’à Madînat Hâbû. Ce drain a pour but de protéger les temples de l’irrigation permanente et des remontées de la nappe phréatique qui constituaient jusque-là une menace pour les assises antiques de ces monuments en pierre ou en brique crue. — Quels sont les autres défis ? — Outre la facette qui concerne la protection des sites archéologiques, il y a également la volonté de les rendre plus attractifs par tout un ensemble de mesures qui touchent leur exploration, leur valorisation ou leur aménagement. Des centres d’accueil réservés aux visiteurs ont pu être déjà mis en place à Karnak, dans la vallée des Rois, et à Dayr al- Baharî. Des panneaux de signalétique ou d’information existent également en plusieurs langues sur certains sites comme au Ramesseum, dans le temple d’Amon de Karnak ou encore à Dayr al-Madîna. En partenariat avec le Conseil Suprême des Antiquités, les missions archéologiques participent aussi à un réel effort pour valoriser les sites sur lesquels elles travaillent dans la perspective que Louqsor devienne un grand musée en plein air. Toutes œuvrent à des fouilles, des études et des relevés, mais également à la conservation, à la restauration et à la mise en valeur des monuments. Un beau travail a déjà été réalisé avec le parvis de Karnak, ou est encore en cours avec la voie processionnelle qui doit permettre de relier ce temple à celui de Louqsor. C’est là une magnifique promenade de près de 3 km, bordée de plantations, qui pourra être proposée aux visiteurs de Thèbes dans un proche futur. D’importants efforts sont accomplis également sur la rive gauche, tant au Ramesseum que dans les temples d’Amenhotep II, de Thoutmosis III ou d’Amenhotep III, sans oublier ceux d’Hatshepsout, de Méneptah et de Ramsès III. — En somme, l’avenir de Louqsor concerne les deux rives... — Bien évidemment. Louqsor ne se résume pas à la rive droite, mais englobe sa rive gauche qui, pendant longtemps, a souffert, il est vrai, d’un certain déséquilibre. Pourtant, lorsque la ville a été inscrite en 1979 sur la liste du patrimoine de l’humanité par l’Unesco, le classement incluait un patrimoine global comprenant aussi bien les temples de Karnak et de Louqsor que tous les sites archéologiques de la rive gauche. Dans le projet du « Louqsor 2030 », c’est donc bien ce déséquilibre qu’il fallait prendre en compte pour redonner un sens à ce que fut jadis la fameuse cité sainte d’Amon. Le Nil ne séparait finalement que les deux moitiés de la ville, arbitrairement définies comme synonyme de vie et l’autre synonyme de mort. Ce qui est important aujourd’hui, c’est que cette rive gauche ou occidentale puisse s’épanouir et bénéficier des mêmes atouts que la rive droite. Pour rétablir cet équilibre, il conviendrait de mettre en place des structures adéquates et qui viendraient en complément des actions jusqu’ici menées. Plusieurs orientations ont été proposées : création d’un centre international pour les études thébaines, mise en place d’un centre national pour la formation aux métiers de l’artisanat égyptien, réhabilitation de l’îlot de Gournet Murraï pour la promotion de cet artisanat, valorisation du patrimoine naturel, amélioration de l’infrastructure des entités rurales qui la composent, etc. C’est ainsi que pourrait s’exprimer de manière tangible la volonté de réaliser un vrai développement socioéconomique, patrimonial et culturel de la ville dans son intégralité. — C’est donc une profonde mutation qui se dessine pour cette ville ? — Louqsor est un haut lieu emblématique, à la fois archéologique et historique. C’est la seule ville d’Égypte où est concentrée une telle richesse patrimoniale, et ce, dans un cadre naturel grandiose. Ce qui explique que ce sont des millions de visiteurs qui viennent en découvrir et admirer les merveilles chaque année. S’il est vrai que depuis les deux récentes révolutions, le tourisme y est en baisse, tout porte à croire, pourtant, qu’il reprendra de plus belle, d’autant que les enjeux sont porteurs en vue de rehausser sa renommée et son prestige. Pour répondre aux nouvelles exigences, sans doute faudra-t-il développer par exemple certains concepts de structures hôtelières, en favorisant peut-être davantage les maisons d’hôte si appréciées aujourd’hui dans les pays d’Europe, et redynamiser le tourisme culturel en attente de prestations de qualité. L’éclairage nocturne des temples pour quelques heures, associé à des récitals comme ce fut le cas dans le passé au temple de Louqsor ou dans celui de Dayr al-Baharî, pourrait servir de tremplin à cet essor, tout comme l’organisation de journées patrimoniales, de festivals et d’expositions temporaires que pourrait proposer notamment le futur centre international d’études thébaines. Oui, je pense que c’est une formidable mutation qui se dessine à l’horizon pour l’antique « Thèbes aux Cent Portes », mais elle doit se faire, pour réussir, sans une excessive précipitation et dans un esprit de concertation avec toutes les parties concernées. (Nasma Réda, « Christian LEBLANC : Une formidable mutation se dessine à Louqsor », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 22 avril 2015). - - Jeudi 23 avril 2015

Since it was set on fire during the 25 January Revolution, the headquarters of the former ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) has become an ugly landmark on the Cairo skyline. Some have suggested that the building be turned into a site honouring the revolution, such as the preserved surviving sections of the Berlin Wall in the now-united Germany, while others have suggested that the blackened structure be converted into a hotel or administrative building and the land used for a public park. Such suggestions have not gone down well with curators at the nearby Egyptian Museum and the minister of antiquities as the land the NDP headquarters stands on was originally owned by the museum. A campaign was launched to return the land to the Egyptian Museum, and after three years of struggle the museum’s director, Mahmûd al-Halwagî, told the Weekly that the Ministry of Antiquities obtained a ministerial decree in March 2014 stipulating that the land is the property of the Egyptian Museum. al-Halwagî said that, according to documents held at the Egyptian Registry and Land Survey Authority, the land was part of the museum at the time of its construction in 1901. The area on which the NDP building was built was originally used as a dock for cargo vessels transporting antiquities down the river from Luxor, Aswân and elsewhere in Upper Egypt to the museum for restoration or display. In 1887, a welcoming ceremony was held at the dock for the arrival of the royal mummies recovered by the then antiquities director Gaston MASPERO from a secret cache in Luxor, where they had been hidden by priests during the New Kingdom. al-Halwagî told the Weekly that the museum’s designer, Marcel DOURGNON, had constructed the gate of the museum further from the Nile River not only to establish the port but also to avoid the kind of construction errors seen at the previous Bûlâq Museum, which had suffered significant damage when the Nile flooded in 1878. al-Halwagî said that maps drawn up in 1911 and 1926 showed a bookshop and cafeteria on the land, while on the west of the site stood the museum’s workshops and storehouses. After the 1952 Revolution, the land was sequestrated by the government from the Egyptian Antiquities Authority, now the Ministry of Antiquities, and used by various sections of the regime. The last tenant was the NDP, which shared the large Nile-side premises with the National Council for Women, various national agencies and the Arab Bank. Last week, a ministerial decree was issued ordering the demolition of the now abandoned and burnt-out NDP building. The job was given to the Engineering Department of the Armed Forces. “I am overjoyed at the demolition of the NDP building. It is a real threat to the museum and its priceless collections,” al-Halwagî told the Weekly, adding that the former NDP headquarters was unsafe and could collapse at any time. He said that the building had not been the headquarters of British intelligence, as some have claimed. The area was only called the British Army Settlement because a few army buildings were located there. When the demolition is complete, said Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî the area is to be convert into an open-air museum showcasing some of the museum’s collections, now short of space in the main building. A hall for temporary exhibitions will be built in a bid to attract more visitors to the museum. Part of the land will be turned into a garden, similar to the one built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III at the Karnak Temple in Luxor. This could be planted with papyri and lotus flowers, al-Damâtî said, and a collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts exhibited in it. A source from the Egyptian Museum, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that providing a buffer zone around the museum, instead of having it situated right next to another building, was important for security. She said that the museum, situated in Tahrîr Square, is in a “volatile environment,” though artefacts and staff can be evacuated if necessary. “Tahrîr Square is already full of hotels, and it does not need another one on land that could be used to expand the museum,” the source said, adding that the NDP building is a potential hazard to the public. “We do not know how stable the building is after the fire that took place and the damage it caused,” the source concluded. al-Damâtî said the ministry is not prepared to discuss the demolition of the NDP building because what concerns it is the land on which it was built. “No hotel can be built on the land instead because the ministry will not abandon this land, which is the property of the Egyptian Museum,” he said. (Nevine El-Aref, “NDP HQ demolition looms”, Al- Ahram Weekly, April 23, 2015. Voir également Mansûr Kâmil, « Le gouvernement approuve la démolition du Q. G. du PND », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 16 avril ; Hâgir Salâh, « Enfin, démolition du Q. G. du PND », al-Ahrâm, 16 avril ; “Defunct NDP headquarters removed from antiquities list”, Egypt Independent, May 3 ; Muna Yâsîn, « Le ministère de l’Habitat supprime l’inscription du siège du PND sur la liste du patrimoine », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 4 mai ; Zâhî Hawwâs, « Le musée doit récupérer son terrain ! », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 25 mai ; « Démolition du siège du PND », al- Sharq al-Awsat, 31 mai). - - Assistant Foreign Minister for Cultural Relations Ulfat Farah said that Egypt will retrieve 135 artifacts from the United States that date back to the Late Period of the ancient Egyptian civilization (664-111 BC). The pieces include wooden coffins, two pieces of carved stone, statues, models of boats, 99 coins, a mummy’s hand and 12 ushabti statuettes. They will be handed over to the Egyptian ambassador on behalf of the Antiquities Minister in a ceremony held at the National Geographic Museum in Washington on April 22. Farah said the pieces were illegally excavated for and smuggled abroad. “We coordinate with international organizations concerned with the preservation of cultural heritages to combat the looting and destruction of historical artifacts in the world,” she said. “We also work on raising the awareness of the people to preserve their cultural heritage.” She thanked the US authorities for cooperating with the embassy in Washington and the consulate in New York for recovering the smuggled antiquities. (“Egypt retrieves 135 ancient artifacts from the United States”, Egypt Independent, April 23, 2015). - - After I wrote my article on the Maydûm Geese in the Weekly last week, I received many emails from Egyptologists who were angry at what Francesco TIRADRITTI had written about the painting. Many scholars called me to say that they had never heard of an Egyptologist who did not publish his theories in scientific journals, but instead tried to state points that were not true in an inappropriate forum. He should have sent his theory to the appropriate committee so that it could be discussed by art historians and Egyptologists, they said. Many Egyptians also contacted me, saying that they were upset at the silence of the Ministry of Antiquities on the matter, as if what was written was about something that did not belong to them. “Why don’t they protect our monuments?” asked Ahmad al-Sâwî, a great Egyptian Egyptologist who has spent his life on excavations, with many of the objects in the Egyptian Museum having been found by him. I am still of the opinion that there is no way that Luigi VASSALLI could have painted the Maydûm Geese without the knowledge of Auguste MARIETTE, the prominent French Egyptologist who was in charge of the Bûlâq Museum at the time. If the painting were fake, MARIETTE would have to have known. Also, if this had been the case, the picture would never have been published by prestigious Egyptologists such as GRÉBAUT, CAPART, WERBROUCK, SCHÄFER, FARINA, BORCHARDT, REISNER, MASPERO, ROEDER and MARIETTE. Can we believe TIRADRITTI and neglect all these great scholars? Edward BROVARSKI, one of the pre-eminent authorities on the art of the Old Kingdom wrote to me. He had found TIRADRITTI’s summary of his article on Livescience.com “disconcerting” and recommended that I have a look at Ogden GOELET’s very interesting 1983 article in the Bulletin of the Egyptological Seminar. Contrary to TIRADRITTI’s statement that the red-breasted goose rarely winters as far as the Aegean coast of Greece and Turkey, GOELET notes in this article that a specimen of the goose was found in Egypt sometime before 1930, proving that red-breasted geese did on occasion migrate to Egypt. BROVARSKI had other objections too. TIRADRITTI thinks that VASSALLI painted the Maydûm Geese. But VASSALLI makes no mention of the geese in his manuscripts, despite the fact that “he used to mention his exploits even years after he made them.” More to the point, why would VASSALLI depict a red-breasted goose, which supposedly never winters in Egypt, since this would be a clear give-away to anyone in the know that the painting was a modern forgery? TIRADRITTI claimed that VASSALLI wrote, in hieroglyphs, the initials of his second wife, Gigliati ANGIOLA, on the painting. But BROVARSKI questions this. Why didn’t VASSALLI write “gA” instead of “kA” for the initials of his wife? I hope that TIRADRITTI will respond to these comments. I also received an email from Betsy BRYAN, an Egyptologist who doubts that TIRADRITTI has consulted GOELET’s article. Besides being an Egyptologist, GOELET is also a famous ornithologist, and BRYAN mentions his citation of three other tombs at Saqqâra that also feature various birds depicted with great precision. Contrary to TIRADRITTI’s contention that the paint colours are “modern,” BRYAN says that in her work on the Theban tombs she found that the artists mixed a number of beige and tan colours for specific purposes, all of them made from the basic mineral pigments of red and yellow ochres with varying amounts of water. She goes on to cite GOELET’s statements about the red-breasted geese. GOELET had identified the Maydûm examples as immature birds of that species, she said. Since they are migratory, the rarity of their observation in Egypt would have been a primary motivation for painting them. GOELET had identified the flora and fauna of the scenes and the time of year that they suggest and concluded that the painting depicted late October to November, exactly when the migration of the white-fronted geese (with which red-breasted geese frequently associate in the wild) appeared in Egypt. Another email came to me from Richard REDDING of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan. He writes: “If you are further questioned on the authenticity of the Maydûm Geese, I thought you would like to know that the bean goose was found in Egypt. “Bones of the bean goose have been found in Ma‘âdî and Tell al-Dab‘a. I have identified 14 bones of the bean goose from Gîza. Two geese were found in the refuse of Tutankhamun’s funerary meal. The red-breasted goose is a rare visitor to Egypt. It was seen at Alexandria in 1874 and near Damietta in 1882. It has been so heavily hunted in the last two hundred years that its population has been severely reduced, as has its range.” Two important emails came from professor Karol MYSLIWIEC of Warsaw University, who called TIRADRITTI’s claim “pure nonsense.” “The fowling scene discovered in the tomb of Merefnebef at Saqqâra [and published by MYSLIWIEC], unique with respect to the preservation of its original colours, proves that some birds (e.g. Upupa epops) were represented very naturalistically, while some others (Nile geese first of all) were products of the artist’s fantasy, particularly concerning their colours. That’s what I have stated in my analysis of that scene.” In his publication, MYSLIWIEC states: “The artist evidently seeks to satisfy two various requirements of his creation: a zoological exactness and a variety of artistic expression. This may particularly be observed in the representations of two species that occur more frequently than any others: the pied kingfisher (e.g. in the common genet group), and the Egyptian goose (e.g. in the Egyptian mongoose group). “While the sober naturalistic colouring of the first bird is always very uniform, the colouristic diversity in the representations of the geese seems to first of all satisfy the artist’s imagination.”

I think these answers to TIRADRITTI’s deeply flawed theory are enough to put the issue to rest. (Zâhî Hawwâs, “Academics challenge fraud claims”, Al-Ahram Weekly, April 23, 2015. Voir également Zâhî Hawwâs, « Les oies de Maydûm », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 7 avril). - - Dimanche 26 avril 2015

Archaeologists differed with the Ministry of Antiquities over a site known as al-‘Abd Theatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Camp Shizâr, Alexandria. The site was discovered in 2013 during excavation works carried out by the ministry on the request of the al-‘Abd Theatre owner. According to Antiquities Law no 117 of 1983, the Ministry of Antiquities is the principal authority in charge of approving the construction of new buildings on any land in Egypt after inspecting it for archaeological value. Excavations went as far as eight metres underground, uncovering a collection of Roman and Hellenistic objects including rock-hewn catacombs, statues, columns, vases and vessels. But, regretfully, an archaeologist speaking on condition of anonymity said the residents nearby complained that it threatened the architectural stability of their buildings. “The technical report said the depth of the excavations undermined the surrounding buildings and recommended closing the site.” One resident, Mustafa Husayn, complained after he noticed cracks appearing in a neighbouring building. In March 2015, the source said, the archaeological committee that supervised the excavations sent its official report to the Permanent Committee for Ancient Egyptian Antiquities in order to take the suitable decision whether to relocate the newly uncovered objects to another location and give the land to its owner or declare the land an archaeological site under the umbrella of the ministry and recompense the owner. When the report was submitted, he said, the Permanent Committee decided to remove the authentic objects and return the land to its original owner who in turn partially filled the site with sand after the artefacts were removed. “The site was evacuated and archaeologists took some of the artefacts that can be moved to the museum and left the rest, which are cracked and are difficult to restore.” It was this course of action that triggered a ferocious debate between archaeologists and the ministry.

The 2,300-year-old heritage site in Alexandria will be turned in to an apartment block (Photo Courtesy of the Heritage Taskforce). The Facebook group Egypt’s Heritage Task Force posted photos of the site before and after it was destroyed, commenting, “The site was excavated and documented, and the Ministry of Antiquities now wants to cede the land to a contractor so he can build over it.” It called on the ministry and all stakeholders to retract a decision that will lead to the loss of an important part of endangered Hellenistic history in Alexandria. Gharîb Sunbul, the Head of the Central Administration for Preservation and Restoration at the ministry, called for sending an immediate report to the Prosecutor General to investigate the incident, describing it as “a black day in Egypt’s archaeological history.” Sunbul said that when he went to Alexandria a week ago to inspect some restoration works in Kom al-Shuqâfa, he paid the al-‘Abd Theatre a visit to find out what was going on. Arriving there, Sunbul continued, he found a collection of unique Roman and Hellenistic catacombs that have been never found before. He explained that, rather than being carved into the rocks like those of al-Wardiyân and Kom al- Shuqâfa, these were constructed on two levels. “As an Egyptian citizen keen on his country’s heritage I photographed the site, put the photos on CD and sent it along with a report to the Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî,” Sunbul pointed out, adding that the site has been completely damaged. “This site could be one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt,” he insisted.

al-Damâtî has since sent another archaeological committee led by the Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Department Mahmûd ‘Afîfî and the Head of the Projects Department Waad Abû al-‘Ilâ to inspect the site and send him a detailed report. “If this second committee finds that the site still contains monuments and suggests their removal the suggestion will be submitted to the next meeting of the Permanent Committee scheduled next week to give its final decision,” al- Damâtî declared, explaining that if these monuments are catacombs they will be dislodged and removed to another secured location in order to preserve and protect them. “Such a removal would be another salvage operation but this time for Hellenistic catacombs,” al-Damâtî pointed out, confirming that the Tagran catacombs on Port Said Street were similarly relocated to Kom al-Shuqâfa and the al- Wardiyân catacombs to the Graeco-Roman Museum. He also said that an administrative investigation is to take place to find out who is responsible for the previous committee’s inaccurate archaeological report if it is so deemed. A day after the start of the second inspection committee’s work, ‘Afîfî said the site is partly covered with sand as the depth of the excavation work has threatened the neighbouring building. He added that the remains of the monuments could be seen but could not be clearly identified underneath the sand. The committee, ‘Afîfî added, suggests re- excavating the site and removing the archaeological remains to a more secured location, handing the land over to its original owner. Before starting the excavation, ‘Afîfî said, Abû al-‘Ilâ suggested building walls around the al-‘Abd Theatre site to support the land and separate it from neighbouring buildings in order to prevent possible damage. “All suggestions will be written in an official report that can be submitted to both the Minister of Antiquities and the Permanent Committee in order to take proper action,” ‘Afîfî said. (Nevine El-Aref, “Controversy erupts over ancient ‘theatre’ in Alexandria”, Ahram Online, April 26, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Lancement de la restauration de la tombe al-Wardiyân à Kom al-Shuqâfa», al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 12 avril ; Muna Yâsîn, « Le patrimoine archéologique du théâtre al-‘Abd redevient poussière », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 20 avril ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Catastrophe archéologique en Alexandrie : les bulldozers rasent nuitamment le théâtre al-‘Abd », al-Ahrâm, 20 avril ; “Archaeologists devasted with historical site demolition in Alexandria”, Egypt Independent, April 20 ; “Activists accuse antiquities minister of destroying vital heritage site”, Ahram Online, May 18 ; Emir Nader, “‘Heritage Taskforce’ takes antiquities ministry to court over Hellenistic site demolition”, Daily News Egypt, May 18). - - Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a révélé la formation d’une commission archéologique pour faire l’inventaire de l’entrepôt muséologique de Mustafa Kâmil en Alexandrie qui a été pillé hier. Le vol a été découvert par des inspecteurs de la zone qui ont noté la fracture des cadenas de sa porte métallique. Immédiatement, la police du tourisme et des antiquités, la Sécurité générale et le Parquet ont été alertés. Des enquêteurs de la police judiciaire sont sur place. Par ailleurs, les habitants d’Alexandrie ont été surpris de la décision du Comité permanent du CSA autorisant le comblement la citerne antique située sous l’hôpital Dâr Ismâ‘îl à Kom al-Shuqâfa. Cette décision a été motivée par la crainte de l’effondrement de la citerne. Pour justifier sa décision, le CSA a invoqué le manque de moyens financiers permettant de restaurer la citerne. Toutefois, un groupe d’archéologues ayant requis l’anonymat affirment que le comblement de la citerne ne coûte pas moins cher que sa restauration. (Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Décision subite de combler la citerne Dâr Ismâ‘îl », al-Ahrâm, 26 avril 2015. Voir également, Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le CSA forme une commission pour inventorier le contenu du magasin de Mustafa Kâmil après son vol », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 25 avril ; Muhammad Muhsin, « Comblement d’une citerne archéologique pour manque de crédits de restauration », al-‘Arabî al-Gadîd, 25 avril). - - Le directeur général de la zone archéologique d’al-Azhar et d’al-Gûrî, Magdî Sulaymân, a annoncé la visite ce matin du ministre de l’Archéologie, afin d’inspecter les travaux de restauration de la mosquée al-Azhar.

Ce projet de restauration a été confié à la Compagnie cairote Ben Laden. Ces travaux de deux ans sont financés grâce à un don saoudien et mis sous la supervision du département des antiquités islamiques et coptes, du département des projets, ainsi que de l’Organisme du Caire historique. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Achèvement dans deux ans des restaurations de la mosquée al-Azhar », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 28 avril 2015. Voir également ‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie lance les travaux de restauration de la mosquée al-Azhar », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 17 février ; Muhammad ‘Abd al- Mu‘tî, « Lancement de la restauration de la mosquée al-Azhar », al-Ahrâm, 29 avril). - - Lundi 27 avril 2015

Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al-Damâtî said on Monday that the renovation of the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria has been resumed after a four-year break due to insufficient funds, since the ministry has now allocated LE10 million for that purpose. Muhammad Ridâ Yûsuf, director of the Lower Egypt and Sinai Antiquities Engineering department, said the total cost of the renovation is LE124 million, LE40 million of which has already been spent, as several phases have been completed. He added that Italy is contributing to the project with 6 million euros. The museum, officially inaugurated by Khedive ‘Abbâs Hilmî II on October 17, 1892, hosts collections dating back to the period between the third century BC and the third century AD. It is the largest museum of its kind in the Mediterranean region. (“Greco-Roman Museum renovation resumed after 4 years”, Egypt Independent, April 27, 2015. Voir également Nisrîn al-‘Âsî, « al-Masîrî et al-Damâtî signent une convention pour ressusciter le Musée gréco- romain », al-Bashâyyir, 27 avril ; Usâma Mursî, « Résurrection du Musée gréco-romain d’Alexandrie », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 27 avril). - - Mardi 28 avril 2015 As many as 60 items of precious antiquities were found Tuesday after being stolen from a storage facility in Alexandria. Last Saturday, when the storage facility’s guards went to open the museum during their morning shift, they found the locks broken with several kinds of antiquities missing from it. “We urgently created a community out of specialists to inventory the lost pieces,” said Yûsuf Khalîfa, head of northern governorates antiquities sector. The pieces included 32 Roman era coins and a statue of a man and a woman. The storage was located in the Mustafa Kâmil area of Alexandria, and contains very rare and very old relics. “The antiquities were stolen by a gang and they were arrested with the antiquities still in their possession,” Khalîfa added.

This comes after Egypt regained last week approximately 380 antiquities which were illegally smuggled to the US, France, Germany, Denmark and South Africa. (“Stolen antiquities from Alexandria found”, Daily News Egypt, April 28, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie forme une commission pour examiner le magasin de Mustafa Kâmil après son pillage », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 25 avril ; Ahmad Mansûr, « Le directeur des entrepôts d’Alexandrie : Nous avons réussi à arrêter le voleur du magasin de Mustafa Kâmil », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 27 avril). - - Mercredi 29 avril 2015

3 questions à ‘Amr al-Tîbî, directeur du département des répliques archéologiques au ministère des Antiquités. Al-Ahram Hebdo : Quelle est l’utilité d’une telle décision ? ‘Amr al-Tîbî : Cette décision est la concrétisation de la loi sur la protection des antiquités de 1983, révisée en 2009. Les clauses de cette loi discutent les droits de la propriété intellectuelle. Cette décision interdit l’importation des répliques archéologiques et des photos des objets et des sites archéologiques. C’est-à-dire par exemple les sculptures pharaoniques importées, très répandues dans les bazars égyptiens, les bijoux et les accessoires qui contrefont le patrimoine égyptien. Ces objets doivent être fabriqués uniquement par une main-d’œuvre égyptienne. — Comment cette décision serait-elle appliquée ? — Le ministère de l’Industrie va publier une liste détaillée de tous ces produits aux douanes égyptiennes. Quant au département des répliques du ministère des Antiquités, il va suivre de près les œuvres exposées à la vente sur le marché égyptien dans les différents bazars. On est aussi en train de former une main-d’œuvre aux normes artistiques des répliques archéologiques, afin de produire des objets de haute qualité. L’administration cherche aussi à créer des ateliers et des usines en Égypte, afin de répondre aux besoins du marché. — Ces usines n’auront-elles pas un impact négatif sur l’artisanat égyptien ? — C’est un marché différent. L’artisanat est fait main, et ses produits sont donc plus chers. Ces usines seront soumises à des règles pour éviter une concurrence déloyale avec l’artisanat. — Quand cette décision entrera-t-elle en vigueur ?

— Les contrats signés seront honorés, donc cela prendra un peu de temps. Tous les nouveaux contrats devront être révisés. D’ici là, nous devons exploiter cette période pour entraîner notre personnel et faire la promotion de l’artisanat dans les bazars d’Égypte. (Doaa Elhami, « ‘Amr al-Tîbî : L’interdiction mettra un peu de temps à être effective », Al- Ahram Hebdo du 29 avril 2015). - - Le secrétaire général du CSA, Dr Mustafa Amîn, a annoncé que le Comité permanent a approuvé le projet de ressuscitation du Phare d’Alexandrie présenté par le gouvernorat. Celui-ci souhaitait reconstruire le Phare sur son lieu d’origine à la citadelle de Qâytbây. Toutefois la commission archéologique formée pour étudier la question s’est opposée au choix de l’emplacement qui porterait atteinte au patrimoine. Un terrain situé au Nord Ouest à côté du palais de la culture d’al-Anfûshî a été proposé pour accueillir la réplique du Phare. Une commission égypto-chinoise a été formée pour suivre les phases d’exécution du projet. Le premier étage du nouveau phare abritera un musée rattaché au ministère de l’Archéologie. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Le Comité permanent approuve la ressuscitation de l’antique Phare d’Alexandrie », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 29 avril 2015). - - Lors de sa dernière séance, le conseil d’administration du CSA, présidé par le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a décidé l’expropriation de l’ancien phare de Port-Saïd et son rattachement au ministère de l’Archéologie, afin d’y entreprendre les travaux de restauration nécessaire. Le phare et ses bâtiments annexes sont classés sur la liste du patrimoine. Il est actuellement exploité par le Service général de la sécurité maritime qui dépend du ministère des Transports. Rappelons que la fondation du phare remonte à l’époque de Muhammad ‘Alî. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Rattachement du phare de Port-Saïd au ministère de l’Archéologie en vue de sa restauration », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 29 avril 2015). - - Jeudi 30 avril 2015

A wooden coffin of an Egyptian woman named “Shesp-m-tay-s.her”, one of the ancient artefacts returned from USA (photo:AP) After almost six years of absence, two large collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts have returned home. This week in a gala ceremony at the Cairo International Airport, Egypt received a collection of 123 ancient Egyptian artefacts from the United State. The artefacts were illegally smuggled out of the country at some point in 2009. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) managed to find them and handed them back home. The discovery of these objects was first traced in 2009 when the ICE found a few of them in a Brooklyn garage in New York. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî said that the restored items include a painted Graeco-Roman sarcophagus as well as wooden boats with their crews, a number of limestone statues from the Third Intermediate Period, the remains of human skeletons, three wooden model boats with their crews from the Middle Kingdom and a large collection of Graeco-Roman coins. In a gala ceremony held on 22 April at the National Geographic Society in Washington, officials from the ICE gathered to hand the collection to representatives of the Egyptian government. According to the Washington Times, Chief Assistant US Attorney Kelly CURRIE said, “The investigation started with a small piece — a tiny figurine. In this case it was the investigation of a suspect’s shipment that came into New York City. And when that piece was pulled, it unravelled an investigation that took several years.” CURRIE went on to say that investigators, most of whom work at ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit, conducted a top-secret mission called “Operation Mummy’s Curse” targeting an international criminal network that illegally smuggled and imported over 7,000 cultural items from around the world. “Preserving mankind’s cultural heritage is an increasingly difficult challenge in today’s society,” said US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Sarah R Saldaña in an ICE press release published by Fox News. “To think that some of these treasured artefacts were recovered from garages is unimaginable. It is an honour for ICE to investigate these kinds of cases and to assist other countries in preserving their heritage.”

Two days later, another batch of stolen and illegally smuggled antiquities was returned to Egypt from France. The collection includes 240 ancient Egyptian artefacts from various eras, including 49 heart-shaped onyx amulets, limestone stelae depicting an offering scene to the deities Isis and Osiris and wooden painted statuettes of sailors as well as gold rings and necklaces. A collection of wooden ushabti figurines and clay vessels of different sizes are also included, together with a number of Graeco-Roman metal coins.

For his part al-Damâtî says these objects were illegally smuggled out of the country after illicit excavations at sites around Egypt, but the Ministry of Antiquities had managed to prove Egypt’s ownership of them. He asserted that over the last two days Egypt has repatriated 380 objects from the United States and France, “highlighting the ministry’s efforts to preserve Egypt’s heritage and return stolen objects to their homeland.”

All retrieved objects, al-Damâtî said, are to be restored and put on temporary display at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square. (Nevine El-Aref, “Homeward pharaohs”, Al-Ahram Weekly, April 30, 2015. Voir également Nevine El- Aref, “123 stolen artefacts to return to Egypt”, Ahram Online, April 19 ; Muna Yâsîn, « Washington restitue 123 pièces antiques volées », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 20 avril ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Retour des États-Unis de 123 pièces antiques volées », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 19 avril ; « Retour de 123 pièces archéologiques de Washington », al-Ahrâm, 20 avril ; “Egypt retrieves 135 ancient artifacts from the United States”, Egypt Independent, April 20 ; “235 historical artifacts retrieved from France”, Egypt Independent, April 24). - - Le secrétaire général du Conseil Suprême des Antiquités (CSA), Dr Mustafa Amîn, a révélé que dans le cadre de la nouvelle restructuration du ministère de l’Archéologie, le CSA va disparaître, et son secrétaire général deviendra un vice-ministre. De son côté, Dr Muhammad ‘Abd al-Maqsûd a approuvé ce nouveau plan. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Disparition du CSA dans la nouvelle restructuration du ministère de l’Archéologie », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 30 avril 2015). - - Although a heat wave hit Cairo on Monday, hundreds of foreign and Egyptian journalists, photographers, TV presenters and government officials flocked to the Gîza Plateau to witness the official reopening of two Old Kingdom tombs belonging to the high priest Imery and his eldest son Nefer Bau Ptah, a superintendent of the royal palace during the Fifth Dynasty reign of the Pharaoh Khufu. The tombs are located in the south-western corner of the Gîza western cemetery to the west of Khufu’s Great Pyramid. Imery’s tomb is one of the most exquisitely decorated in the cemetery. Built of limestone and divided into three sections consisting of an entrance hall, a corridor and an offering hall, it is decorated with vividly coloured mural paintings. These depict the offerings made to the deceased by his followers, as well as scenes of ancient Egyptian daily life, agriculture and craftsmanship. A clarinet player is also shown with details of his posture, playing technique and fingering.

Wine production at Imery’s tombe In the burial chamber there is a distinguished scene featuring details of wine production. Scenes showing fruit harvests, fishing, planting, acrobatics, banqueting, hunting and offering sacrifices to the gods are also shown. “The tomb is well known among scholars as ‘the tomb of the trades,’” said Mahmûd ‘Afîfî, head of the ancient Egyptian department at the Ministry of Culture. Imery had served as the high priest responsible for a cult, a scribe of the archives, and a steward of a great estate responsible for gathering whatever was necessary to maintain the cult, he added. The tomb of Nefer Bau Ptah, first uncovered in 1925 by Egyptologist George REISNER, is a large rock-hewn tomb adjacent to Imery’s and includes five rooms and a crypt on its southern side. The entrance hall features a life-sized image of the deceased carved out of the limestone wall. A corridor leading to two offering rooms displaying scenes of people offering gifts to the deceased is also contained in the tomb. It contains scenes showing scribes registering seeds, a man throwing grain into a vat, and cattle being dragged for counting while scribes record donations in registers. Regretfully time has taken its toll on the paintings, as most of them have faded.

Offering scene at Ptah’s tomb One scene featuring a tax collector holding a man by the scruff of the neck and beating him to force him to dig deeper into his loincloth to produce money is also shown on one of the tomb’s walls. The taxpayer’s agonised face peers out in warning to those who dared fight the system. Kamâl Wahîd, head of the Central Administration of Cairo and Gîza Monuments, said the tombs were closed to visitors in 2007, but the actual work of restoration only started in 2010, stopping in the aftermath of the 25 January Revolution and starting again six months ago. “Architectural restoration was carried out in both tombs,” Wahîd said, adding that the walls were consolidated, the paintings strengthened and faded colours fixed. Modern graffiti left by visitors on the tombs’ walls were removed, and new wooden floors to facilitate the visitors’ path was installed in both tombs as well as new lighting and ventilation systems. At the opening ceremony minister of antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî described the event as important because it not only added a new attraction to the Gîza Plateau, but also highlighted two of the most distinguished tombs in the necropolis. He said the tombs contained exquisite paintings that would enrich visitors’ knowledge of ancient Egyptian daily life. Some 50 tombs could now be visited, and in future more tombs out of the 600 on the plateau would be opened to the public after restoration, he said. Private burials at Gîza were laid out in rows or streets of mastaba tombs divided to the east and west of the Great Pyramid. They include the tombs of high officials and nobles of the Old Kingdom who were rich or privileged enough to be buried close to the royal tombs. There are also cemeteries grouped around the Khafre and Menkawre Pyramids and to the south of Khafre’s causeway. During the ceremony to reopen the tombs al-Damâtî announced that the police had succeeded in catching criminals who had broken into the Mustafa Kâmil Gallery in Alexandria and stolen 47 artefacts including 31 bronze coins, 15 small clay pots and a double granite statue. “All the items were returned and the eight criminals are now under investigation,” al-Damâtî said, adding that one of the criminals had been one of the gallery guards who had facilitated the robbery. al-Damâtî told the Weekly that to stop further thefts the ministry intended to open a central storehouse in June at the National Museum for Egyptian Civilisation. This would house artefacts from less well-guarded storehouses such as those in Mît Rahîna at Saqqâra and in the Delta and Gîza. In an attempt to tighten security measures for all artefacts whether stored or displayed in museums, al-Damâtî said that a new database was being developed. A new security system was installed last month at the Luxor Temple, he said, intended to tighten security measures around the Temple and operating after closing hours. “The Luxor Temple is now totally safeguarded from the inside and the outside for the first time,” al-Damâtî said, adding that it was constantly monitored by fixed and mobile cameras. He also said that after five years of discussion with the Alexandria governorate an agreement had been signed to grant the land behind the Graeco-Roman Museum in the city to the Ministry of Antiquities. This would be used as an extension of the museum to enlarge its display area, al-Damâtî said.

“The LE10 million restoration project for the Graeco-Roman Museum is to be finally restarted after five years of delays,” al-Damâtî said, adding that the funds had been provided by the Italian government. (Nevine El-Aref, “Reopening the tombs”, Al-Ahram Weekly, April 30, 2015. Voir également Nada al-Khûlî, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie inaugure deux tombes à Gîza », al-Shurûq, 27 avril ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Le prêtre de Chéops est prêt à accueillir les touristes », al-Ahrâm, 28 avril ; “Two ancient tombs open to public in Pyramids plateau”, Egypt Independent, April 28 ; Nada Deyaa’, “2 ancient tombs reopened after restoration”, Daily News Egypt, April 29).

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V – MAI 2015 Samedi 2 mai 2015

A part of a statue of King Sahure unearthed in al-Kâb A Belgian archaeological mission unearthed the lower part of a statue of King Sahure, who ruled during the 25th century BC, during excavation work at al-Kâb archaeological site in the governorate of Aswân. “This is a very important discovery that will add more detailed information about Sahure and his reign,” Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told Ahram Online, explaining that it is the third statue of the king to be found at the site. The first one is on display at the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the second is exhibited at the Egyptian Museum in central Cairo. The newly discovered statue piece is rendered sandstone and depicts the lower body of the king, whose name is carved into the statue. The Belgian mission is led by Dirk HUYGE of Belgium’s Royal Museums of Arts and History, and started its excavations at al-Kâb in 2009. The site is the location of Upper Egypt’s capital during the pre-historical period and the capital of Nekhen, a nome, or regional administrative division, until the Ptolemaic age.

The site, which lies on the eastern bank of the Nile, includes a number of rock-hewn tombs belonging to New Kingdom nobles. A Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the desert goddess Nekhbet is also still extant. (Nevine El-Aref, “Piece of 4,500-year-old royal statue unearthed near Aswân”, Ahram Online, May 2, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Découverte de la partie inférieure d’une statue de Sahourê », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 28 avril ; Anadolu, « Mise au jour d’une statue royale pharaonique au sud de l’Égypte », al-‘Arabî al-Gadîd, 28 avril ; Nasma Réda, « Le roi Sahourê réapparaît », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 6 mai). - - Le gouverneur de Port Saïd, major général Magdî Nasr al-Dîn, a adressé un courrier au ministère de l’Archéologie le pressant d’éclaircir sa position concernant le terrain du musée archéologique de Port Saïd. Démoli en 2011, rien n’a encore été reconstruit sur ce terrain, alors que l’entreprise de BTP en charge du projet a déjà touché un acompte de dix millions de livres égyptiennes. Ce retard louche et l’absence totale de mesures prises par le ministère de l’Archéologie soulèvent de nombreux points d’interrogation. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Le musée de Port Saïd n’a pas encore vu le jour malgré les 10 millions L.E. dépensées », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 2 mai 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Le président du département des projets : 85 millions L.E. pour la construction du musée de Port Saïd », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 8 mai). - - Dimanche 3 mai 2015 Commenting on the controversial pictures posted on the social media, depicting porn star Carmen DE LUZ posing next to the Pyramids, Antiquities Department Director Mahmûd ‘Afîfî said that DE LUZ was visiting the Second Panorama area of the plateau, which is an empty desert, adding that she apologized when she learned that people in Egypt were offended by her pictures. The statement came during the Rulâ Kharsa television talk show.

Answering to the show host’s question about the security of the plateau, ‘Afîfî said the surveillance cameras situated in the area were stolen four years ago. “However, we are going to find out who helped her enter the area and take those pictures,” he added. The Pyramids Media Centre of the Ministry of Antiquities had issued a statement on Friday, saying that the Pyramids Plateau is a very large area, and that the pictures were shot in a vast empty desert. The statement added that there are three points of entry to the area: from the Mena House Hotel, the Sphinx and the southern hill, which is reserved for the visitors riding camels or horses. All of these entry points secured by the Tourism Police, ministry staff and public security agencies, whereas the desert area is protected only by the Tourism Police, equipped with 4x4 vehicles and camels. The statement said Carmen DE LUZ was shown riding a camel, which means she must have entered the area from the southern entry to the Second Panorama, situated three kilometers away from the pyramids. It added that DE LUZ must have stayed in the area until after 5 PM, and that the Tourism Police should have made sure no visitors remained in the Plateau after closing time. (“Antiquities Department Director: Porn star apologized for Pyramids photo session”, Egypt Independent, May 3, 2015. Voir également « Le ministère de l’Archéologie nie et la pornstar présente ses excuses », al-Bashâyyir, 3 mai). - - Mardi 5 mai 2015

An Egyptian excavation mission uncovered two lintels on the eastern gate of the Tharo military fortress in North Sinai, Egypt’s minister of antiquities announced on Tuesday. Mamdûh al-Damâtî revealed that the lintels are made up of three limestone blocks and are engraved with scenes depicting King Ramses II from the New Kingdom period. Each block is three metres tall and one meter in width, indicating that the fortress’ gate was very large. al-Damâtî explained that from this fortress, Egypt’s military forces used to flock out to safeguard the country’s eastern borders on Horus military road that once connected Egypt to Palestine. The mission also unearthed a collection of mud brick storehouses, which were used during the reigns of kings Tuthmosis III and Ramses II. A collection of stamps bearing the name of king Tuthmosis III were also uncovered. A 26th dynasty necropolis was also found, along with human skeletons. al-Damâtî added that all the objects found in this area will be restored so that they can be displayed in a museum on Egyptian military history, which is set to be built in two years. (Nevine El-Aref, “New discoveries at Tharo military fortress, North Sinai”, Ahram Online, May 5, 2015. Voir également « Découverte d’une forteresse militaire pharaonique », al-Bashâyyir, 3 mai ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Une mission archéologique exhume un camp militaire pharaonique dans le Sinaï », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 3 mai ; “Ancient Egyptian army camp discovered in North Sinai”, Egypt Independent, May 3 ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Découverte d’un camp militaire au Sinaï durant le Nouvel Empire », al-Ahrâm, 4 mai). - -

Kafr al-Shaykh est considéré parmi les plus importants gouvernorats de Basse-Égypte des points de vue archéologique et historique. Il était jadis le siège de la capitale Bouto et renferme plus de deux cents tells archéologiques. Il compte plusieurs milliers de pièces antiques abandonnées dans les entrepôts ou en plein air, à la merci du trafic archéologique. Il ne renferme jusqu’ici aucun musée archéologique. Le ministère de l’Archéologie n’a pas achevé les travaux de construction du musée de Kafr al-Shaykh lancés il y a plus de vingt ans. Situé sur un terrain exceptionnel d’une valeur estimée à 500 millions L.E. et offert par le gouvernorat au ministère de l’Archéologie, ce musée de 2 000 m2 a juste besoin de 5 millions L.E. afin de voir le jour. (‘Alâ’ ‘Abdallah, « Le musée de Kafr al-Shaykh est toujours abandonné », al-Ahrâm, 5 mai 2015). - - Extraordinaire coup de filet. La police du tourisme et des antiquités a réussi à saisir 7 452 pièces archéologiques dissimulées dans un souterrain sous la maison d’un célèbre trafiquant archéologique de Minyâ. Ce butin était destiné à être écoulé sur Internet. (Haggâg al-Husaynî, « Saisie de 7 452 pièces antiques à Minyâ », al-Ahrâm, 5 mai 2015). - - Mercredi 6 mai 2015 The director of Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum has denied media reports that two wooden sticks from the pharaonic era were damaged in transport to the museum.

Both sticks — one dating back to the Middle Kingdom era and the other said to have belonged to the boy king Tutankhamun — arrived safely, Târiq Tawfîq told Ahram Online. Earlier on Wednesday, several newspapers reported that two sticks had been broken while being transported from the Egyptian Museum near Tahrîr Square to the Grand Egyptian Museum overlooking the Gîza plateau. The Middle Kingdom stick has been displayed in five pieces since its discovery, as recorded in Tahrîr Museum archaeological documents under number 476, said Tawfîq.

The second stick was recently wrongly restored at the Tahrîr museum, he added. But the Grand Egyptian Museum restoration lab has re-restored it. Sometimes, after unprofessional restoration work with a potentially harmful material, the Grand Egyptian Museum has to conduct re-restoration “according to the adequate scientific method and with state-of-the-art equipment”, he said.

In January, the Tahrîr museum admitted to having hastily fixed the beard of a Tutankhamun mask back on using the wrong glue. (Nevine El-Aref, “Ancient Egyptian wooden sticks not damaged: GEM director”, Ahram Online, May 6, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Toutankhamon est foutu ! Après sa barbe et son siège, sa canne a été brisée », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 5 mai ; Nûr Rashwân, « Le superviseur du GEM révèle la vérité sur la canne brisée de Toutankhamon », al-Shurûq 6 mai ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Malgré les photos, le ministère de l’Archéologie nie la destruction de la canne de Toutankhamon », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 6 mai). - -

(Photo : Doaa Elhami)

Dans le Vieux-Caire, quartier connu pour ses monuments juifs, coptes et islamiques, plus précisément rue Mâr Girgis, se dresse majestueusement la forteresse romaine de Babylone connue pour ses tours cylindriques. Au sommet de l’une de ces tours, se dresse l’église Saint-Georges des grecs orthodoxes. « Cette église a une forme circulaire comme la tour sur laquelle elle est bâtie. C’est sa particularité », explique Ibrâhîm ‘Abd al-Rahmân, directeur général de la zone archéologique du Vieux-Caire au ministère des Antiquités.

L’église a fait l’objet, pendant trois ans, de travaux de restauration qui ont coûté 50 millions de L.E., versées par MARTINUS, un bienfaiteur grec. Cette somme a permis de restaurer les trois étages de la tour sur laquelle est construite l’église. « Ces trois étages servent actuellement comme lieu d’exposition des objets qu’on a dégagés de l’église pendant la restauration », explique Muhammad Mustafa, chef des inspecteurs des antiquités du Vieux-Caire.

Cet ensemble a été inauguré officiellement la semaine dernière, sous les auspices du président ‘Abd al-Fattâh al-Sîsî, par le président grec, Prokópis Pavlópoulos, et en présence du ministre des Antiquités, Mamdûh al-Damâtî.

L’église Saint-Georges des grecs orthodoxes a été bâtie au début du XXe siècle (1904-1909). Elle a remplacé l’ancienne église dédiée à ce saint, édifiée au Xe siècle et brûlée au début du XXe siècle. « Afin de consolider la nouvelle église qui est en quelque sorte suspendue comme l’église de la Vierge, on a injecté du ciment et du fer à béton dans le sous-sol », explique ‘Abd al-Rahmân.

Vue générale de l’autel et des deux nefs. (Photo : Doaa Elhami)

Quant au bâtiment lui-même, il a été fortifié avec de gros blocs de pierres. L’église est construite dans le style architectural de la basilique et se compose de deux ailes semi-cylindriques qui entourent la coupole. À l’entrée de l’église se trouve une grande salle. Au centre de celle-ci se trouve l’autel surmonté d’une grande croix munie d’une aile sous forme d’iconostase. À côté de l’autel, se trouvent deux nefs, chacune décorée de quatre icônes représentant les apôtres. La coupole au centre est ornée d’une représentation du Christ, le plafond est de couleur bleue, représentant le ciel avec des étoiles symbolisant la naissance du Christ. Des vitraux colorés et des icônes ornent les murs de l’église.

Pour les archéologues, cette église est un élément d’un complexe religieux situé au sein de la forteresse. Tout près de l’escalier de l’église se trouve une petite porte. « Elle mène vers une grande salle où se trouvent la grande croix de fer que Saint-Georges portait sur le dos ainsi que les chaînes avec lesquelles il était attaché et les sandales munies de clous qu’on lui faisait porter. Il y a aussi des peintures décrivant les scènes de torture », explique Mustafa.

À son tour, cette salle donne sur de petites chapelles creusées dans la pierre de l’ancienne forteresse. « Là, les visiteurs laissent leurs souhaits sur de petits bouts de papier », explique ‘Afâf ‘Alâ’, inspectrice des travaux. Elle ajoute qu’il s’agit d’une tradition populaire répandue en Égypte depuis l’époque pharaonique.

L’édification de l’église sur cette tour a profondément modifié son aspect d’origine. Les colonnes de l’église se prolongent sur plusieurs mètres jusqu’aux fondations de la tour elle-même. Cette dernière se compose de trois niveaux, en plus du dernier niveau sur lequel a été bâtie l’église. « Ces trois premiers niveaux étaient inondés avant la restauration », reprend Mustafa. L’eau a été pompée puis les pierres et les murs ont été nettoyés. Un nouvel éclairage a été installé, en plus d’un système anti-incendie.

La restauration architecturale a été menée par des entrepreneurs égyptiens, tandis que les finitions et les rénovations minutieuses ont été opérées par des restaurateurs grecs.

La coupole centrale ornée de la représentation du Christ. (Photo : Doaa Elhami)

Le premier niveau, celui des fondations de la tour, renferme les tombes des deux martyrs grecs, Gabriel et Kyrmidolès. Ce niveau comprend une petite chapelle, ainsi qu’une église dont les vitraux représentent le Christ et la Vierge. « Toutes ces icônes ont été restaurées par les Grecs sous notre supervision », se félicite Mustafa. Le deuxième niveau comprend des poteries et des céramiques importées d’Iraq et de Syrie. Ce niveau comprend aussi une église grecque. Quant au troisième niveau, il est consacré aux habits et aux outils ecclésiastiques : encens, croix de fer et en argent incrustées de pierres précieuses…

L’église Saint-Georges, dans sa forme actuelle, s’apparente à un complexe religieux. Mais elle n’est qu’un exemple de lieu de culte que renferme le Vieux-Caire. L’église cohabite, en effet, avec une mosquée et une synagogue, toutes proches. « C’est le reflet concret de la coexistence des divers cultes et religions », conclut ‘Abd al-Rahmân. (Doaa Elhami, « Saint-Georges, l’église et la forteresse », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 6 mai 2015).

- - Jeudi 7 mai 2015

At a seminar organized by the Engineers Syndicate, ‘Abd al-Halîm Nûr al-Dîn, an expert in archaeology, said 96 percent of Egypt’s ancient monuments are neglected and can be easily stolen or vandalized. He added that the buildings in the Pyramids Plateau and the area from al-Rimâya Square until the Fayyûm Road are encroachments on archaeological sites. “Antiquities are not a priority for decision-makers in Egypt,” he said, noting that the scientific advisors have noted include archaeologists. “And all that people are interested in is whether it was the Jews who built the pyramids.” “Sixty artifacts were stolen from the Egyptian Museum, in addition to many other pieces from the museums of Qantara, Mît Rahîna and Mallawî,” he said. “And there are 300 acres of the archaeological area in Abû Sîr from which artifacts were stolen.” He said Israel stole 45,000 artifacts from Sinai during the occupation, of which 38,000 were repatriated in the 1990s. “They wanted to keep four particular pieces, but I refused and told them only the Egyptian people have the right to dispose of them,” he said. “There are neglected archaeological sites in Ma‘âdî, Hilwân, Imbâba, Gîza, Memphis and Old Cairo,” he said. For his part, Syndicate Chairman Târiq al-Nabarâwî said he couldn’t understand why the historical house of President Nâsir has also been neglected, despite its great political and historical value. (“Seminar: 96% of Egypt’s ancient monuments neglected”, Egypt Independent, May 7, 2015. Voir également Âyâ Di‘bis, « Nûr al-Dîn : 96 % des antiquités égyptiennes sont exposées au pillage », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 6 mai). - - Samedi 9 mai 2015

4 pièces des 32 autres récemment récupérées de Suisse. A collection of 32 ancient Egyptian artefacts is to return back to Egypt in June after Egypt successfully asserted ownership of the objects. ‘Alî Ahmad, director of antiquities repatriation, told Ahram Online that the objects included limestone and wooden statues as well as a collection of limestone blocks from chapels across different Pharaonic periods. The objects were seized by the Swiss police within the framework of a bilateral agreement between Egypt and Switzerland that prohibits the illegal import and export of cultural properties.

Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî said the objects are to be handed over to Egypt’s ambassador to Switzerland at the Federal Office for Culture in Bern during an event to mark tenth anniversary of the passage into Swiss law of a prohibition on illegal trade in cultural property. (Nevine El-Aref, “Smuggled artefacts to return to Egypt from Switzerland”, Ahram Online, May 9, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie récupère de la Suisse 32 pièces antiques sorties illégalement d’Égypte », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 7 mai). - -

Des sources informées au sein du ministre de l’Archéologie ont affirmé le vol de deux parois de la tombe de Djéhoutyhotep, il y a quinze jours. Située à Dayr al-Barshâ dans le gouvernorat d’al-Minyâ, cette tombe remonte à la XIIe dynastie. Les pilleurs ont réussi à découper les deux parois exceptionnelles de la tombe et à s’en emparer. La première paroi est décorée de scènes représentant l’au-delà, tandis que la seconde peint la vie quotidienne. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Vol de la tombe de Djéhoutyhotep à Dayr al-Barshâ », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 12 mai 2015). - -

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a pris la décision n° 203/2015 portant création d’une administration générale pour gérer les crises et les catastrophes. Cette nouvelle administration siègera dans Le Caire historique et sera présidée par Mamdûh Muhammad ‘Uda. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Officiellement : création d’une administration générale pour gérer les crises et les catastrophes », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 9 mai 2015. Voir également ‘Alâ’ al- Dîn al-Zâhir, « Le directeur de l’administration générale pour gérer les crises et les catastrophes : Nous nous employons à protéger le patrimoine égyptien », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 14 février). - - Dimanche 10 mai 2015

Le comité d’organisation des expositions archéologiques à l’étranger a approuvé la tenue au Japon d’une exposition intitulée « L’ère des bâtisseurs des pyramides ». 120 pièces antiques seront envoyées à cette exposition qui rapportera à l’Égypte 2 millions de dollars payables en deux ans. (Ahmad Mansûr, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie approuve la participation à une exposition au Japon », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 10 mai 2015). - - Lundi 11 mai 2015

Le ministre de la Culture, Dr ‘Abd al-Wâhid al-Nabawî ; l’émir de Sharjah, cheikh Sultân b. Muhammad al-Qâsimî ; et le gouverneur de Gîza, Khâlid Zakariyyâ ont inauguré le nouveau siège de l’Union des archéologues arabes situé à Madînat al-Shaykh Zâyyid. Ce siège a été fondé grâce au soutien de l’émir de Sharjah pour devenir un pôle culturel important.

Le ministre de la Culture a déclaré que « l’Union des archéologues arabes vise à promouvoir l’échange d’expertises entre les spécialistes, et fournir des consultations techniques aux autorités concernées par le patrimoine et les travaux de fouille. Il s’occupe en plus de revitaliser les domaines archéologiques et la protection du patrimoine arabe ». Il a rappelé que l’idée de fonder cette Union remonte à 1994.

De son côté, le gouverneur de Gîza s’est félicité du soutien prodigué par l’émir de Sharjah et des relations étroites entre l’Égypte et les Émirats arabes unis. Le peuple égyptien n’oubliera jamais l’appui précieux des Émirats tout au long des moments difficiles que traverse l’Égypte. Ont assisté à cette inauguration le secrétaire général de l’Union des archéologues arabes, Dr Muhammad al-Kahlâwî, ainsi que le président de l’Union, Dr ‘Alî Radwân. (Magdî Abû al-Futûh, « Le ministre de la Culture et cheikh Sultân al-Qâsimî inaugurent le siège de l’Union des archéologues arabes », al-Shurûq, 11 mai 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « L’émir de Sharjah inaugure le nouveau siège de l’Union des archéologues arabes », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 10 mai). - - Mardi 12 mai 2015

Corruption in the ancient Egyptian industry of animal sacrifices could be the reason Egyptologists are finding so many animal mummies void of skeletal remains. Egyptologist Professor Lidija MCKNIGHT from the University of Manchester, along with her team of researchers, recently discovered that only one-third of the animal mummies studied contained full skeletons. “We found that in about two-thirds of the cases, we have got some animal skeletal material, but then only in about half of these do we have a complete animal skeleton. So, somewhere between one-third and a half of all the mummies we’ve looked at have a complete animal inside,” MCKNIGHT told BBC. Over 800 mummies were scanned using x- rays and CT scans. Among the mummified remains were cats, birds and crocodiles. Though recent news reports have indicated this Manchester Museum discovery is new, scans of animal mummies had already been made in 2014 in the United States, with similar results. In March of last year, Archeology Magazine published an article on the scans made from animal mummies at the Brooklyn Museum in the United States. It had already been determined that several mummies were either empty or contained partial skeletal remains. One mummy, wrapped in the shape of an ibis, actually housed several snakes instead. This discovery led to suspicions on potential corrupt practices conducted by priests at the time. Egyptologists discovered a document at the necropolis of Saqqâra detailing a corruption case against the Temple of Thoth over animal mummies. It referred to what worshippers were paying for and their complaints about what they were receiving instead. Subsequent to that case, reforms were put into place and the statement, “one god in one jar” was written, indicating there could only be one whole animal per mummy. At the University of Manchester, MCKNIGHT has a different point of view. Though many of the casings were empty, others were filled with partial skeletons as well as other organic materials, such as sticks, eggshells, mud, reeds and feathers. According to her, these items were readily available around the embalmers and represented the animals for which the mummies were made. “They [empty casings] were special because they had been in close proximity with the animals-even though they weren’t the animals themselves,” she told BBC. Ancient Egyptians were systematically mummified in preparation for the afterlife. A National Geographic article on why humans and animals were similarly mummified explains that though the mummification of animals was not for the afterlife, they were an important burial ritual as they represented religious offerings to the gods. The animals were often as well preserved as humans, as it was believed that animals were indistinguishable from humans with regards to having a soul. Animals were linked to the gods and it was a common belief that some were incarnations of some of the most powerful gods in Ancient Egypt. Cats were considered the incarnation of Bastet, the protector of women and goddess of joy and music. The Apis bull, which was a revered animal in Egypt, was a representation of Osiris, the god of embalming and cemeteries. Hawks were seen as manifestations of Horus, the god of light and the ibis represented Thoth, the god of wisdom and learning. These animals, in addition to lizards, beetles and pets, such as baboons, monkeys and dogs were often buried with humans as offerings to the gods. The embalming materials used for animals were likened to those used for humans. Ingredients such as animal fats, oils, beeswax, sugar gum, bitumen and pine tree resin were all used to preserve the animals after death. As with humans, the organs were typically removed and the carcasses were rubbed with salt to remove any excess water, thereby minimizing the presence of microbes. The oils and resins were then applied to keep moisture out. Dr. Campbell PRICE is the curator of Egypt and Sudan sector at the Manchester Museum. “We know the Egyptians worshipped gods in animal forms and an animal mummy allowed you some connection with the world of the gods,” BBC quoted PRICE as saying. “You would go to a special site, buy an animal mummy, using a system of barter. You’d then give it to a priest, who would collect a group of animal mummies and bury them.” Between 800BC and AD400, there was a thriving animal mummy industry in Egypt. Scientists believe up to 70 million animals were mummified during that time. This would indicate that there was a very elaborate and specialized breeding program, as many of the animals were killed specifically for burial and were quite young at the time of death. BBC’s recent coverage of the findings at the University of Manchester seems to indicate the suspicion of corruption has been assuaged. The demand for animal mummies, scientists suspect, most likely outweighed the supply at the time. This could have led to the practice of making partial or organically-filled casings that resembled the animals people wished to honor. Unlike what the Brooklyn Museum determined, MCKNIGHT does not believe corruption was a factor. “We don’t think it’s forgery or fakery,” she said. “It’s just that they were using everything they could find. And often the most beautifully wrapped mummies don’t contain the animal remains themselves.” Despite the University of Manchester’s stance on the matter, it is still possible that both museums are right. As the Saqqâra document indicates, there was some controversy concerning mummified remains of animals, suggesting a strong correlation to corrupt practices. On the other hand, many people may have purchased mummies with only partial remains or empty casings because it was a less-expensive alternative to a whole animal during a period of shortage. “This was an extremely important economic phenomenon,” Egyptology curator at the Brooklyn Museum Edward BLEIBERG told Archeology Magazine. “There was a lot of money being directed toward animal mummies in first millennium.” Regardless of the ‘truth’ in this area, it is nonetheless notable that 30 catacombs full of animal mummies have been discovered in Egypt. This indicates that the practice of animal mummification was an integral part of Ancient Egyptian life, both religiously and economically. (“Egyptologists uncover ‘corruption’ in animal mummy industry”, Egypt Independent, May 12, 2015). - - Mercredi 13 mai 2015

‘Alî Ahmad, chef de département au ministère des Antiquités, fait le point sur les modalités de récupération des antiquités égyptiennes. Al-Ahram Hebdo : Chaque jour, on entend parler d’un pays qui restitue à l’Égypte des pièces antiques. Quelle est la politique du ministère pour récupérer nos antiquités qui ont fait l’objet d’un trafic à l’étranger ? ‘Alî Ahmad : En 2002, le ministère des Antiquités à créé le département dont je suis responsable justement pour s’occuper de ce dossier, à savoir la récupération de toutes les pièces qui sont sorties de façon illégale du pays. Ce département suit de très près les sites Web des collectionneurs et ceux des maisons de ventes aux enchères pour pouvoir arrêter toute vente illégale. Dès qu’on apprend qu’une pièce a été saisie par la police ou la douane d’un pays étranger, on contacte immédiatement les ministères des Affaires étrangères et de l’Intérieur pour contacter les autorités du pays concerné. Ainsi, notre travail exige la coopération avec plusieurs ministères et organismes égyptiens, en plus d’Interpol.

La partie du minbar de Ghânim al-Bahlawân délivrée en 2014 aux autorités égyptiennes. — Rencontrez-vous souvent des difficultés dans ces démarches ? — Bien sûr, dans la plupart des cas, les procédures sont longues et difficiles. On a intenté un procès à Copenhague, concernant des parties volées du minbar de la mosquée mamelouke de l’émir Ghânim al-Bahlawân. Ces pièces avaient été volées en 2008, avant d’être saisies par la police danoise, et ce n’était qu’en juillet 2014 qu’on a pu les récupérer. D’autres procès de même nature sont en cours. Comme celui des blocs de pierre volés d’une nécropole à Saqqâra en 2002 et qui sont apparus en 2013 à Budapest. Citons aussi l’exemple des 240 pièces saisies par les autorités aéroportuaires en France. Dans ce dernier cas, nous avons réussi à prouver nos droits de possession, mais ce n’est qu’il y a quelques jours qu’on a pu récupérer les objets en question. Le travail n’est donc pas facile. Cela dit, il arrive parfois que les personnes ayant acheté ces pièces, en découvrant leur origine douteuse, prennent l’initiative de les remettre aux autorités. Comme ce citoyen anglais qui a remis un fragment représentant Amon-Rê enlevé au musée de Thoutmosis IV dans le temple du Karnak. Nous avons présenté au gouvernement britannique tous les documents nécessaires pour en prouver l’authenticité et il nous a été rendu peu de temps après. — Comment pouvez-vous présenter les documents nécessaires s’il s’agit de pièces dissimulées lors d’opérations de fouilles et donc pas encore enregistrées ? — C’est un grand problème. Beaucoup de sites sont encore vierges et renferment un grand nombre de pièces non enregistrées. Cela complique évidemment les procédures qui deviennent plus longues et plus difficiles. — Mais souvent, on entend parler de pièces antiques égyptiennes vendues au grand jour... — Jusqu’au début des années 1980, les missions de fouilles avaient droit de garder 10 % des découvertes. Cela a donné lieu à un marché des antiquités plus ou moins légal. Ce privilège a été annulé en vertu d’une loi adoptée en 1983. — Ce qui revient à dire qu’il vous arrive d’être dans l’impossibilité de récupérer certains objets... — Malheureusement. Je vous donne l’exemple de la statue de Sekhemka dont on n’a pas pu arrêter la vente l’année dernière. Elle a été vendue à 16 millions de livres sterling. La salle a proposé d’arrêter la vente à condition que l’Égypte propose une somme. Ce qu’on a refusé, faute de moyens. Dans d’autres cas, les frais des avocats dépassent la valeur de la pièce en question. On s’abstient donc d’intenter un procès. — Selon quels critères les pays aident l’Égypte pour récupérer son patrimoine ? — Nos relations avec les pays étrangers sont basées sur l’accord signé à l’Unesco en 1970 sur la protection du patrimoine culturel des pays signataires, ainsi que sur les protocoles bilatéraux. Celui qu’on a signé avec la Suisse en 2010 exige des autorités de ce pays de saisir de nombreuses pièces. Le protocole de coopération le plus récent dans ce domaine a été signé la semaine dernière avec l’Espagne, un pays considéré comme la porte européenne de la contrebande des antiquités. — Par quoi répondez-vous à ceux qui considèrent la présence des antiquités égyptiennes à l’étranger comme une sorte de promotion touristique ? — C’est une opinion que je ne partage pas. À chaque fois que je vois l’obélisque de la place de la Concorde à Paris, cela me fait de la peine. Je n’ai jamais apprécié une pièce antique en dehors de son cadre, de son environnement. Quant à la promotion touristique, je crois que les enfants du monde entier rencontrent les pharaons dans leurs manuels scolaires. Sans oublier que l’Égypte organise des expositions à l’étranger. La prochaine sera au Japon et sera consacrée à Toutankhamon. — Mais souvent, les antiquités égyptiennes sont mieux exposées à l’étranger si l’on compare avec beaucoup de musées égyptiens où elles sont entassées dans les vitrines... — Notre ambition c’est de faire un musée dans chaque gouvernorat d’Égypte. Déjà, certains musées locaux se disputent les objets récupérés d’Allemagne. — Vous avez annoncé il y a près d’un an la création d’un musée à l’aéroport international du Caire qui sera consacré aux pièces restituées, où en êtes-vous ? — Sa préparation est en cours, ainsi que le choix des pièces qui y seront exposées. (Nasma Réda, « ‘Alî Ahmad : Beaucoup de sites sont encore vierges et renferment un grand nombre de pièces non enregistrées », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 13 mai 2015). - - Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al-Damâtî said Egypt will do its best to stop the illegal traffic of antiquities within the Middle East, adding that Iraqi artifacts had been seized at an Egyptian border crossing and returned to Iraq. During a speech on Wednesday, delivered at the opening of the conference in Cairo, devoted to combating the destruction of monuments, the minister called on UNESCO to intervene through legislative amendments, particularly with regard to Article 6 of the law issued in 1970, which represents an obstacle for countries who own antiquities. “There is something called “monument laundering,” when an artifacts is taken to another country, where it gets a legal selling bond to be recognized internationally,” he added. Meanwhile, UNESCO Chief Irina BOKOVA highlighted the need for a suitable vision to protect the Middle East and combat the theft of antiquities. She described the destruction and looting of monuments as “warfare.” She mentioned a number of international discussions aimed at amending the 1970 law, adding that the protection of antiquities is not only a cultural issue, but also a security one. (“Minister: Egypt will not allow traffic of antiquities across Middle East”, Egypt Independent, May 13, 2015). - - Jeudi 14 mai 2015

Scholars and curators from 15 countries gathered at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) in al- Fustât area to discuss ways of transporting the Tutankhamun collection from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square, and how, when they are moved, they should be displayed in their new home, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Gallery space of 7,000 square metres has been allocated to the boy king in GEM, and the display is expected to be ready for the museum’s soft opening scheduled for 2018. To date 2,000 of the 4,500 artefacts recovered from Tutankhamun’s tomb have been transported to their new home, and many of those that remain are objects that are in an unstable condition. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told conference participants he firmly believes they can furnish appropriate solutions to the transport and display of the collection. The GEM, he said, will provide a permanent home for the priceless Tutankhamun collection and, thanks to aid from the Japanese government, construction of the museum is almost complete. Only $400 million is now needed to see the project to fruition. The GEM, dedicated to Pharaonic life, will be part of a three-museum complex alongside the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr, which will be refurbished as a showcase for the different styles of ancient Egyptian art, and the NMEC, which focuses on Egyptian civilisation from prehistoric to modern times. Conference head Fâyza Haykal described the NMEC gathering as similar to the calls issued in the 1960s to save the monuments of Nubia. International help is needed, she said, to help preserve, move and eventually display one of the most important collections of ancient artefacts in the world. “Many of the objects, once taken out of Tutankhamun’s tomb, began to decay,” Haykal told Al-Ahram Weekly. “Now they need very serious restoration before being moved to their new home. The Tutankhamun is an integral part of the heritage of the world and the international community must share in the responsibility of ensuring it is preserved.” She continued, “Many pieces have not been restored since they were discovered in 1922. All the shrines of the boy king on display in the museum are among the pieces in critical condition. We need to bring the best restorers to work on the project, whether Egyptian or foreign. Science has no nationality.” Hasan Silîm, professor of Egyptology at ‘Ayn Shams University, points out that when Alfred LOCUS restored the shrines in 1922 he used wax. It has now expanded, threatening the stability of several parts of the shrine. “New restoration techniques are available but the work will take at least 18 months to be complete,” he said. Silîm would like to see restoration work on items from the collection currently on display in the Egyptian Museum actually conducted in the galleries. That way, he said, visitors will not only still be able to access the objects but it will offer an additional element to the usual exhibition: they will be able to see objects being restored through a glass wall and witness the restorer, and the object of his attentions, as they face one another.

“The whole process of restoring and dismantling Tutankhamun’s shrines could, for example, be turned into an attraction, bringing in more visitors and raising money that could then be spent on financing further restoration. And it could serve as invaluable publicity for the new museum,” Silîm told the Weekly. It is not as if restoration in situ has never been done before, said Haykal. She cites one episode in the Louvre when curators were unable to remove a large relief and so worked on it in the gallery where it is displayed. “Despite the fame of the Tutankhamun collection only 30 per cent of it has been studied,” said GEM director Târiq Tawfîq. “Since GEM is to be the new home of the collection I am keen to establish an international forum which will periodically assemble specialists concerned with all aspects of the collection, to discuss the latest research results, innovative display techniques and new conservation methods. “This will help underline the role of the GEM. It is not intended solely as a venue for display but as a leading research institute and conservation centre. I expect one of the conference recommendations will be to establish an international institute of Tutankhamun studies at the GEM,” Tawfîq said. The aim of a display concept for the Tutankhamun treasures is to be innovative yet inclusive, giving visitors relevant historical background information and making use of innovative digital educational tools. “The basic display will follow the actual layout of the tomb of Tutankhamun and will explain the significance of the way objects were placed there,” Tawfîq said. Funerary customs, ideas of rebirth and eternal life will be reflected alongside information pertaining to the king’s identity, lifestyle and continuing legacy. The latter will include a space for Tutmania, offering visitors souvenirs of the king and his belongings. In addition, some of the gallery space will showcase the results of the latest examinations conducted on the mummy of the pharaoh, including CT scans to determine his linage and identify the cause of his death. The 2,000 objects from the Tutankhamun collection already transferred to their new home are in a good state of conservation. Restoration work has been conducted on items that required it at the GEM before the objects were placed in storage to await the opening of the Tutankhamun galleries in 2018.

What’s left to be dome, said Tawfîq, is the most difficult part of the task since many of the remaining objects need to be stabilised before they can be moved. (Nevine El-Aref, “Pharaoh on the move”, Al-Ahram Weekly, May 14, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Après la destruction de son siège et la déformation de sa barbe, le GEM organise un colloque sur Toutankhamon », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 6 mai ; Nevine El-Aref, “International GEM conference Sunday on handling Tutankhamun collection”, Ahram Online, May 9). - -

When Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî began his tenure in Prime Minister Ibrâhîm Mihlib’s second cabinet last June, the country’s archaeologists and heritage professionals were encouraged. They felt that his track record would allow him to manage Egypt’s antiquities portfolio efficiently, being familiar with the ministry’s different sections and its many hidden doors. They also thought al-Damâtî’s relative youth would stand him in good stead. Over the ten months since his appointment, al-Damâtî’s mission has been to embody a new vision and carry out an action plan to properly preserve the country’s antiquities, upgrade the skills of ministry staff and work to resume archaeological projects that are now on hold. However, his management style has not pleased everyone, and there have been campaigns both against the minister and against the ministry’s stewardship of the country’s antiquities. An Italian archaeologist recently claimed that the famous ancient Egyptian painting of the Maydûm Geese, on display in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square, was a fake. He claimed that the painting’s discoverer had painted over a real Pyramid Age painting. There have also been claims that the treasure of Tutankhamun has been mistreated. The Weekly met with al-Damâtî at his office in Zamâlik to talk about his achievements and future plans. — Why has a campaign against the Ministry of Antiquities and Egypt’s heritage been taking place? The campaign is not against the Ministry of Antiquities and Egypt’s heritage. On the contrary, it is a systematic campaign against the country as a whole. The Ministry of Antiquities is just the scapegoat. Several incorrect news stories about the country’s antiquities have been published in the media, while other stories have been stopped and positive news not published. For example, the return of 123 ancient Egyptian artefacts from the United States was not highlighted in the newspapers, and nor were the discoveries made at Taposiris Magna on the north coast between Alexandria and Marsa Matrûh. These discoveries were made by the first Egyptian-Dominican archaeological mission, which unearthed a collection of noblemen’s tombs from the Roman Empire and a stele similar to the Rosetta Stone dating to the 21st year of Ptolemy IV’s reign. The stele is engraved with hieroglyphics and demotic texts, but the Greek text is missing. But instead of reporting this, the media reported the robbery of the Mustafa Kâmil archaeological storehouse, and when the stolen artefacts were returned and the criminals caught and put in jail the media did not give enough attention to this. The claims of forgery made against the Maydûm Geese painting are unfounded and are not based on proper scientific studies. They depend on claims by an Italian archaeologist who in my opinion made these unfounded claims in order to draw attention to himself. — Why is the restoration work at the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria in limbo when an agreement has been signed between the ministry and the Italian government to speed up the work? After almost ten years of being off limits to tourists, the Graeco-Roman Museum will soon once again be restored to its former glory and provide more facilities for visitors. This is thanks to the Italian government, which has provided the funds to rehabilitate the museum within the framework of a memorandum of understanding signed with Egypt in 2008 to strengthen ties of friendship, cultural and scientific cooperation, and the protection of cultural heritage between Italy and Egypt. The work at the museum stopped as a result of the 25 January Revolution, but it restarted just last week. An agreement with Alexandria Governor Hânî al-Masîrî has also been signed to grant the land behind the museum to the Ministry of Antiquities. This will be used as an extension of the museum to enlarge its display area and maybe also to build a new entrance. The funds required for the restoration amount to LE10 million. The work is to be carried out over the coming 18 months, including the restoration of the building itself, replacement of the showcases, installation of new lighting, ventilation and security systems, and renewal of the overall display. The façade of the museum is to be kept as it is, and the changes will be made inside the building only. A conservation laboratory, children’s facilities, a lecture hall, cafeteria and bookstore are planned. Under the new plans, the museum will include halls for the display of its permanent collection, a section dedicated to archaeological study and research, and a special museum for children. Italian architects will also use state-of-the-art techniques to make the museum more environmentally friendly. The museological project is divided into three key parts: the main hall, the exhibition sections and the “multimedia isle”. The main hall will be dedicated to artefacts related to the main theme of the museum, which is the city of Alexandria. Within this section there will also be a “multimedia isle” conceived as a space for voices and images that will start with the descriptions of the city found within the writings of ancient authors, first and foremost in the Geography of STRABO, and will include a reconstruction of the ancient city and a kaleidoscopic narrative of voices and images of the monumental ruins of the city and its monuments. — Why was the last ministerial meeting held at the Grand Egyptian Museum instead of at the cabinet, as usual? Holding such a meeting at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has had important results, which I can sum up in three items: first, the government has finally approved to pay Egypt’s share in the GEM budget of LE284 million; second, the Japanese government has indicated its initial acceptance to negotiate a soft loan of $400 million, as requested by the Ministry of Antiquities to continue the GEM construction work; third, the prime minister has formed a ministerial committee headed by the minister of international cooperation to launch a fundraising campaign to collect the final amount of $400 million required to complete the GEM. A temporary exhibition of some of the objects transported to the GEM from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square is to travel to Japan in an attempt to collect funds to complete the GEM. If the work is carried out according to plan, a part inauguration of the GEM can be scheduled in May 2018. This would include the inauguration of the hall of Tutankhamun’s treasures and the museum’s large stairs hall, which will exhibit ancient Egyptian royal statues and colossi. — Is there any news concerning the improper restoration of the beard of the golden mask of Tutankhamun? I have assigned a scientific committee, led by me, to carry out a comprehensive analytic study on the mask since its discovery in 1922 in Tutankhamun’s tomb, as well as the restoration work carried out on it until now. German restorer Christian ECKMANN will assist me in such studies because he is an expert in metal restoration. The committee includes the head of the German Archaeological Institute, Târiq Tawfîq, head of the GEM, the head of the metal restoration section at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square, and a German CT-scan expert. The ministry has bought new CT scanning equipment to complete the study. After the completion of the study, ECKMANN will travel to Germany with the results, where he will create a replica of the mask using the proper materials. In mid-August, he will then return to Cairo where an international conference is to be held to explain to the public and scholars the method selected to restore the beard through state-of- the-art technology. The restoration itself is to start in September, and all the work will be documented. — Will the ministry be able to inaugurate the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) on schedule for the 42nd anniversary of the October War? The MIA will be reopened at its scheduled time in October 2015. The rehabilitation work is in full swing to meet the deadline, thanks to the United Arab Emirates, which provided all kinds of financial and technical support to return the MIA to its former glory. The restoration of the museum’s collection is almost complete, as is the restoration of the building itself. The showcases and the exhibition scenario have been slightly changed. The locations of the cafeteria, souvenir shop and library have been changed, and a new section entitled “In Order not to Forget” has been created within the new storyline. This section will put on display a large collection of photographs showing the destruction of the MIA after the car bomb in 2013 during the second anniversary of the 25 January Revolution, as well as other photographs depicting the restoration and rehabilitation work carried out to return the MIA to its original grandeur. — What is the current situation of the al-‘Arîsh Museum and its collection? The building is the same as it has been since a series of coordinated attacks by militants at sites in and around al- ‘Arîsh took place last February. The ministry is not able to start any restoration work there because of the current political and security conditions in North Sinai. The collection is safe and sound, however. The 1,500 artefacts normally on display at the museum were removed and transported to a secure location at the start of the attacks in North Sinai in July 2013, and the museum then closed its doors to visitors. — What were the agreements signed with the Aga Khan Trust (AKTC) during the opening of the Blue Mosque last week? No new agreements were signed, but a refreshment of the existing ones was agreed. Next month a comprehensive meeting with the head of the AKTC is to be held to discuss future cooperation. — What new projects does the ministry have planned? There are several, but the most important is the opening of Egypt’s Military Panorama Display at Qantara East, which is considered Egypt’s eastern gateway. The Panorama will be an open-air museum relating Egypt’s military history though the exhibition of a number of military fortresses and the Horus Military Road. The ministry is developing the area of Tell Habwa, where King Seti I’s fortress of Tharo is located. The area of Pelusium where Roman fortresses are found is also under development. Near the New Suez Canal Corridor, a small museum relating the story of Egypt’s military history from the ancient Egyptian king Mena to the October 1973 War is under construction in collaboration with the armed forces. A library housing documents of the wars Egypt has been involved in will be set up and will be completed in two years. Construction work at the Atun Museum in Minyâ is to be resumed soon, according to the protocol of friendship signed between Minyâ in Upper Egypt and Hildesheim in Germany. This museum will have its own very positive impact on friendship between Egypt and Germany. The Mârînâ al-‘Alamayn Archaeological site is also to be opened in July. — Has the ministry anything planned for the Egypt Treasures Conference to be held in October under the auspices of President ‘Abd al-Fattâh al-Sîsî? The ministry will take part in a scientific seminar and temporary exhibition about Egypt’s different civilisations. — What is the holding company that the ministry wants to establish? The company aims to help efficiently manage the services provided at archaeological sites and museums across Egypt, including shops, cafeterias and restaurants. It also aims to establish a new production unit to make and sell replicas. The company would not by any means manage the archaeological sites or museums, as has been rumoured. On the contrary, it would only manage the touristic aspects at the archaeological sites in order to upgrade the level of services provided which in turn will increase the ministry’s income. The company would be affiliated to the ministry. The establishment of such a company is not something new. The Sound and Light Company at the Gîza Plateau is another example. — Is there an investment plan for Historic Cairo? We are planning to introduce new ideas, such as the establishment of a hotel using some of the historical edifices. This kind of investment is well known abroad and helps protect and preserve monumental edifices without impacting on their authenticity or historical value. Such a hotel would be the first of its kind in Egypt and would be owned by the ministry, which would request the help of an international hotel organisation to run the hotel at the highest level. — What problems does the ministry face that could frustrate its efforts? The lack of finance is an enormous obstacle that the ministry is facing now. Several new projects were started before the revolution which in my opinion were beyond the ministry’s budget. Some of these projects were even put on halt before the revolution, such as the Graeco-Roman Museum development project, the museums at Sharm al-Shaykh, Ismâ‘îliyya, Port Said, Aten, Suhâg and Hurghada, and the development of the Gîza Plateau and Saqqâra. After the revolution, the financial situation got worse due to the decline of tourism to Egypt. Now negotiations are taking place with all the contractors, companies and foreign partners in an attempt to resume the work. Bureaucracy is another problem. After the revolution, many heads of different sections were afraid of signing paper work. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) and the Mallawî Museum were true examples of bureaucracy. I have now signed the papers on my own responsibility, and the work has resumed. The Mallawî Museum is to be officially inaugurated soon. Another phase of the NMEC is to be opened in July. The lack of security is a third problem, and we are trying to fill the gap through the installation of new electronic security systems like the one newly installed in the Luxor Museum. The lack of specialist restorers is a fourth problem, since the ministry has a large number of restorers but most of them are non-specialist. This led to the improper restoration of the Tutankhamun mask. I have created a new section in the ministry for restoration in order to provide specialist restorers, meaning that it will soon have restorers specialising in metals, wood, glass, stone, papyri and so on. Training for restorers will also be introduced in collaboration with Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. The social media is a fifth obstacle, as incorrect material appears on the Internet. — What is the ministry’s policy regarding the return of illegally smuggled antiquities? Since I entered office almost 500 artefacts have been returned from France, Switzerland, and the United States. A collection is to come back from Australia soon. Can you comment on UNESCO Director-General Irina BOKOVA’s visit this week to Cairo to attend a conference on cultural properties under threat in the Middle East?

Irina BOKOVA is to inaugurate the conference and will pay a visit to the MIA to inspect the rehabilitation and restoration work carried out there, as well as signing the agreement for UNESCO’s $100,000 donation to the MIA. Her attendance is a great honour to the conference and sends the message that UNESCO is protecting all monuments, including those damaged during terrorist attacks. (Nevine El-Aref, “The future of the past”, Al-Ahram Weekly, May 14, 2015. Voir également « al-Damâtî : Je suis amplement satisfait du travail accompli par mon ministère », Ruz al- Yûsuf, 16 mai ; Amânî Abû al-Nagâ, « al-Damâtî : les médias publient des informations erronées et se focalisent sur les aspects négatifs », al-Shurûq, 17 mai ; Ahmad Mar‘î, « al-Damâtî : Je tente de ressusciter un ministère moribond », al- Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 22 juin). - - Vendredi 15 mai 2015

A fire broke out in the grounds of a 19th-century royal palace in Cairo but caused no damage to the historic building, officials said on Friday. Three fire vehicles were dispatched to the ‘Umar Tûsûn Palace in the district of Shubrâ in northern Cairo to extinguish the blaze. Photos from the site showed flames leaping from behind the wall of the palace. Muhammad ‘Abd al-Latîf who is head of the Islamic Antiquities Department at the Ministry of Antiquities, told Ahram Online that the fire broke out at a modern hall on the grounds of the palace, and didn’t reach the historical building. “Thank God the fire is contained and nothing has happened to the palace,” said ‘Abd al-Latîf, who added that the police were investigating the causes of the fire. ‘Abd al-Latîf said that the halls on the site were built by the Ministry of Education in the 1970s when the palace was in the possession of the ministry, and were used to store desks, tables and other equipment. The antiquities ministry, ‘Abd al-Latîf said, will ask education ministry to remove the items and clear the halls. The palace is a 3,200-square metre building on two storeys, with an arcade façade and a long terrace on its upper floor. It was built in 1868 for Prince ‘Umar Tûsûn, who also designed the building. The palace features ceilings finely decorated with golden foliage. After the 1952 revolution the royal palace became a government property and was converted into a school. In 1984 it was declared a protected historical site and put under the supervision of the antiquities ministry, and in 2010 a restoration project was scheduled to restore the palace, but the 2011 revolution saw the plans delayed.

There have been calls in recent years from antiquities activists to restore the palace and protect it from “violations” by local residents. (Nevine El-Aref, “Fire breaks out in grounds of Cairo’s ‘Umar Tûsûn Palace”, Ahram Online, May 15, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le palais Tûsûn est sain et sauf, affirme le ministère de l’Archéologie », al- Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 15 mai ; MENA, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie : Le palais ‘Umar Tûsûn n’a pas été affecté par l’incendie de Shubrâ », al-Shurûq, 15 mai ; ‘Abd al-Hâdî Tammâm, « Après l’incendie, Tûsûn crie au secours », al- Ahrâm, 17 mai). - - Dimanche 17 mai 2015

Part of the temple’s column A Swedish archaeological mission from Lund University uncovered this week remains of an ancient Egyptian temple in the area of Gabal al-Silsila quarries located 65 kilometres north of Aswân. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî described the discovery as “very important” because it highlights that the area of Gabal al-Silsila was not only used by ancient Egyptians as a large source of sandstone blocks to built gigantic monuments, but also had a sacred religious importance. “That is why they built a temple, whose remains were found,” al-Damâtî asserted. He explained that the temple can be dated to the New Kingdom and early studies reveal that the temple was used across four historical epochs, from the Tuthmosis era, during the reigns of kings Amenhotep III and Ramses II, as well as in the Roman period.

Cartouch Nasr Salâma, director of Aswân antiquities, told Ahram Online that the location of the temple was determined with the help of maps published by German archaeologist Ludwig BORCHARDT. The foundation of the temple is located on the east bank of the Nile, north west of King Amenhotep IV’s stelae (religious relief). The remains of the temple, Salâma pointed out, are 35.2 x 18.2 metres large and include four layers, column bases, and internal and external walls. Traces of five gigantic columns were found on the grounds of the western side of the temple.

Some of the stone had curves of the sky on them according to specialists

Maria NELSON, head of the Swedish mission, said that excavation work at Gabal al-Silsila started in 2012 when the mission discovered several parts of the cartouches of kings Amenhotep III and Ramses II, as well as sandstone fragments painted with scenes of dark skies with sparkling stars. She said excavation would continue in order to reveal more blocks of the temple. (Nevine El-Aref, “New discovery: Gabal al-Silsila quarries were a sacred area in ancient Egypt”, Ahram Online, May 17, 2015. Voir également Découverte à Aswân d’un temple pharaonique vieux de 3 200 ans », al-Bashâyyir, 17 mai ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Mise au jour des fondations et des vestiges d’un temple dans les carrières de Gabal al-Silsila à Aswân », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 17 mai ; Nada al-Khûlî, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie annonce la découverte de vestiges d’un temple dans la zone des carrières de Gabal al-Silsila », al-Shurûq, 17 mai ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Découverte de vestiges d’un temple à Gabal al-Silsila », al-Ahrâm, 18 mai ; Nada Deyaa’, “Swedish team accidently discovers temple remains at quarry near Aswân”, Daily News Egypt, May 19). - - At the National Museums of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC), the Ministry of Antiquities is to celebrate World Museum Day through a seminar on the latest museological techniques and training. Ilhâm Salâh, head of the museums sector, told Ahram Online that during the seminar opening ceremony, Minster of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî is to give awards to museums that exerted exceptional efforts to transform themselves into museological institutes beyond presenting Egypt’s heritage. These museums are the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square, the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo, the Luxor Museum, and the New Valley Museum in Khârga Oasis. Salâh announced that an amount of LE3,000 provided by the International Committee of Museums - Egypt (ICOM) is to be awarded to the restoration departments of the Grand Egyptian Museum and the NMEC, while similar amount is to be given to the Alexandria National Museum, Suez Museum, and the Museum of Modern Arts. Salâh pointed out that three permanent exhibitions are to be inaugurated to highlight the aim of this year’s celebration, entitled “The Museum is a Sustainable Community.” This title, Salâh explains, underlines how Egyptians since the Pharaonic age through to modern times look forward to sustainable stability based on reason, science and creation. She pointed out that all museums would be open for free for Egyptian tomorrow, to celebrate World Museums Day Mahmûd al-Halwagî head of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr said that a documentary showing restoration works carried on several objects in the museum would be screened and a replica of Tutankhamun’s mummy is to be put on show in the museum garden to welcome visitors. Rashâ Kamâl, head of the Children’s Museum, told Ahram Online that the replica mummy would be used in a workshop for children to teach them the ancient Egyptian mummification process. CULTNAT (the Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage, an Egyptian cultural centre affiliated with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina) offered these museums the Culturama for their three month-long exhibitions.

Culturama is a cultural panorama over nine screens, the first ever patented nine-projector interactive system. It is an innovative harmonised mix of cultural and natural heritage information, using an informative and attractive multimedia programme and the latest display technology. (Nevine El-Aref, “World Museums Day celebration opens Monday in Egypt”, Ahram Online, May 17, 2015). - - Mardi 19 mai 2015 Egypt’s antiquities minister has denied knowledge of activists officially accusing his ministry of “destroying” the al- ‘Abd Theatre excavation site in Alexandria. “I do not know anybody at the Egypt Heritage Task Force group, and none of them has ever met me, or given me any advice on the al-‘Abd Theatre, as they claim,” Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al-Damâtî told Ahram Online on Tuesday, referring to the group of activists who submitted a complaint to the prosecutor-general on Monday, accusing him, his ministry’s Ancient Egyptian Antiquities department, and the Director of Antiquities in Alexandria of “destroying” the archaeological site. After the al-‘Abd Theatre was discovered in 2012 during building work, subsequent excavations eight metres below ground level uncovered catacombs, as well as Roman and Hellenistic-era statues, columns, and pottery.

One of the statues found at al-‘Abd Theatre site In March 2015, the “Permanent Committee of Ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman Antiquities” decided to remove the objects and return the land to its original owner, according to Mahmûd ‘Afîfî, head of Ancient Egyptian Antiquities at the ministry. “The site was evacuated and archaeologists took the unearthed artefacts to the museum,” ‘Afîfî said. The ministry then refilled the land with sand as, according to their technical report, the eight-metre-deep excavations had affected the foundation of the adjacent building, and cracks had started to appear on its walls, he said. This sparked a ferocious debate between the ministry and archaeologists, he said. After that, al-Damâtî sent another archaeological committee, led by ‘Afîfî and one other ministry employee, to inspect the site. In their report, which they handed to the minister and to the permanent committee, they “suggested re-excavating the site and removing the archaeological remains to a more secure location, and handing the land back to its original owner,” ‘Afîfî told Ahram Online, adding that this should be done after building protective walls around the site.

The permanent committee are to meet at the end of May to make a decision, the minister said. (Nevine El-Aref, “Egypt antiquities ministry responds to accusations of Alexandria excavation site ‘destruction’”, Ahram Online, May 19, 2015. Voir également Samar Zarée, « Les archéologues alexandrins crient au secours », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 6 mai). - -

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a examiné les moyens de renforcement de la coopération bilatérale entre le musée d’Art islamique et celui du Louvre, au cours de son entretien ce matin avec Yannick LINTZ, directrice du département Arts de l’islam au Louvre, et Sophie KAMMERER, chef du service mécénat international. Ont également assisté à cet entretien : Nicolas MICHEL, directeur des études arabes à l’Ifao ; Ilhâm Salâh, chargée des travaux du département des musées ; Ahmad ‘Ubayd, responsable de la coopération internationale ; Dr Ahmad al- Shûkî, superviseur général du musée d’Art islamique ; et Dr Khâlid al-‘Inânî, superviseur général du Musée national de la Civilisation égyptienne. al-Damâtî a étudié avec le côté français la possibilité d’envoyer quelques conservateurs du musée d’Art islamique au Louvre, afin de suivre un stage d’entraînement et de découvrir les récentes techniques muséologiques. En plus de l’éclairage, de la sécurisation et de la publication scientifique. Cet entretien s’inscrit dans le cadre du plan élaboré actuellement par le ministère de l’Archéologie pour promouvoir l’échange d’expertises avec les musées internationaux et rehausser le niveau professionnel des conservateurs égyptiens. Ahmad ‘Ubayd a souligné que le ministre a examiné avec le côté français la possibilité d’organiser un congrès international sur l’évolution de l’art islamique en Égypte à travers les différentes époques. Ce colloque pourrait avoir lieu à la fois au Louvre et au musée d’Art islamique, lors de son inauguration en octobre prochain.

Enfin, Dr Ahmad al-Shûkî a annoncé que des conservateurs du Louvre donneront demain une conférence au siège du musée d’Art islamique. Cette conférence présentera les collections du département Arts de l’islam au Louvre. (Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie examine avec des responsables du Louvre le réaménagement du musée d’Art islamique », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 19 mai 2015. Voir également Ni‘mât Magdî, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie examine le renforcement de la coopération entre le musée d’Art islamique et le Louvre », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 19 mai). - - Mercredi 20 mai 2015

The Egypt Heritage Task Force group on Wednesday wrote on Facebook that the magnificent statue of the Apis Bull of Hadrian had been broken to pieces while it was being transported from the Graeco-Roman museum storeroom to the Maritime Museum to prepare it for a European exhibition tour of Alexandria’s underwater archaeology. The statue is about 1.90 metres long, carved in basalt and dated to the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd Century CE. It was discovered to the west of Pompey’s Pillar in Alexandria and represents the most successful imposition of Greek realism upon an Egyptian image. The activists claim the statue is a masterpiece and should have never been moved for the exhibition, as under the antiquities law, all unique heritage objects cannot travel to exhibitions abroad. “The statue was moved to be packed to travel even before the official approval of the exhibition was taken,” they claim in a statement, adding that the Ministry of Antiquities did not report the incident so that the company responsible for the exhibition would not have to pay the insurance. Instead, they claim, a foreign archaeologist who is also involved in the exhibition paid to get the statue restored. “The statue was restored badly,” one of the activists told Ahram Online but requested anonymity. She pointed out that the statue should not leave Egyptian soil. “This is still being kept low profile, despite the fact that Ahmad Sharaf, the ex-chief of museums at the Ministry of Antiquities, has been imprisoned on other corruption charges since,” she added. However, the claims by activists have been disputed by the antiquities ministry. “All that has been published on Facebook or said by the activists is completely untrue and unfounded,” Ilhâm Salâh, head of Museums Department at the Ministry of Antiquities, told Ahram Online. “The statue is safe and sound,” she confirmed, adding that it arrived safely at the Maritime Museum and was never broken. She describes what has circulated on the Internet as an attempt to distort the reputation of Egyptian archaeologists and restorers. Salâh, told Ahram Online that the statue has been in a bad condition since it was unearthed and was restored twice; once immediately after its discovery and the second ten years ago. The statue, she explained, was selected to travel in an exhibition abroad by a professional archaeological committee from the ministry. “The statue is under restoration now not because it was broken; it is a routine work for any artefact selected to travel to an exhibition,” Salâh asserted.

Salâh called the media not to publish anything before being sure of the news they are publishing and to think more that such false news could have a bad impact on Egypt’s heritage and archaeological work. (Nevine El-Aref, “Apis Bull of Hadrian is safe and sound: antiquities ministry”, Ahram Online, May 20, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie nie la fracture de la statue du taureau Apis lors de son transfert », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 20 mai). - - Le ministre de l’Archéologie Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a annoncé qu’un protocole de coopération sera prochainement signé avec l’Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). En vertu de cet accord, l’Aga Khan se charger d’assurer la maintenance de tous les monuments restaurés par ses soins dans la zone d’al-Darb al-Ahmar. Il s’agit, entre autres, de la mosquée Umm al-Sultân Sha‘bân, du complexe Khâyyir Bek, de Tarâbây al-Sharîfî, de la mosquée Aslam al-Silihdâr, Ribât Zâwiyat Azdmar, une portion de l’enceinte ayyubide Est du Caire et la Mosquée Bleue. al-Damâtî a reçu hier, le directeur général de l’AKTC, Luis MONREAL ; le directeur exécutif de l’AKTC, Dr Sharîf al-‘Iryân ; ainsi que le directeur du Musée Aga Khan de Toronto, Henry KIM. Ils ont examiné les moyens de renforcement de la coopération bilatérale dans les domaines de la restauration et du réaménagement des bâtiments historiques. Ils ont convenu de confier à l’AKTC le projet de restauration de la mosquée al-Tanbaghâ al-Mardânî, l’une des plus importance mosquée mamelouke. De son côté, l’assistant du ministre de l’Archéologie pour les antiquités islamiques et coptes, Muhammad ‘Abd al- ‘Azîz, a annoncé la possibilité de confier à l’AKTC la restauration de la mosquée Qagmâs al-Ishâqî, située à al-Darb al- Ahmar, ainsi que la mosquée al-Mahallî située à Rosette. Le responsable de la coopération internationale, Ahmad ‘Ubayd, a précisé que l’entretien a également porté sur la signature d’une convention entre le musée d’Art islamique et le Musée Aga Khan de Toronto. Cette convention vise à promouvoir l’échange d’expertises muséologiques et l’octroi d’un certain nombre de bourses d’étude et d’entraînement pour les conservateurs du musée d’Art islamique. (Radwa Hâshim, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie charge l’AKTC d’assurer la maintenance des monuments restaurés », al-Watan, 20 mai 2015. Voir également Ni‘mât Magdî, « Signature d’un protocole entre le ministère de l’Archéologie et l’AKTC pour assurer la maintenance des monuments », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 20 mai). - - Le ministère de l’Archéologie a décidé l’augmentation des tarifs d’entrée pour les visiteurs arabes et égyptiens des sites archéologiques de Louqsor et d’Aswân. Voici les nouveaux tarifs applicables à partir du 1er juin prochain : — Temples de Louqsor, Karnak, Dayr al-Baharî et vallée des Reines : le billet passera de 18 à 50 L.E. — L’accès aux sites historiques d’Aswân passera de 8 à 40 L.E. — Temple d’Abydos à Suhâg : l’entrée passera de 2 à 10 L.E. — Temple de Dandara à Qinâ : le billet augmentera de 2 à 5 L.E. Le vice-président de la Chambre du tourisme, Muhammad ‘Uthmân, a qualifié cette décision d’inopportune, car elle survient à un moment de récession touristique. Cette décision s’inscrit également en faux avec les efforts du gouvernement visant à encourager le tourisme intérieur et attirer les touristes arabes, afin de compenser la chute du flux touristique européen. (Rânyâ ‘Abd al-‘Âtî, « Décision subite d’augmenter les tarifs d’entrée des antiquités de Louqsor et d’Aswân », al-Ahrâm, 20 mai 2015) - -

Poursuivant la campagne de l’Unesco pour la préservation du patrimoine culturel, lancée le 28 mars dernier à l’Université de Bagdad, un groupe de jeunes égyptiens ont organisé la semaine dernière une manifestation symbolique devant le musée d’Art islamique, fortement touché en janvier 2014 par un acte terroriste. « Aujourd’hui, nous adressons un message clair. Nous n’acceptons pas le nettoyage culturel et nous formerons un front uni pour faire en sorte d’y mettre fin », a déclaré Irina BOKOVA, directrice de l’Unesco, qui a lancé, depuis Le Caire, la version égyptienne de cette campagne. Lancée sur les réseaux sociaux via le hashtag #Unite4Heritage, la campagne vise à mobiliser les jeunes du monde entier à protéger leur patrimoine culturel contre toutes sortes de violation. Elle a été conçue en réponse à la destruction et au pillage du patrimoine culturel dans les zones de conflit, notamment en Iraq. La campagne invite les citoyens des pays arabes à envoyer des photos et à écrire des textes sur la page Web de la campagne, décrivant les sites du patrimoine de leur pays qui sont en danger. Ils peuvent aussi envoyer des selfies les montrant devant ces sites avec le hashtag de la campagne. Il s’agit de nourrir un sentiment d’unité face aux menaces visant le patrimoine mondial. BOKOVA a saisi l’occasion pour faire un tour à l’intérieur du musée d’Art islamique, où les travaux de restauration sont à pied d’œuvre en vue de son ouverture au public, prévue en octobre prochain. L’Unesco était la première organisation à réagir en assurant une assistance technique et financière (100 000 dollars) pour la restauration de cet édifice historique. Le gouvernement italien a lui aussi promis une somme de 800 000 euros pour la réparation de la façade du bâtiment. « D’autres organisations et gouvernements ont aidé l’Égypte depuis le commencement des travaux il y a plus de quatre mois », souligne Ahmad al-Shûkî, directeur du musée. Il a notamment salué les Émirats arabes unis, l’Agence d’aide américaine et le gouvernement suisse. (Nasma Réda, « Unis pour la préservation de l’héritage », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 20 mai 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Le représentant de l’ambassade d’Italie : je suis fier de la contribution de mon pays à la restauration du musée d’Art islamique », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 13 mai ; Muhammad al-‘Agrûdî, « BOKOVA : le sauvetage du musée d’Art islamique est une mission de l’Unesco », al-Ahrâm, 14 mai ; « Les guerres dévorent les trésors archéologiques du Moyen-Orient », al-Shurûq, 15 mai). - -

Lors de sa rencontre avec le Grand imam d’al-Azhar, Ahmad al-Tayyib, la patronne de l’Unesco a souligné l’importance fondamentale du savoir et de l’éducation des jeunes pour vaincre l’extrémisme. « Je crois que l’Unesco et al-Azhar partagent la même ambition — celle d’avoir une jeunesse instruite qui connaisse d’autres cultures, qui respecte sa propre religion, mais aussi celle des autres. al-Azhar a pris des initiatives notables à cet égard, et je suis déterminée à renforcer notre coopération dans ce domaine ». « La destruction des antiquités est contraire à l’islam. L’islam est présent en Égypte depuis quatorze siècles et n’a jamais prôné la destruction des monuments. al-Azhar existe depuis plus de dix siècles, et aucun de ses savants n’a jamais légitimé la destruction du patrimoine culturel », a déclaré à son tour al-Tayyib. Ce à quoi a répondu BOKOVA, soulignant qu’elle ne pouvait pas « imaginer l’Égypte sans les pyramides, la vallée des Rois, ou des Reines (...) ou sans Karnak ». (« BOKOVA à al-Azhar », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 20 mai 2015. Voir également Walîd ‘Abd al-Rahmân, « L’Unesco fait appel à al-Azhar pour contrer les assauts de Daech contre le patrimoine », al-Sharq al-Awsat, 14 mai). - -

Situé à Fustât, dans le Vieux-Caire, non loin du musée de la Civilisation, le tout nouvel édifice des Archives nationales égyptiennes vient s’ajouter à Dâr al-Kutub (Bibliothèque nationale d’Égypte), qui regroupe les archives nationales et les collections de la Bibliothèque nationale. En fait, les Archives nationales de Fustât ne remplaceront pas Dâr al-Kutub, elles la complètent, vu le nombre important de documents des institutions étatiques. La superficie totale du site est de 10 000 m2, dont 5 000 donnés par le gouvernorat du Caire, et qui seront consacrés entièrement au stockage des archives. Ces archives sont les témoins de la culture, de l’identité et du patrimoine du pays. Cet édifice imposant devrait attirer des chercheurs de tous les pays. Les Archives nationales égyptiennes comptent parmi les plus importantes au monde avec celles de France, de Grande-Bretagne, des États-Unis et de Turquie. « La mise en place d’un tel bâtiment répond à deux missions essentielles. La première consiste à conserver et à protéger les documents contre la négligence en les plaçant dans un environnement sain. La deuxième est de rendre les archives accessibles aux chercheurs », note Sâbir ‘Arab, ex-ministre de la Culture.

Sultân b. Muhammad al-Qâsimî, émir de Sharjah Le montant du projet, qui s’élève à près de 100 millions de L.E., est un don du cheikh Sultân b. Muhammad al- Qâsimî, émir de Sharjah aux Émirats arabes unis, qui a aussi offert aux archives près de 7 700 livres. « L’incendie de l’Institut d’Égypte m’a fondu le cœur, c’était un trésor inestimable. J’ai essayé de compenser une partie de cette perte pour l’Égypte », a-t-il dit dans son mot, lors de l’inauguration du bâtiment des archives nationales. Le bâtiment comporte cinq étages. Les trois derniers niveaux sont consacrés aux dépôts d’archives, comme d’ailleurs partout dans le monde dans ce genre d’établissement. Les deux premiers niveaux comprennent une salle de recherche pour accéder aux cartes et aux documents électroniques. Elle est dotée de 200 sièges, de salles de lecture, d’un petit musée, d’une librairie, d’une salle pour les publications gouvernementales, d’un centre de restauration et d’une cafétéria.

Quant aux archives, elles sont entrées dans une nouvelle phase : celle du numérique avec des écrans tactiles. Parchemins, cartes, images et fichiers numériques, archives sur microfilms, autant de documents qui retracent l’histoire du pays. Un système d’alarme et de lutte contre les incendies a été mis en place. La climatisation centrale est gérée par des systèmes électroniques, afin de contrôler la température et l’humidité. Pour ce qui est de la sécurité, personne ne peut accéder aux archives papier, hormis le personnel. Tout est conçu de manière à ce qu’il n’y ait pas de négligence ou de vol. Les risques de fuites d’eau sont aussi réduits. Des documents des XVIIIe et XIXe siècles, ainsi que de la première moitié du XXe siècle y abondent. Tout chercheur souhaitant effectuer une recherche sur le Moyen-Orient y trouvera sans l’ombre d’un doute des documents uniques. Pourtant, « à partir de la seconde moitié du XXe siècle, les documents font défaut. Les institutions ne nous fournissent pas les fonds d’archives qui ont dépassé les quinze ans et qui doivent faire partie des archives nationales », regrette le ministre de la Culture, ‘Abd al-Wâhid al-Nabawî, qui occupait le poste de directeur de l’Administration centrale des archives nationales. En 2003, l’idée était de choisir entre deux options : la construction d’un nouveau bâtiment d’archives ou la restauration de celui qui existait déjà. « La balance a penché en faveur de la deuxième option en raison de la saturation de Dâr al-Kutub. Mais vers 2030, on aura besoin d’un autre édifice pour faire face à l’accroissement des documents », déclare al-Nabawî. Le bâtiment peut abriter 60 millions de documents pour une capacité de 30 kilomètres linéaires. Il est prévu le transfert de documents de Dâr al-Kutub vers le nouveau site, en plus de 8 600 documents provenant de divers organes administratifs. « En vue de mettre au point un système adéquat pour la gestion des archives, nous avons fait une étude sur les Archives nationales de France, de Grande-Bretagne, d’Espagne, de Hollande, d’Italie et des États-Unis. Et enfin nous avons construit notre bâtiment à nous en apportant notre touche personnelle », renchérit an-Nabawî. Partant d’une idée selon laquelle une nation sans histoire est une nation sans repères, les archives, facteur mesurant le progrès de l’État, sont les reflets des aspects de la vie politique, économique, mais aussi culturelle et identitaire. (Nasma Réda, « Archives nationales version numérique », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 20 mai 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « 7 778 ouvrages et un exemplaire de la Description de l’Égypte offerts par l’émir de Sharjah à l’Institut d’Égypte », al- Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 10 mai). - -

Jeudi 21 mai 2015

BOKOVA and al-Damâtî during the conference’s opening session at the MIA Ever since antiquity, cultural heritage has been a casualty of crime and conflict. As long as there have been tombs, there have been tomb raiders and illicit excavations. As long as there have been civilisations, there have been enemy armies bent on plundering them. As the value of antiquities continues to skyrocket, organised criminals, armed insurgents and terrorist networks have turned to cultural racketeering to fund crime and conflict around the world. Recent videos on social media showing Islamic State (IS) militants destroying ancient artefacts in Iraq’s museums and blowing up 3,000-year-old temples, destroying priceless heritage, have sent shockwaves through the archaeological community and international organisations. In some of the videos, militants can be seen taking sledgehammers to the iconic winged bulls of Assyria and sawing apart floral reliefs in the palace of Ashurnasirpal II in Nimrud. Afterwards, the entire site was destroyed with explosives. In an attempt to stand up against such crimes and stop the destruction of ancient temples and artefacts in Iraq by the extremist IS group, as well as the looting and smuggling of antiquities in Iraq, Syria, Egypt and Libya, a two-day conference titled “Culture Under Threat: the Security, Economic and Cultural Impact of Antiquities Theft in the Middle East” was held in Egypt this week. It was organised by two US-based NGOs, the Antiquities Coalition and the Middle East Institute, in cooperation with Egypt’s ministries of foreign affairs and antiquities and under the joint patronage of UNESCO. Ten Arab countries attended the conference, including Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Sudan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the United Arabs Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Egypt. The aim of the conference was to step up international efforts to stop the illicit trafficking of cultural objects and antiquities as a means of financing terrorism. “Egypt holds a special place in UNESCO’s history because it has defined the gold standard in international cooperation for safeguarding the common heritage of humanity — this is precisely the spirit we need to install today,” UNESCO Director-General Irina BOKOVA said at the conference. She pointed out that the 1960s salvage campaign for the Nubian temples in Upper Egypt had embodied such cooperation. UNESCO played a major role in the relocation of the monuments. She added that it is important to see the same cooperation between Egyptian NGOs and the private sector to protect the Middle East’s cultural property and human heritage from looting and destruction, such as is now happening in Iraq and Syria. BOKOVA highlighted Egypt’s efforts to regain looted and smuggled artefacts. As she said, “Egypt has succeeded in proving to the whole world its capability to protect its cultural heritage. An example of this is when the public made a human chain to protect the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square on 28 January 2011.” “We need full cooperation between the security services and the antiquities authorities concerned, as well as to work on the regional and international levels in order to solve such problems,” BOKOVA said. “The destruction of cultural heritage is being used as a tactic of war, to intimidate populations, to finance criminal activities, to spread hatred,” she added. The fact that ten ministers had gathered at the conference was “a strong symbol of our joint commitment to respond, and UNESCO is determined to live up to its responsibilities, because we believe the protection of heritage is far more that a cultural issue — it has become a security imperative,” she said. ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN: Speaking at the conference, Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî called for amendment of the 1970 UNESCO Convention that stipulates the return of all looted and illegally smuggled antiquities to their homelands. He asked that this be extended to include antiquities looted and smuggled before 1970. Hamdî Luza, Egypt’s assistant to the minister of foreign affairs for Africa, announced that over the last three weeks Egypt has recovered 5,000 artefacts from the United States, France and a number of other countries. Negotiations are underway to recover other artefacts from the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany. Antiquities Coalition Chair Deborah LEHR said the organisation is making efforts to safeguard cultural heritage through advocacy, research and practical solutions as the militants’ trade in artefacts smuggled out of Syria and Iraq is valued in the billions of dollars. She called for the establishment of a special authority in Egypt to prevent the illegal smuggling of antiquities. The extremists, LEHR said, have been posting images of the destruction of heritage on the Internet to “intimidate those who enjoy beliefs that are contrary to their very narrow views and to fund their nefarious causes.” LEHR said that during the past four years of turmoil, following Egypt’s 2011 Revolution, an estimated $3 billion worth of antiquities were smuggled abroad, though it is impossible to put a precise value on the historical artefacts looted or taken from illegal excavations. Libya, which has been in much worse turmoil since the revolution against dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, is thought to be suffering from the same problem, but there are no estimates of the value of the illicit trade in antiquities in that country, she said. “We must unite to preserve our common heritage and resist IS efforts to steal not only our future freedom but also our history, the very root of our civilisation,” LEHR told the Weekly. “We need civilising forces now, more than ever, and must take steps to protect our priceless historical sites and constrict terrorists’ ability to profit from the sale of plundered relics,” she added.

The ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud destroyed by ISIS Iraq’s Minister of Antiquities and Tourism Adel Fahd al-Shashab spoke about the destruction that occurred at the palace of Ashurnasirpal II in Nimrud and at the Mosul Museum and called on the international community to support Iraq in its fight against terrorism and the loss of its cultural heritage. He asked for concrete steps and a strategy to protect Iraq’s heritage and return the country’s stolen and smuggled antiquities. He also asked that UN Security Council Resolution 2199, passed in February 2015, be implemented. The resolution condemns the destruction of Iraqi heritage and seeks to prevent IS from profiting from this major financial source. He also asked the international community to support Iraq in executing its emergency plan, launched in collaboration with UNESCO, to document museum collections and archaeological sites. Six recommendations were made at the end of the conference as part of the Cairo Declaration. Among the most important was the recommendation to launch a working group to preserve archaeological and cultural properties in the Middle East and prevent smuggling. An international advisory committee should also be established to determine measures to fight against illicit looting and the trading of stolen antiquities. Conference members agreed to begin discussions to draw up a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the region and between international partners to prevent trading in plundered cultural properties. Establishing an independent agency to fight against antiquities laundering using fake identification certificates for stolen objects was another recommendation to be discussed with international agencies. A series of conferences and seminars on such topics will be organised.

Irina BOKOVA UNITE FOR HERITAGE: During her stay in Egypt, BOKOVA paid a visit to the religious complex in Historic Cairo, included since 1979 on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a record of urban experience through history. The complex hosts the Coptic Hanging Church and Abû Sirga Church, Greek Orthodox St George’s Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and Mosque of ‘Amr Ibn al-‘Âs, the oldest mosque in Egypt. It exemplifies how history, heritage and society can be enriched by dialogue among civilisations and interfaith coexistence. In cooperation with the Ministry of Antiquities, her visit also contributed to initiating discussion about the follow-up phase to the UNESCO project for the regeneration of Historic Cairo. The third phase of the project was successfully completed in November 2014. The project’s conservation and rehabilitation strategy was based on a clearer definition of the World Heritage property. Its buffer zone aims to preserve and enhance the site and its physical and socioeconomic environment. The project also proposes a management system for the site that includes contributions from the concerned local administrations and based on a new and more effective institutional set-up and legal framework.

Destruction at the MIA in the aftermath of the car bomb explosion in January 2014 BOKOVA also went to the Museum of Islamic Art to launch the second phase of the UNESCO campaign to renew the alliance between society, youth and heritage. The campaign, entitled #Unite4Heritage, was launched in March 2015 in Baghdad and last week in Egypt. The museum was damaged after a car bomb exploded in January 2014 during the anniversary of the January 2011 Revolution. The #Unite4Heritage campaign, launched at the museum, began with an expression of solidarity against terrorism. Many young Egyptians took part, along with representatives of official and international bodies. The campaign aims to mobilise international, regional and local efforts to protect and preserve threatened heritage and to stand up against sectarian propaganda campaigns on social networks and Internet. BOKOVA made an inspection tour of the museum and reviewed the ongoing rehabilitation and restoration work. “I can hardly think of a better place than Egypt to deliver this message of peace that is embedded in cultural heritage,” she told the attendees. “Cultural diversity is in Egypt’s DNA, from the Pyramids to this beautiful Museum of Islamic Art, one of the richest in the world. I have just visited the religious complex in Old Cairo, where the Coptic Church, the mosque and synagogue stand side by side, a few dozens of metres apart. What would Egypt be without the Sphinx or the Valley of the Kings? What would Egypt be without such diversity? This is precisely the message we need to share today, and I am more determined than ever to carry it forward,” she said. UNESCO had extended a helping hand by giving an initial aid package of $100,000 and gaining the support of the international community to restore the museum’s collection of Islamic heritage. “The museum is the richest Islamic museum in the world because it houses exquisite Islamic objects from different Islamic periods,” BOKOVA said. al-Damâtî described the event as “a defining moment for a unique museum.” Many countries, NGOs and the private sector provided support when the Islamic Museum was damaged, including the Italian government which gave 800,000 euros; the United Arab Emirates, which took responsibility for rehabilitating the inside of the museum; the American Research Centre in Cairo, which will restore the museum’s façade; and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Germany and Austria have trained museum curators and restorers.

Alesandro MODIANO, deputy Italian ambassador to Egypt, said that when the museum was damaged Italy was one of the first countries to offer help. “Italy is very proud to be involved in the salvage operation, because it is not only helping to preserve cultural heritage, but the architectural design was also made by Italian architect Alfonso MANISCALO.” The launch of the #Unite4Heritage campaign will be followed over the next two months by a series of initiatives, ranging from public stands in front of the Pyramids, participation in talk shows on television, and declarations by prominent artists and public figures designated as “heritage envoys.”

Schools will also be involved, with children dedicating special days to the campaign and participating in youth forums and a logo design competition supported by social network initiatives. (Nevine El-Aref, “Uniting for heritage”, Al- Ahram Weekly, May 21, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « L’Égypte accueille un congrès international pour la protection du patrimoine de l’humanité », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 7 mai ; Ahmad Mansûr, « BOKOVA lance la campagne #Unite4Heritage depuis le musée d’Art islamique », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 10 mai ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Arrivée au Caire de la directrice de l’Unesco », al-Ahrâm, 11 mai ; MENA, « Lancement des travaux du premier congrès international pour la protection du patrimoine », al-Tahrîr, 13 mai ; Fâdî Francis, « L’Unesco : la destruction du patrimoine est un crime de guerre », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 14 mai ; Nevine El-Aref, “Cairo Declaration to protect Middle East cultural heritage”, Ahram Online, May 18 ; Nasma Réda, « Préserver les antiquités, un acte antiterroriste », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 20 mai ; Doaa Elhami, « Le cri de détresse des monuments iraquiens », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 20 mai). - - When construction work on the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) started in 2010 an exhibition design for the display the priceless collection of the ancient Egyptian boy king Tutankhamun was drawn up. Today, all of the stored artefacts from the collection have been transported safely from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square to the GEM, and another 2,500 pieces on display are waiting their turn.

The transport has been described by several Egyptologists as “impossible and risky” because the objects on display are often in a critical state of conservation, having not been restored since their discovery by British archaeologist Howard CARTER in 1922. Among the objects are Tutankhamun’s four gilded shrines, chariots, funerary beds, textiles and organic materials, as well as other fragile and precious objects. The decision to transport the objects has been made, and they must be transported within the next three years for the soft opening of the museum in 2018. In order for the transportation to take place as safely as possible, GEM Director-General Târiq Tawfîq called a First International Tutankhamun Conference, which took place in Cairo last week. Scholars, curators and restorers from 15 countries gathered to discuss the issue and come up with recommendations. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî has also appointed a scientific committee to carry out a comprehensive study of Tutankhamun’s funerary mask, as well as the restoration work that has been carried out on it up to now. German restorer Christian ECKMANN, an expert on metal restoration, will assist with the studies. The committee also includes the head of the German Archaeological Institute, the head of the metal restoration section at the Egyptian Museum and a German CT-scan expert. The ministry has bought new CT scanning equipment to complete the study. After completion of the study, ECKMANN will travel to Germany with the results, where he will create a replica of the mask. In mid-August, he will return to Cairo where an international conference will be held to explain the method selected to restore the mask and beard through state-of-the-art technology. The restoration itself is to start in September, and all the work will be documented. Fâyza Haykal, a professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo, said the ministry should not be in a hurry to meet the deadline for transportation of the Tutankhamun materials to the GEM, but instead should carry out the restoration work first. “The restoration should be carried out in several phases, each of which can then be celebrated,” she said, adding that the conference had been very successful and had shown that scholars were willing to help to achieve these tasks. “Providing training courses for curators is another very important recommendation of the conference,” Haykal said, explaining that upgrading the skills of Egyptian curators is essential for museological work in Egypt. “The GEM should be Egypt’s ‘lighthouse’ for ancient Egyptian civilisation and should be staffed with employees and curators having high skills,” she said. ECKMANN, who is involved in the restoration of the gold, leather and wooden fragments of Tutankhamun’s chariots, said that before taking any decision on transport it is necessary to answer questions that can only be answered by a comprehensive examination of the Tutankhamun collection and determining its current conservation condition. CT-scans should be made of every piece in order to ascertain its internal condition and state of conservation, he said. “Not all the objects are in the same condition,” ECKMANN added. Studies should be done to choose the best way to take the collection from its current displays, to transport it to the GEM and to decide whether it should be transported in one lot or in batches.

EXPERT OPINION: Jaromir MALEK, a professor at the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Oxford University in the UK, supported the transportation of the Tutankhamun collection because keeping it in its current exhibition location is a threat. The current galleries do not have air-conditioning, meaning that the objects are vulnerable to varying temperature and atmospheric conditions. Moreover, the pieces are too closely packed together, not boding well for such a priceless collection. “It is also a great opportunity to study the Tutankhamun collection, of which only 30 per cent has been examined since 1922,” MALEK said. Friederike SEYFRIED, the director of the Berlin Museum, was very enthusiastic about the conference and expressed her museum’s willingness to provide the required experts to restore and transport the Tutankhamun collection. She told the Weekly that the international community should work together to achieve the best results and that the work should be done because the collection is unique in the world. Regine SCHULZ, chief executive officer of the Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum in Hildesheim, said that several objects in the collection are very fragile, such as the textiles, wooden pieces and pots, and great care will need to be taken. She said the exhibition design at the GEM is “excellent” and that a scientific centre for Tutankhamun studies and database of objects found in the tomb should be set up at the new museum. The exchange of experts and information between the Hildesheim Museum and the GEM will also assist, she said. “We cannot grant financial support because governments are the only source of grants and not museums,” SCHULZ said, adding that she would report to the ICOM (International Committee of Museums) during its annual meeting in June on the move in order to assist in restoring and transporting the Tutankhamun collection. Salima Ikram, a professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo, said the main obstacle could be the lack of a suitable budget. “We have local and international expertise that could easily do the restoration work, but funding is the main issue,” IKRAM said, adding that the budget could reach LE1 billion. In order to find the money, Egypt will need to regain its tourism industry, which will increase the country’s income and boost the economy. Hasan Silîm, a professor of Egyptology at ‘Ayn Shams University in Cairo, suggested that the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square should be dedicated to the display of the Tutankhamun collection, but it was now too late for such a suggestion. “The conference was very successful and highlighted the importance of the boy king and his collection worldwide,” Tawfîq told the Weekly. He said the conference was on the international archaeological conferences agenda and would be held every year even after the transportation of the collection and the official opening of the GEM. The soft opening of the museum in 2018 will put on display only 70 per cent of the collection as the rest of the objects will still be under restoration because of their fragile condition, which requires further time for investigation, restoration and conservation. STUDY AND DOCUMENTATION: “The objects are too precious to be treated and transported under time pressure,” Tawfîq said, explaining that such objects include the four gilded shrines, the chariots, the funerary beds and the textiles and organic materials. “These objects are unique and need special attention and care,” he said, adding that the Museo Egizio in Turin and the state museums in Berlin had offered to provide experts, a transportation timetable and training courses for curators. They could also provide master plans to serve as a model for the GEM. Before transportation, Tawfîq said, full documentation of the present exhibition in the Egyptian Museum should be undertaken in order to preserve its museological history. All further treatment and transportation will need to be documented and recorded in a database. “Photographic documentation needs to be provided to assess the current state of the objects, and a master plan to monitor, map, treat, pack, transport and reinstall the objects must start immediately,” he said. To guarantee the best treatment of the objects, Tawfîq said that scholars have recommended that the Egyptian Museum consider giving the documentation and conservation teams the option to work after opening hours. Minor material samples from the objects that are already detached and unrestorable will be made available for analysis to promote research and enrich the information available about technology in the time of Tutankhamun, he said. “This is one of the themes which will be addressed in the new display,” he added. He also suggested carrying out the transportation in batches and making special transport arrangements with experienced international art handling companies for the fragile pieces. Once the GEM has opened, a special exhibition space will be provided where visitors will be informed about the progress of the investigation and treatment of the objects. The study room will be connected to the scientific centre for Tutankhamun studies and all information will be made available online.

Tawfîq said that the Tutankhamun galleries will be finished gradually and each new addition to the collection will be presented as a special event at the GEM for national and international audiences. “Additional plans for museum education, as well as public relations, will be established with their own working groups,” Tawfîq said. (Nevine El-Aref, “Risky moves?”, Al-Ahram Weekly, May 21, 2015. Voir également MENA, « Une équipe égyptienne participera à la restauration du masque de Toutankhamon », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 8 mai ; Ahmad Mansûr, « al-Damâtî : inauguration partielle du GEM en 2018 », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 10 mai). - - Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî and representatives from al-Azhar and the Coptic Church opened a three-month exhibition on religious tolerance in Egypt at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square last week. The exhibition, entitled “One God, Three Religions,” covers the history of religious co-existence from the earliest times to the present day. Included is a collection of 48 artefacts carefully chosen from five museums in Egypt, including the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria, Islamic Museum, Alexandria National Museum, Coptic Museum and Egyptian Museum in Cairo. al-Damâtî told the Weekly that the artefacts highlight the principle of religious tolerance that has characterised life in Egypt since the earliest times, showing how in every era, Egyptians of different faiths have believed in living together in peace. “This exhibition sends a very important message to the world: that Ibrâhîm is the father of all the prophets and a messenger of the three religions. There is one God, even if faiths, places and peoples are different,” al-Damâtî said.

Painted relief depicting Jesus Ilhâm Salâh, head of the Museums Department at the ministry, said the exhibition is a message to the nation to stand together against attempts to damage Arab identity and harm the Arab cultural and ethnic heritage. All the objects in the exhibition show the relationship between the three religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam through specific topics, among them architectural and decorative elements, symbols and religious texts, showing the strong connections between the three religions. The director-general of the Egyptian Museum, Mahmûd al-Halwagî, said that among the most important artefacts on display are reliefs depicting Ibrâhîm, the father of all the prophets, and those showing religious tolerance in Islam. A document testifying to the Prophet Muhammad’s teaching on how to deal with people from other religious faiths through the principle of religious tolerance is also on display.

Islamic wooden treasury box inlaid with gold Metal pots and pans decorated with Fatimid-era religious designs and depicting Jesus are also on display. Videos and documentaries on religious tolerance are available for exhibition visitors. The director of the Berlin Museum, Friederike SEYFRIED, who attended the opening, told the Weekly she was delighted that the exhibition was inaugurated in Egypt. A month ago a similar exhibition was opened in Berlin, she said, which highlights cooperation between the Egyptian Museum and the Berlin Museum.

The lid of a pot

“The exhibition is sending a very important message to the whole world that Egypt is, and continues to be, the cradle of civilisation, before and after Islam,” SEYFRIED said. She added that the exhibition shows there was peaceful coexistence among the three religions, beginning from the Roman period and continuing through the Middle Ages and beyond. (Nevine El-Aref, “One God, three religions”, Al-Ahram Weekly, May 21, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Le directeur du Musée Égyptien : l’exposition Un Dieu unique et trois religions reflète le principe de la cohabitation nationale », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 14 mai ; Ni‘mât Magdî, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie inaugure une exposition temporaire au Musée Égyptien », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 14 mai ; Nevine El-Aref, ““One God, Three Religions” inaugurated at the Egyptian Museum”, Ahram Online, May 16). - - Vendredi 22 mai 2015

Retrouvée en 2001 dans les encombrants de la banlieue parisienne, la momie égyptienne de Ta-Iset sera exposée pour la première fois dans le musée de Rueil-Malmaison. Il a fallu des années aux spécialistes pour résoudre son énigme. L’un des officiers de Napoléon avait apporté d’Égypte cette momie, qui date de la fin de l’époque ptolémaïque. Il s’agirait du corps d’une fillette de 4 ou 5 ans qui appartenait à la classe moyenne, vu ses bandelettes et son sarcophage. Laure CADOT, restauratrice pour le compte du Centre de recherche et de restauration des musées de France, rappelle que cette momie a fait l’objet de plusieurs opérations de restauration. Elle était recouverte d’épingles qui maintenaient les cartonnages. Le corps avait subi énormément d’avaries. L’équipe de restaurateurs procèdera à un travail d’envergure, dans l’espoir de pouvoir l’exposer au public. (Alâ’ ‘Uthmân, « Exposition à Paris d’une momie retrouvée dans les encombrants », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 22 mai 2015. Voir également Amgad Nâsir, « Très loin d’Akhmîm », al-‘Arabî al-Gadîd, 25 mai). - - Dimanche 24 mai 2015 Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al-Damâtî has announced the discovery of a secret crypt under Alexandria’s Muntazah Palace gardens that goes back to the First and Second World Wars. al-Damâtî added Saturday during a visit to the Kushk al-Shây area in Alexandria that the crypt was used as an underground prison, as it consists of cells fitted with iron bars and has few windows. The crypt was discovered a month ago and a detailed report is being prepared on it, according to the minister. Workers were cutting trees in the gardens when they made the discovery. The crypt will be developed into a tourist site for visitors, al-Damâtî added. (“Minister: Secret crypt discovered under Muntazah Palace garden”, Egypt Independent, May 24, 2015. Voir également MENA, « Découverte d’un souterrain archéologique sous les jardins al- Muntazah en Alexandrie », al-Shurûq, 23 mai ; Ragab Ramadân, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie annonce la découverte d’un souterrain secret sous les jardins al-Muntazah », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 23 mai). - - Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al-Damâtî has said that a lack of funding has impacted 60 projects implemented by the ministry to restore and develop tourist areas. He noted that the ministry relies on self-financing without resorting to the state budget. al-Damâtî said during the tourism development conference in Alexandria yesterday, that the redevelopment of the Roman museum, which has been closed since 2010, is a priority for the ministry. He pointed out that Egypt received a LE10 million grant from Italy to resume work on the museum, which had stopped 10 years ago. A piece of land has been annexed to the museum to expand it so it may one day be a global attraction, he added. “I want to assure you about the antiquities in Alexandria. Despite the challenges faced by the ministry and despite not receiving any support or funding from the state budget, they are self-funded through tourist and archaeological attractions tickets,” al-Damâtî mentioned. Su‘âd al-Khûlî, Deputy Governor of Alexandria, said that there are projects currently being implemented, most notably beautifying archaeological areas in the governorate, as well as paving and planting trees in these areas. (“Antiquities Minister: Lack of funding impacts projects”, Egypt Independent, May 24, 2015. Voir également Muhammad al-Sayfî, « Le manque de financement impacte 60 projets archéologiques », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 24 mai). - - Mardi 26 mai 2015

The Tourism and Antiquities Police on Tuesday arrested several men, accusing them of last year having stolen an ancient Egyptian statue from the warehouses of the Memphis archaeological site, near the town of Mît Rahîna 20 km outside Cairo, Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî has said. The suspects included an archaeological inspector from the site, who stands accused of having stolen the statue from the warehouse, before replacing it with a replica, and illegally smuggling it to Brussels, the minister added.

The ministry managed to retrieve the statue and bring it back to Egypt a few months ago, the minister said. The suspects are being held in custody pending investigations. Carved in limestone, the statue depicts a sitting priest and dates back to the Middle Kingdom, between about 2000 and 1700 BC. (Nevine El-Aref, “Suspects arrested in case of stolen Memphis statue”, Ahram Online, May 26, 2015. Voir également Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Arrestation des voleurs d’une statue antique du magasin de Mît Rahîna », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 26 mai ; ‘Alâ’ al-Dîn al-Zâhir, « Arrestation du voleur d’une statue archéologique conservée dans le magasin de Mît Rahîna », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 26 juin ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Un inspecteur archéologique exporte illicitement une statue de Mît Rahîna vers la Belgique », al- Ahrâm, 27 mai). - -

Bâsim Ibrâhîm, head of the museum zones department affiliated to the central department of submerged antiquities, has called for the establishment of the first underwater museum in Alexandria. In a cultural event held by Alexandrina Bibliotheca on Monday, Ibrâhîm said the project will be a culturally entertaining one that will completely change tourism in Egypt. “After the Mediterranean Sea submerged ancient Alexandria as result of an earthquake, excavation works have helped to recover thousands of relics that date back to different historic eras like the Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, Romanian and Islamic.” “Doubles of these relics are still underwater, which led us to think about the first underwater museum in Egypt. According to our designs, it will be a glass one,” he added. Among the obstacles that face the project, Ibrâhîm included “the wide areas of submerged antiquities underwater, the necessity of having a large number of archaeological divers to carry out periodic maintenance. Also, ships and sailing boats will be banned from navigating above the museum area.” Muna Mukhtâr, a tour guide who holds a master’s degree on maritime museums said, “My master’s thesis came down to the fact that 65 percent of tourists in the world look for entertainment, while 10 percent search for culture and 25 percent for other reasons, including treatment.” “Constructing the first underwater museum in Egypt will be a mix between entertainment and cultural tourism, as it will offer diving and historic information on the story of Egypt’s submerged antiquities and the eras they belong to,” Ibrâhîm said. (“Archaeologist calls for first underwater museum in Egypt”, Egypt Independent, May 26, 2015. Voir également Ni‘mât Magdî, « Révélations sur le projet de création d’un musée des antiquités submergées », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 20 mai). - - Mercredi 27 mai 2015

Today the ministry of antiquities took all legal procedures to recover a Mamluk glass vase from London. ‘Alî Ahmad, the head of the Antiquities Recuperation Department, told Ahram Online that the vase was put on display at an auction hall in London well known for trading antiquities. The ministry took all legal procedures to recover it.

He explained that the vase is very finely painted with red and green foliage and geometric decorations. It is one of the vases that was stolen from the galleries of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation and replaced with replicas. (Nevine El-Aref, “Egypt to recover Mamluk vase”, Ahram Online, May 27, 2015. Voir également Muhammad ‘Abd al- Mu‘tî, « Une procédure judiciaire pour empêcher la vente d’un vase antique à Londres », al-Ahrâm, 28 mai ; Ahmad Mansûr, « Saisie d’un vaste volé et mis en vente à Londres », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 27 mai ; MENA, « Procédure judiciaire pour récupérer un vase d’époque mamelouke », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 27 mai ; Khâlid Mubârak, « L’histoire du vase archéologique disputé entre Londres et Le Caire », al-Ahrâm, 11 juin). - - Jeudi 28 mai 2015

The prayer hall of the Blue Mosque Cairo, the city of a thousand minarets, this week saw the reopening after restoration of two of its Mameluke mosques, the Aqsunqur and Aymitsh al-Bagâsî Mosques in the al-Darb al-Ahmar district of Islamic Cairo. In the Tababân quarter of this part of the city stands the Aqsunqur Mosque. The mosque was damaged in the 1992 earthquake and remained hidden beneath wooden scaffolding and large green sheets. In 2001, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) started a larger project of al-Darb al-Ahmar Urban Regeneration Programme and Aqsunqur mosque was among the list. The Aqsunqur Mosque also serves as a funerary complex, containing the mausoleums of its founder, Mameluke Emir Shams al-Dîn Aqsunqur, and his sons, as well as a number of children of the Baharî Mameluke sultan, al-Nâsir Muhammad, and its principal restorer, Ibrâhîm Agha al-Mustahfizân.

The open court of the Blue Mosque According to Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Azîz, an assistant to the minister of antiquities, Aqsunqur built his mosque in the 14th century, using a Syrian architectural style with a large open courtyard enclosed by four riwâqs (arcades). The dikkat al-mubaligh (tribune) from which the Qur’an is recited is found in front of the courtyard, while the mausoleum was located at the portal’s northern side. The mosque’s interior design is irregular because of the restoration work carried out during the Ottoman era, which changed the cross-vaulted arcades to columns. The mihrâb (prayer niche) was built in a geometric interlaced style and decorated with relief painted carvings, fluctuating lintel panels, marble panels, carved marble registers and mosaic inlay. To the right is the minbar (pulpit) decorated with coloured stone inserts in light-grey, salmon, green and plum. The three-storey minaret is situated at the southern corner of the mosque’s façade. The three storeys are circular, but the exterior of each is done in a different style: the first is plain, the second is ribbed and the third is a bulb resting on a pavilion supported by eight slender stone columns. ‘Abd al-‘Azîz said the condition of the mosque had already started to decay in the 15th century, leading the Mameluke Emir Tughân to use it only for Friday prayers. During the Ottoman era, Emir Ibrâhîm Agha al-Mustahfizân restored the mosque’s arcades and roofs and changed the decoration of the prayer hall. He brought exquisite blue indigo and green tiles from Constantinople and Damascus, ‘Abd al-‘Azîz said, these being made in the Iznik style with floral motifs depicting cypress trees and vases holding tulips. “This is why the mosque is known as the Blue Mosque,” ‘Abd al-‘Azîz pointed out, adding that al-Mustahfizân built his own mausoleum inside the mosque and decorated it with marble tiles. During the reign of the Khedive Tawfîq in 1899, the minaret of the mosque was restored and covered with a metal sheath. In 1908, the Comité de Conservation des Monuments de l’Art arabe, a restoration association, restored the mosque, but in 1992 it was closed to worshippers because of earthquake damage. The present restoration started in 2009 when the AKTC began a comprehensive project to return the mosque to its original state as part of the larger al-Darb al-Ahmar Programme. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî said the restoration work cost LE20 million and included the removal of scaffolding installed following the 1992 earthquake and installation of seismic retrofit measures, particularly in the minaret base, that will reinforce the durability of the building in the event of a future earthquake. Other restoration work included conservation of the delicate marble panels, Iznik ceramic tiles, roofing and façade. In restoring the mosque, the AKTC adopted a strategy that seeks to leverage culture to alleviate poverty, ‘Abd al- ‘Azîz said. As in many of the locations in which it works, the Trust sought to create a series of activities that not only focus on the restoration of monuments, but also include the creation of public spaces, water and sanitation improvements, education and health initiatives, and microfinance. The World Monuments Fund and the Selz Foundation were also key supporters of the mosque’s restoration. At the opening ceremony, Karim Aga Khan described the event as “an immense pleasure and an extraordinary moment.” He said that the inauguration of the Aqsunqur Mosque marked the culmination of a larger revitalisation that has taken place over many years in historic Cairo. “As Muslims, we are invited to protect and enhance the world in which we live during our lifetimes. We are trustees of God’s creation, hence the word ‘trust’ in the name of the agency responsible for this restoration,” he said.

The AKTC is involved in several restoration projects in the al-Darb al-Ahmar area, including restoration of the Umm al-Sultân Sha‘bân Mosque, Khâyyir Bek Complex, Palace of Emir Alen Aq al-Husâmî, Qubbat Tarâbây al-Sharîfî and al-Silihdâr Mosque. A few metres from the Bâb al-Wazîr Mosque, in the same district, stands the mosque of Emir Sayf al-Dîn Aymitsh al-Bagâsî, who was close to the Mameluke Sultan Barqûq and became a regent for his son Farag al-Bagâsî later fled Cairo when Farag came to power.

The inner corridor of Aymitsh al-Bagâsî Mosque The entrance of his mosque is decorated with beautifully shaped leaf patterns and a ribbed dome. The main façade has a high-level inscription, plus two further inscription bands on the main portal, which has a muqarnas hood and a decoration of inverse heart-shaped leaf patterns. “It illustrates the characteristics of the 13th-century decorative style,” ‘Abd al-‘Azîz said. On the northern side of the façade is a sabîl kuttâb (water fountain and library) that has a cup blazon and inscription on its wooden lintel. Mameluke historian al-Maqrîzî mentions the mosque in his account of these years, writing that al-Bagâsî built a mosque to be a school for teaching Hanafî jurisprudence. He had also built a hotel to accommodate foreign traders, a water basin for animals, and a domed mausoleum, al-Maqrîzî said. ‘Abd al-‘Azîz said the mosque’s mausoleum was empty because al-Bagâsî was killed in Damascus in 1400. The mausoleum has a distinctive brick and plaster dome, which illustrates a popular 13th-century design. It has ribs that rise straight up for the first quarter of the dome, then bend to the right and spiral up to the top. There is an inscription at its base and alternating keel-arched windows and niches on the drum. The Comité de Conservation des Monuments de l’Art arabe restored the stonework on the mosque’s main facade. “The opening of these mosques highlights the ministry’s efforts to preserve and protect the country’s Islamic heritage, as well as to provide new tourist attractions,” al-Damâtî told the Weekly. He said that the events hall adjacent to al-Bagâsî Mosque has also been restored because it provided services for the inhabitants of the area, including weddings and funeral ceremonies. It will now host a series of lectures and seminars to raise cultural awareness among residents of the district, al-Damâtî said.

Prior to the restoration, cracks had weakened the walls of the mosque and the masonry and wooden decorative elements showed signs of damage, ‘Abd al-‘Azîz said. Today the walls have been consolidated and the woodwork restored. (Nevine El-Aref, “Mameluke mosques restored”, Al-Ahram Weekly, May 28, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « En présence du gouverneur du Caire et de 3 ministres, le ministre de l’Archéologie inaugure la Mosquée Bleue », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 2 mai ; Muhammad ‘Imâra, « Mihlib rencontre le président de l’Aga Khan Trust », al- Watan, 2 mai ; « Après 14 années de restauration, le ministre de l’Archéologie et le gouverneur du Caire inaugurent la Mosquée Bleue », al-Tahrîr, 3 mai ; Bashîr ‘Abd al-Ra’ûf, « Le prince Aga Khan remet au ministère de l’Archéologie la Mosquée Bleue à l’issue de sa restauration », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 3 mai ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Inauguration de la Mosquée Bleue après 14 ans de restauration », al-Ahrâm, 3 mai ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Inauguration de la mosquée Aymitsh al-Bagâsî pour booster le tourisme », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 22 mai ; Nevine El-Aref, “Aymitsh al-Bagâsî Mosque welcomes visitors”, Ahram Online, May 24). - -

Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue before and after restoration The synagogue of Moses Ben Maimon is important to the hearts of the Jewish people of Egypt. Before the restoration work on the synagogue started, the building was in ruins, and my assistants and I were able to return it to its former glory. The temple was built after the death of Ben Maimon (Maimonides) in the 13th century and is located inside the Alley of the Jews in the Muskî district of Cairo. The Jewish people were prosperous during the Fatimid period in Egypt. In 1179 CE, Sultan Salâh al-Dîn al-Ayyûbî appointed Ben Maimon to be his personal physician and to act as the head of the Fustât physicians. The Jews lived in Egypt as Egyptians and enjoyed freedom of worship, as is attested by the ten Jewish temples recorded as antiquities in Egypt, nine in Cairo and one in Alexandria. This temple of Ben Maimon is one of them. The entrance to the temple was located in the northwest corner of the façade that looked onto the Alley of Mahmûd. Its iron door had a half-circle shape, at the top of which were Hebrew words from the Ten Commandments. The temple is divided into three main sections. The first includes the religious school built during the lifetime of Ben Maimon (1135-1204 CE) and that housed his burial place before his remains were moved to Palestine. Near his tomb was a small room where Jewish supplicants for miracles and cures would sleep overnight. The second section was used for prayer and religious rituals, and the third contained side rooms used as service areas and to house the temple supervisor and administrators. The most important part of the temple is the wooden altar that faces the entrance. It contains an ark in which was kept the Old Testament. The altar features botanical decorations in many different colours. In front of the altar is a small basin for water, and adjacent to it is a candleholder with seven branches as a symbol of light. Because in a Jewish orthodox temple it was customary for men and women to be separated, a balcony was constructed for women to participate in prayer and observe proceedings. Before the restoration work, the temple was in ruins. It was filled with debris, and most of its architectural components were damaged. The restoration team fully documented its condition before restoration and researched the proper materials for its repair. Many samples were taken from the mortar for analysis. We removed all the debris from the temple floor and carefully collected any archaeological materials until the floor was clean. We moved the wooden door and windows to the conservation lab and removed two marble stelae of Ben Maimon to storage for preservation. We also removed any additional buildings that were not contemporary with the temple, as well as any painting that had been done in previous restorations. A major problem for the stability of the temple was the high level of groundwater beneath it. This issue was addressed, and the floor was injected with material to help stabilise it. Then each part of the temple was cleaned, and missing parts were reconstructed. The altar was restored, and some parts of the temple were rebuilt based on old photographs. The restoration of the temple of Moses Ben Maimon was a very successful scientific project supervised by Ayman Hâmid of Suez Canal University. He is a young man of genius, and he later published a book in Arabic that described every step of the documentation and implementation of the work, as well as the restoration of the temple decoration. I myself visited the conservation team several times to see the progress of the work. When the restoration project was finished, I called a press conference and reporters came from all over the world to celebrate the completion of the conservation work. Many members of the foreign press came and were able to publicise how Egypt takes care of its monuments. I affirmed that Jewish temples are a part of our history, and it is our duty to protect our history. The project was also welcomed by the Egyptian people. I cannot forget the phone call I received from a Jewish Egyptian woman who used to live next door to the temple. She told me that she was happy to hear that the temple had been restored, because Moses Ben Maimon was dear to the hearts of the Jews. She was crying with happiness. I remembered her when I gave a lecture in Miami in conjunction with an exhibition of photographs of the Holy Land. The organiser was a dentist, and he took me to his home for lunch. I was surprised when the main dish was molokhia. I mentioned that this had to have been made by an Egyptian, and I discovered that he had married an Egyptian Jew. It was the very lady who had made the phone call. I would also like to mention that Carmen WEINSTEIN, the head of the Jewish community in Cairo, came to see me after she had attended the press conference that was held in the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue in Old Cairo.

Carmen was very happy that we had begun to restore six synagogues in Cairo for the first time, showing how much Egypt cares about the Egyptian Jews and the ten synagogues in Cairo and Alexandria that are an important part of Egypt’s history. Carmen, who was a great supporter of efforts to restore monuments from Egypt’s Jewish history, passed away at the age of 82 in 2013. (Zâhî Hawwâs, “Restoring the synagogue of Moses Ben Maimon”, Al-Ahram Weekly, May 28, 2015). - - Dimanche 31 mai 2015

Egypt’s Antiquities and Tourism Police foiled an attempt to smuggle a collection of 135 artefacts that date back to the Muhammad ‘Alî Pasha era before they left the country from Damietta port en route to the United States. The artefacts were found within a batch of wooden furniture that was to be exported to the United States.

According to Ahmad al-Râwî, head of the Smuggling Antiquities Unit, the antiquities include 97 ceramic vases, plates and chandeliers, as well as 38 wooden objects that have been traced back to the era of Muhammad ‘Alî Pasha in the 19th century. All the objects have been confiscated and the owner of the Alexandria based import and export organisation is under investigation. (Nevine El-Aref, “Attempt to smuggle Islamic artefacts foiled in Egypt’s Damietta”, Ahram Online, May 31, 2015. Voir également Muhammad Shûmân, « Échec d’une tentative d’exportation illicite vers les États-Unis de 135 pièces archéologique », al-Ahrâm, 31 mai).

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VI – JUIN 2015 Lundi 1er juin 2015 Egypt’s ambassador to Switzerland, Saher Hamza, received a collection of 32 ancient Egyptian artefacts at a ceremony in Bern on Monday. The objects had been seized by Swiss police within the framework of a bilateral agreement that prohibits the illegal import and export of cultural properties. Ambassador Hamza received the objects during a ceremony held by the Federal Office for Culture in Bern to mark the tenth anniversary of the passage into Swiss law of a prohibition on illegal trade in cultural property.

Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told Ahram Online that the objects includes of limestone and wooden statues as well as a collection of limestone blocks taken from chapels across different Pharaonic periods. (Nevine El-Aref, “Egypt recovers 32 smuggled artefacts from Switzerland”, Ahram Online, June 1, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « L’ambassade d’Égypte en Suisse récupère 32 pièces archéologiques », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 1er juin ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « L’Égypte récupère 32 pièces antiques de la Suisse », al-Ahrâm, 2 juin ; Amr Kamel Zoheiri, « Une restitution d’importance », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 10 juin). - - Mardi 2 juin 2015 Two curators from the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) were arrested on Tuesday for forging artefacts stored in the museum’s galleries. Khâlid al-‘Inânî, director general of the NMEC, told Ahram Online that both curators were arrested and are now under investigations at the Tourism and Antiquities Police Headquarters. They are accused of stealing authentic objects stored in the galleries under their responsibility and replacing them with replicas.

The NMEC al-‘Inânî went on to say that upon their arrest, he ordered an immediate inventory of the galleries that are under the responsibility of both curators and assigned an archaeological committee to examine all the items stored in it. al-‘Inânî told Ahram Online that both curators are now under investigations, the results of which will be known tonight. (Nevine El-Aref, “Two curators arrested in Egypt for forging antiquities”, Ahram Online, June 2, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Le superviseur du musée de la Civilisation : une commission sera immédiatement formée pour dresser l’inventaire », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 2 juin ; Nânîs al-Bîlî, « Arrestation de deux conservateurs du musée de la Civilisation », al-Watan, 3 juin ; Nâgî al-Girgâwî, « Lutte contre la corruption : mise en examen de deux inspecteurs archéologiques », al-Ahrâm, 3 juin). - -

The Antiquities Ministry will not register Bayt Madkûr (House of Madkûr), located in historical Cairo’s al-Darb al- Ahmar that stirred much controversy last month regarding its potential demolition. A committee for Islamic and Coptic antiquities was to inspect whether Bayt Madkûr would be registered as a historical building, consequently saving it from being torn down. However, the specialised committee voted against saving it. While the owners of the house want it demolished, the residents, together with the Save Cairo campaign, have worked to save it. The Cairo governor gave a one-month ultimatum for a solution to be reached. Only two options were available, either for the antiquities ministry to register it or for Save Cairo to fund raise enough to buy it from its owners who seek its demolition. “We still haven’t given up on the house” Umniya ‘Abd al-Barr of Save Cairo told Ahram Online after she announced that the antiquities ministry refused registering the house as a historical building. “We will file a lawsuit against the prime ministerial decision that delisted the house in 2011 as one of heritage value,” she said. “Now more than ever we need an explanation about the decision to declassify the house.” Bayt Madkûr was listed as a building of heritage value, thus making it immune from demolition. However, a ministerial decree delisted the house in 2011. (Nevine El-Aref, “Egypt antiquities ministry committee decides against registering Bayt Madkûr”, Ahram Online, June 2, 2015. Voir également “Bayt Madkûr Pasha: A threatened archaeological house”, Egypt Independent, May 6 ; Hanân Haggâg, « La municipalité du Caire menace d’autoriser la démolition Bayt Madkûr », al-Ahrâm, 11 juin). - -

Mercredi 3 juin 2015

Yannick LINTZ, directrice du département des Arts de l’islam au Louvre, était cette semaine au Caire. Al-Ahram Hebdo : Vous êtes venue au Caire avec une délégation du Musée du Louvre. Quel est l’objet de votre visite ? Yannick LINTZ : Le but de cette visite est de définir les modalités de coopération entre le musée d’Art islamique (MAI) et le département des Arts de l’islam au Louvre. Nous avons eu une entrevue au mois de janvier avec Ahmad al- Shûkî, directeur du musée d’Art islamique, et celle-ci a été à l’origine de cette volonté réciproque de coopération. Le département des Arts de l’islam, depuis son ouverture en 2012, cherche à développer la coopération culturelle au niveau international et à aider également les musées d’arts islamiques ayant subi des dommages patrimoniaux dans le pourtour méditerranéen et au Moyen-Orient. Nous voulons bien sûr renforcer notre coopération avec le MAI. — Mais comment renforcer cette coopération ? — Cette coopération s’inscrit d’abord dans l’histoire commune de nos deux collections. Le MAI est né en 1903 sous l’impulsion des Français. Le premier catalogue du musée a d’ailleurs été rédigé en français. À la même date, le Louvre a développé sa collection d’arts islamiques. Les deux collections sont aujourd’hui parmi les plus riches au monde. L’alliance entre les deux institutions est d’une certaine manière naturelle. Cette coopération va donc porter sur le partage des expériences en matière de muséographie dans le cadre de la réouverture du MAI. Le département des Arts de l’islam du Louvre a en effet inauguré ses nouvelles galeries en septembre 2012. Nous prévoyons aussi de monter des expositions ensemble et de mener des études scientifiques sur nos collections communes. Des échanges d’équipes de conservateurs sur de courts séjours au Louvre pour le MAI et au MAI pour les conservateurs du Louvre sont aussi à l’étude. — Les discussions ont-elles abouti à un accord concret ? — Nous voulons avancer vers un projet de convention entre le Musée du Louvre et le ministère égyptien des Antiquités avec un programme à court terme et à moyen terme. — Comment évaluez-vous les travaux de restauration effectués au musée d’Art islamique ? — J’ai vu la situation en janvier dernier et je l’ai revue lors de mon passage la semaine dernière. Je suis très optimiste sur l’avancée des travaux. — Et que pensez-vous de la muséographie du MAI ? Est-elle conforme aux normes mondiales ? — Il me semble que le directeur du musée, Ahmad al-Shûkî, et son équipe ont une bonne vision. La muséographie avait été pensée de manière très professionnelle en 2010 pour la réouverture. Le muséographe français Adrien GARDÈRE avec l’aide des équipes scientifiques du département des Arts de l’islam ont conçu une muséographie adaptée et moderne. L’enjeu actuel est de reconstruire en améliorant. — Comment avez-vous réagi après l’attentat de 2014 et les dégâts au Musée du Caire ? — J’ai appris par la presse qu’il y a eu une explosion. J’ai immédiatement téléphoné au ministre égyptien des Antiquités pour lui dire que nous sommes prêts à contribuer à la reconstruction. L’Unesco a joué aussi un rôle pour mobiliser des fonds internationaux pour la restauration des œuvres en 2014. — Comment évaluez-vous le niveau des restaurateurs égyptiens et la qualité des pièces restaurées ? — Des œuvres uniques ont été définitivement endommagées. Mais je dois dire que je suis admirative de l’énergie, du professionnalisme et du dévouement des équipes égyptiennes que j’ai pu voir au travail pour faire renaître l’essentiel de ces œuvres. — D’après vous, quelle est la pièce maîtresse du musée d’art islamique ? — Les parties les plus riches sont bien sûr les collections fatimides et mameloukes. Je pense par exemple aux formidables stucs ou lampes de mosquées. — Une conférence internationale sera organisée en octobre prochain par le musée d’Art islamique en coopération avec votre département. Quel sera le thème de cette conférence ?

— Nous y réfléchissons encore. Mais l’idée serait de réunir quelques grands spécialistes des musées d’arts islamiques au moment de l’ouverture du musée au Caire, puis organiser une deuxième session à Paris, autour d’un thème en lien avec l’histoire de nos collections et de nos musées. (Nasma Réda, « Yannick LINTZ : Nous voulons renforcer la coopération avec le musée d’Art islamique en Égypte », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 3 juin 2015). - -

Chaque jour, des pièces antiques quittent le Musée égyptien du Caire à destination du nouveau Grand Musée (GEM) sur le plateau des pyramides de Gîza. Près de 17 000 pièces ont été transférées depuis 2010. Târiq Tawfîq, superviseur au projet du GEM, déclare : « Ces objets feront partie des 50 000 qui seront exposés lors de l’ouverture du musée en mai 2018 ». Ajoutant que 50 000 autres seront stockés et disponibles aux chercheurs pour les études scientifiques. Il a souligné que « lors de l’inauguration partielle, 5 000 pièces seulement seront exposées. Il s’agit des statues géantes, en plus de la plupart de la collection des trésors du jeune pharaon Toutankhamon ».

Il a indiqué également que toutes les pièces transférées au GEM n’ont pas été exposées auparavant. Les étapes du transport de ces pièces font toujours un grand débat. « Les grandes pièces reçoivent des mesures sécuritaires spéciales et les artefacts nécessitent une équipe de spécialistes d’emballage et de transport », explique Tawfîq. Une fois les pièces arrivées au GEM, elles doivent être examinées avant leur rentrée aux laboratoires de restauration, afin de les préparer pour l’exposition. Tous les objets sont classés puis stockés dans des entrepôts à haut niveau de sécurité. À noter que les travaux de construction ont atteint un avancement de presque 80 %. (Nasma Réda, « 17 000 pièces arrivées au Grand Musée de Gîza », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 3 juin 2015). - -

Le ministre de l’Environnement, Khâlid Fahmî, a annoncé la découverte d’un grand nombre de baleines fossilisées dans la zone de Wâdî al-Hîtân, située au Fayyûm. Une baleine Basilosaurus de 18 mètres de long, vieille de plus de 40 millions d’années, a été mise au jour. Ce cétacé archaïque exceptionnel conserve l’intégralité de ses ossements. À l’intérieur de son estomac, des restes de créatures marines ont été trouvés. Voilà qui jettera plus de lumière sur le régime alimentaire du Basilosaurus et son environnement vers la fin de l’Éocène. Le ministre a annoncé que ce Basilosaurus, qui élargira les horizons de la recherche scientifique, sera la mascotte du musée de Wâdî al-Hîtân qui sera inauguré en septembre prochain. Cette réserve naturelle constitue une attraction majeure pour le tourisme environnemental au Proche-Orient. (Înâs Halabî, « Découverte d’une baleine vieille de 40 millions d’années », al-Ahrâm, 3 juin 2015. Voir également Samar al-Naggâr, « Découverte au Fayyûm de la plus longue fossile de baleine dans le monde », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 3 juin). - - Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, a annoncé qu’il ne tolèrera la présence dans son ministère d’aucun responsable affilié à une organisation terroriste. Aucun Daéchien ni Frère musulman ne restera une seule seconde dans son poste. al-Damâtî a affirmé que les appareils de sécurité lui fournissent constamment des informations et des rapports sur chaque employé de son ministère. Toute infraction au code du travail fera immédiatement l’objet d’une enquête. (Mahmûd al-Badawî, « al-Damâtî : aucun Daéchien ou Frère musulman ne restera une seule seconde en poste », al-Watan, 3 juin 2015). - -

Le ministre de l’Archéologie, Dr Mamdûh al-Damâtî, et le président de l’Institut Européen d’Archéologie Sous- Marine (IEASM), Franck GODDIO, ont signé hier le contrat d’organisation de l’exposition « Osiris, mystères engloutis d’Égypte ». Entre septembre 2015 et mars 2017, cette exposition parcourra trois capitales européennes (Paris, Londres et Berlin). Elle dévoilera 293 pièces antiques en provenance de plusieurs musées égyptiens. al-Damâtî a révélé que cette exposition drainera 600 000 euros de revenues qui augmenteront les ressources financières du ministère et les projets archéologiques. Le contrat d’assurance s’élève à 150 millions de dollars. Au delà de 100 000 visiteurs, le ministère de l’Archéologie encaissera 1 dollar sur chaque billet vendu. (Ranâ Gawhar, « Les antiquités égyptiennes submergées s’exposent à Paris, à Londres et à Berlin », al-Ahrâm, 3 juin 2015. Voir également “Egypt catalogues 293 artifacts ahead of their European tour”, Egypt Independent, June 21). - - Samedi 6 juin 2015 Claims that nine Late period bronze artefacts are missing from the stores of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) are unfounded, the Ministry of Antiquities has said in a statement. GEM Director General Târiq Tawfîq told Ahram Online that the artefacts are in store #91 and are in a state of good conservation.

Tawfîq said the pieces have been in the same place since February when they were transferred from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square. Tawfîq urged the media not to publish news before checking the facts. “These unfounded rumours have negative effects on Egypt’s reputation in conserving and protecting its heritage,” Tawfîq said. (Nevine El-Aref, “Late period bronze artefacts are in GEM storage, not missing: Ministry”, Ahram Online, June 6, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie nie la disparition de 9 pièces du GEM », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 5 juin ; Fâdî Francis, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie nie la disparition de 9 pièces des magasins du GEM », al-Masrî al- Yawm, 5 juin). - -

Statue in packing The storage of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) received Saturday a collection of 247 ancient Egyptian objects from Saqqâra archaeological site in order to be restored and prepared for permanent display at the GEM. The objects are to be stored in the GEM galleries until its soft opening in 2018. GEM Director General Târiq Tawfîq told Ahram Online that the objects are from different ancient Egyptian eras, among them an Old Kingdom painted statue of an ancient Egyptian scribe as well as a large collection of New Kingdom sarcophagi and limestone stelae. Among the transferred collection, added Tawfîq, are objects unearthed by Czech and Japanese archaeological missions in Saqqâra, which include a duo of painted statues of couples wearing curly wigs, male skirts and long dresses. ‘Îsa Zaydân, director of restoration at the GEM, told Ahram Online that most of the objects were restored before packing and that a detailed list of their shape, size and condition of conservation was created. He added that the packing was carried out according to the latest scientific methods, in order to protect the objects and provide for safe transportation. Last week, said ‘Alâ’ al-Shahhât, director of the Saqqâra archaeological site, a collection of 432 artefacts were transferred to the GEM from Saqqâra.

Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî said the ministry is exerting all efforts to see the GEM fully open in 2020. The soft opening scheduled in 2018 will include the inauguration of the Tutankhamun collection and the large hall of stairs. (Nevine El-Aref, “Large tranche of artefacts transferred to Egyptian Museum from Saqqâra”, Ahram Online, June 6, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « 247 pièces antiques transférées vers le GEM en vue de leur restauration », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 4 juin ; MENA, « 432 pièces antiquités transférées de Saqqâra vers le GEM », al- Shurûq, 4 juin ; Ni‘mât Magdî, « Le GEM reçoit 247 pièces en provenance de l’entrepôt muséologique de Saqqâra », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 4 juin). - - Lundi 8 juin 2015 During a routine inspection tour around al-Gamâliyya district in Historic Cairo, Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al- Damâtî stumbled upon a distinguished Coptic funeral chariot in Bayt al-Qâdî alley. The wooden chariot dates from the 19th century. It has four wheels (two large ones at the back and two small ones in front) and its body is decorated with foliage on a frame.

al-Damâtî noticed the chariot and asked his deputy Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Azîz to start negotiations with its owner to have it put on the Antiquities List and exhibited at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustât. (Nevine El-Aref, “Coptic funeral chariot to be displayed at museum”, Ahram Online, June 8, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « al-Damâtî négocie l’acquisition d’un corbillard copte pour l’exposer dans le musée de la Civilisation », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 8 juin). - - Mardi 9 juin 2015 After restoring the Sultan Qâytbây loggia in Cairo’s Mamluk cemetery, Egypt’s antiquities ministry is to transform it into a centre to sell local handicrafts. The European Union’s delegation in Egypt is to provide the budget for the loggia’s transformation and the ministry is to supervise the works, Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told Ahram Online. Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Azîz, the Minister of Antiquities’ Deputy for Islamic and Coptic Monuments, describes the project as “important” because it would contribute to conserving the monument through constant use and regular maintenance. “It will also help to promote the handicrafts produced by local residents and raise awareness of the country’s cultural heritage,” ‘Abd al-‘Azîz said. The construction of Qâytbây’s funerary complex started in 1470 and was completed in 1474. It includes the loggia, whose features include stained glass, as well as a mosque, a mausoleum, a waterwheel, and animal drinking troughs.

When it was first built, Qâytbây’s complex made up an entire royal quarter in the then lightly urbanised desert cemetery area east of Cairo. (Nevine El-Aref, “Qâytbây’s loggia to become handicrafts centre”, Ahram Online, June 9, 2015). - - The transfer of a tomb of an ancient Egyptian statesman from al-Qurna in the western bank to Luxor Museum in the eastern bank was marked with a ceremony on Monday, attended by Governor Muhammad Badr and other officials, under the auspices of the Antiquities Ministry. Mustafa Wazîrî, general director of Upper Egypt antiquities department, said that the tomb was discovered in 2014 by a Spanish mission working in the Dirâ‘ Abû al-Nagâ tombs. The tomb was 2,5 meters wide and 42 cm high. Wazîrî added that the paintings and colors of the tomb, which is decorated with a pattern resembling bird feathers, are still in a good condition. The statesman, called Neb, belonged to the 17th dynasty. (“Ceremony in Luxor marks transfer of ancient tomb to museum”, Egypt Independent, June 9, 2015. Voir également Huda al-Amîr, « Renforts policiers pour sécuriser le transfert du sarcophage de Neb vers Louqsor », al-Tahrîr, 8 juin ; Ibrâhîm ‘Awad, « Transfert du sarcophage du prêtre Neb vers le musée de Louqsor », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 9 juin ; Rânyâ ‘Abd al-‘Âtî, « Le sarcophage de Neb exposé pour la première fois au public », al-Ahrâm, 9 juin). - - Mercredi 10 juin 2015 Director General of Luxor Antiquities Sultân ‘Îd told Ahram Online that all the monuments in Karnak temple, as well as its visitors and archaeological inspectors, are safe. “The incident happened in the parking area which is 700 metres from the temple gate,” he pointed out, and asserted that the temple is open and did not shut its gates for visitors as rumoured. Security was tightened in order to safeguard the temple and its visitors. Police shot dead two militants following a failed attempt to commit a terrorist attack at the parking area near Karnak temple, a distinguished ancient Egyptian monument on Luxor’s east bank. The site includes a large variety of ancient Egyptian structures such as temples, chapels, pylons and shrines that were built in between the reigns of the Middle Kingdom King Senusert I right through to the Ptolemaic period. ‘Îd, an eyewitness to the incident himself, told Ahram Online that one of the militants blew himself up when the tourism and antiquities police at the temple realised the militants presence. He went on to say that the men who carried out the attack arrived to the area and sat at a coffee shop outside the temple near the parking lot and when a tourist group arrived with their bus they tried to join the tourists but the policemen were suspicious of their actions. “The suicide bomber blew himself up and the other two suspected Islamic militants began to exchange gunshots with policemen and the suspect was shot dead,” ‘Îd said. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî travelled to Luxor on an inspection tour immediately after the attack. (Nevine El-Aref, “Terrorist attack in Luxor’s Karnak did not affect temple: Official”, Ahram Online, June 10, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Mustafa Amîn : la zone archéologique de Karnak est en sécurité sous la protection de la police du tourisme et des antiquités », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 10 juin ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « L’Unesco dénonce l’attentat déjoué au temple de Karnak », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 12 juin ; ‘Abd al-Wahhâb ‘Iliwa, « Construction d’un mur d’enceinte de 2,5 m de haut pour sécuriser le temple », al-Watan, 14 juin). - - 255 pages pour raconter 40 ans de fouilles archéologiques marquées par des découvertes inédites en Égypte, et accompagnées d’innombrables histoires humaines émouvantes. C’est l’œuvre de l’ex-ministre des Antiquités et égyptologue Zâhî Hawwâs intitulée 40 ans de fouilles. À travers son parcours, le lecteur découvre plusieurs de ses aventures faites d’entraves et de dangers. Mais son insistance à les vaincre l’a transformé d’un simple homme né dans un petit village près de Damiette, qui a perdu son père à 13 ans, en un égyptologue de renommée mondiale. Au lieu de continuer ses études de droit, Hawwâs s’est orienté vers l’archéologie à l’université d’Alexandrie. Il a décidé ensuite de devenir diplomate. Au moment de l’examen, « j’étais alors l’unique archéologue », retrace-t-il dans le livre. Après avoir réussi à l’examen écrit, il devait passer l’oral. « On m’a posé la question : Qu’est-ce qu’un archéologue peut offrir à la diplomatie ? ». J’ai répondu : « Notre histoire et notre civilisation sont les plus importantes du monde. Nos antiquités, surtout les pyramides, les momies et le trésor de Toutankhamon attirent des visiteurs des 4 coins du monde. Je peux alors exploiter le charme du passé et acquérir de l’amitié pour mon pays ». Une réponse peu convaincante aux oreilles du jury d’examen.

Hawwâs a dû alors se résigner et revenir à son poste d’inspecteur de l’archéologie à Tûna al-Gabal (Minyâ) en Moyenne-Égypte. Son carnet en mains, il faisait le tour des sites, étudiant une tombe ou un mur d’un temple chaque jour, protégeant les antiquités des vols et incendies. À Abû Billû (64 km au nord-ouest du Caire), Hawwâs a découvert d’autres dangers menaçant les antiquités, comme le creusement d’un canal traversant un site archéologique. D’Abû Billû à Merimde Banî Salâma, et Abû Rawwâsh et d’Abû Simbil à Gîza, les fouilles continuent tout comme les découvertes de toutes les périodes archéologiques. Ce sont là les étapes qui ont précédé les périodes glorieuses de Hawwâs qui ont commencé avec sa gestion du plateau de Gîza et l’oasis de Bahariyya dans le désert Occidental. « J’ai décidé de focaliser mes efforts sur deux choses : les fouilles et la restauration », se souvient-il. Pour ce faire, il faut répandre la sécurité et la stabilité dans toute la région. Il a alors surpris des gardiens, qui le voyaient arriver en pleine nuit sur un site. Il a changé toutes les clés des tombes et des pyramides. Toute sa vie a été consacrée à l’étude des pyramides. Les découvertes se sont succédé : la muraille qui encerclait le complexe pyramidal du roi Chephren, un graffiti sur lequel sont inscrits les noms des groupes d’ouvriers qui avaient construit le complexe pyramidal de Chéops. Mais les découvertes les plus importantes sont le dégagement des tombes des ouvriers des pyramides et le cimetière des ouvriers et des administrateurs. Le livre met l’accent aussi sur d’autres sites importants, outre celui du plateau de Gîza : Saqqâra, Héliopolis et les Oasis de Bahariyya où a été mise au jour la vallée des momies dorées, dont le nombre dépasse les 10 000 pièces. Ces découvertes ont commencé en 1996 et se sont poursuivies jusqu’en 2000. Les missions archéologiques regorgent de surprises dont le livre n’oublie pas de présenter un petit résumé. Il est enfin enrichi de photos dont la plupart sont en noir et blanc. Cette collection de clichés constitue de vraies archives de 40 ans de fouilles. (Doaa Elhami, « L’égyptologie comme destin », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 10 juin 2015). - - Jeudi 11 juin 2015

The exquisite 19th-century Bayt Madkûr house stands in al-Tabbâna Street, in the Bâb al-Wazîr area of Islamic Cairo’s al-Darb al-Ahmar. The neighbourhood is also home to an impressive collection of Islamic monuments. On the south-facing side of the house is the Ottoman sabîl-kuttâb (water fountain and school) of Muhammad Katkhuda, while the remains of the Ottoman ‘Âbidîn Gâwîsh zâwiya (prayer area) are on its eastern side. The latter overlooks the Fâtima al-Nabawiyya Mosque and is currently being used as an informal settlement. Opposite Bayt Madkûr, to the west, is the Mameluke Baharî Mosque of al-Tanbaghâ al-Mardânî. Time has taken its toll on the two-storey house. Its foliage motifs, mashrabiyya arcades, façade and gates are damaged. Cracks have appeared in the house’s walls, masonry has cracked and parts of the structure have collapsed. The wrought-iron gates and windows have been removed from their original positions and now lie on the ground. Most of the marble tiles have vanished. Inside the house, the situation is even worse; the marble stairs are wrecked and the halls and corridors are filled with dirt and garbage. In one corner, a cat feeds its newborn kittens. The Italian stained-glass windows that decorate the dome in the ceiling of the second floor are broken. The courtyard of the house is filled with unregulated construction dating from the 1970s, and the entrance is flooded with water seeping from the area’s poor sewage system.

A courtyard in Bayt Madkûr in Cairo’s Darb al-Ahmar neighborhood (Photo: Mai Shaheen) Bayt Madkûr was once the house of the Ottoman family of Madkûr Pasha. Today it is in a critical condition and faces demolition. Two weeks ago, Cairo Governor Galâl al-Sa‘îd approved a request from the house’s owners to demolish it and put up a new building. But protests from the Save Cairo group, an association of concerned historians and architects, have forced al-Sa‘îd to postpone the decision for a month. “The house is in a poor state of conservation and was on the verge of demolition. It is a threat to the lives of its inhabitants and the street’s pedestrians,” a spokesman for the owners of the house told Al-Ahram Weekly on condition of anonymity. ‘Âtif ‘Abd al-‘Azîm is one of those who lives in the long-neglected house. He makes shades for beach-goers and rents two rooms in Bayt Madkûr. ‘Abd al-‘Azîm told the Weekly that the owners are not prepared to keep up repairs on the house. “How can they demolish such a historical house, with its distinguished architecture and decorative motifs?” he asked. “How can the government approve such a crime?” The house is presently occupied by four families and three workshop owners. “We have filed two lawsuits [against the owners], one from the residents and another from the shop owners, but there hasn’t been a verdict yet. The district authorities are asking for a verdict or they will go ahead with the decision to evacuate the house,” ‘Abd al-‘Azîm said. “Bayt Madkûr is our house and we cannot leave it,” wood polisher Ahmad Badrân said, suggesting that a public campaign be started to collect money for the restoration. “The poor sewage system in the house is another problem that we face, but we have not been able to fix it, given the other problems. We have spent years negotiating over the building’s fate, but we could still be evacuated any day,” he said. Meanwhile, Muhammad Hâshim, a jewellery maker and another of the house’s residents, said the façade has deliberately been allowed to deteriorate to give the impression that the house is on the verge of collapse. In a bid to protect the house from demolition, Save Cairo asked for it to be relisted on Egypt’s Antiquities List for Islamic and Coptic Monuments. Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Azîz, deputy minister of antiquities for Islamic monuments, submitted the request to the minister, who turned it over to the Permanent Committee for Islamic and Coptic Antiquities to take a decision on the relisting. The committee appointed a team, led by Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mustafa Amîn, to check the condition of the house and write a detailed report on it. Meanwhile, Save Cairo suggested starting a fundraising campaign to buy the house and save it from destruction. But last week the ministry refused to relist the Bayt Madkûr. Amîn told the Weekly that the Islamic and Coptic Antiquities Committee assigned to inspect the house had refused to register it because it had lost most of its authentic heritage value. He explained that large and deep cracks have spread all over the house’s walls, threatening it with collapse. The garden of the house has totally deteriorated and been subjected to encroachment by neighbours who built houses in it in the 1970s. Amîn pointed out that Bayt Madkûr originally consisted of three floors (a ground floor and two storeys). A fire ten years ago destroyed the second floor. “Registering Bayt Madkûr on Egypt’s Antiquities List is against the antiquities law and its amendments because it has not retained its distinguished architectural style and authentic historical value,” Amîn asserted. He added that in 2010 it was suggested to list the house, but after inspection the committee refused the request because of its condition. “In order to protect the house from demolition, the Cairo governorate and the National Organisation for Urban Harmony (NOUH) [a national heritage organisation] will need to find a reason to relist the house on the NOUH List,” Amîn suggested. The Bayt Madkûr was delisted in 2011 by ministerial decree, as it was subjected to deterioration and looting in the aftermath of the 2011 Revolution. Amîn told the Weekly that negotiations are taking place between the Cairo governorate, the NOUH and the Ministry of Antiquities to find a way to save the historical building. Umniya ‘Abd al-Barr of Save Cairo told Al-Ahram that the group has not given up its campaign to save the house and will file a lawsuit against the ministerial decree to delist it.

For the moment, the situation is frozen and the grace period given by al-Sa‘îd will expire at the end of June. The fate of Bayt Madkûr hangs in the balance. (Nevine El-Aref, “Will Bayt Madkûr be saved?”, Al-Ahram Weekly, June 11, 2015. Voir également MENA, « Sauvez Le Caire en appelle à Mihlib pour sauver Bayt Madkûr de la démolition », al- Shurûq, 13 mai ; « L’évacuation et la démolition de Bayt Madkûr sont reportées », al-Ahrâm, 20 mai). - -

Six ancient Egyptian tombs, from the 26th Dynasty, have been discovered by an Egyptian archaeological mission. The tombs are located beside the Aga Khan Mausoleum on Aswân’s west bank. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî described the discovery as “important” because it is the first time tombs from the Late Pharaonic period have been found in the area. All the tombs previously discovered have been dated to the Old and Middle Kingdoms. “With this tomb collection the ancient Egyptian necropolis in Aswân is complete,” al-Damâtî said. He added that a collection of limestone and wooden sarcophagi was found with the mummies of the deceased. Faience statuettes of the four sons of the god Horus and wooden statuettes of the falcon god himself were also unearthed, along with amulets of different shapes, sizes and colours. Nasr Salâma, director-general of Aswân Antiquities, said that each tomb contains a 30-step stairway leading to the main entrance. The tombs are divided into three or four undecorated rooms, he said. Mustafa Khalîl, the head of the archaeological mission, said the architectural style of the tombs is consistent with the 26th-Dynasty period, having been excavated in the stony hillside rather than being rock-hewn.

Khalîl said that the tombs were robbed in the aftermath of the 2011 Revolution, part of an upsurge in illegal excavations that occurred in the Aswân area during the security vacuum that followed the removal of president Husnî Mubârak. (Nevine El-Aref, “26th Dynasty tombs uncovered in Aswân”, Al-Ahram Weekly, June 11, 2015. Voir également MENA, « Les tombes découvertes à Aswân contiennent 20 momies en bon état », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 7 juin ; Nevine El-Aref, “Late period tombs uncovered on Aswân’s west bank”, Ahram Online, June 7 ; Radwa Hâshim, « Découverte de 6 tombes antiques à Aswân », al-Watan, 7 juin ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Découverte à Aswân de six tombes de la XXVIe dynastie », al-Ahrâm, 8 juin ; « Mise au jour de 6 tombes pharaoniques à Aswân », al- Bashâyyir, 7 juin ; "Nasma Réda, « Archéologie : Un mois de mai fructueux », Al-Ahram Hebdo du 10 juin). - - Samedi 13 juin 2015 The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) received on Saturday the first batch of a treasured collection, which will be put on display at the Museum’s official inauguration in 2016. The batch includes ten artefacts carefully selected from the store galleries of the Saqqâra necropolis which show limestone reliefs engraved with scenes depicting the daily and religious life of ancient Egyptians as well as an 18th dynasty army leader before becoming a king.

Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî and the NMEC director general Khâlid al-‘Inânî received the objects, with the former describing the batch as "a milestone towards the NMEC official inauguration." al-‘Inânî told Ahram Online that the objects will be conserved and would remain in the NMEC galleries until its opening. (Nevine El-Aref, “The NMEC receives its first batch of artefacts”, Ahram Online, June 13, 2015. Voir également Ahmad Mansûr, « Inauguration partielle des magasins du musée de la Civilisation pour accueillir des pièces en provenance de Saqqâra », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 11 juin). - - Dimanche 14 juin 2015

The upper part of the statue Following diplomatic negotiations, Egypt has succeeded to stop the sale of a unique ancient Egyptian statue at auction hall in Germany. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî announced that legal procedures and investigations are now taking place in Germany in order to return the statue to its homeland. al-Damâtî told Ahram Online that the statue was discovered in 2008 in Aswân by a Swiss archaeological mission and was stored since in the Elephantine archaeological galleries. In 2013, the Elephantine galleries were subject to looting and the statue was stolen among other objects. At the time, the Ministry of Antiquities created a list of the stolen objects and put it on the red list of Interpol, in order to guarantee its return if it appeared in any auction hall or on the antiquities trading market.

Ahmad ‘Alî, head of the repatriation of stolen antiquities section, said that the statue is carved in ivory and depicts a figure holding a gazelle on its shoulders. (Nevine El-Aref, “Unique stolen ancient Egyptian statue to return from Germany soon”, Ahram Online, June 14, 2015. Voir également “Antiquities Ministry stops the sale of archaeological statue in Germany”, Egypt Independent, June 14 ; Fâdî Francis, « Suspension de la vente en Allemagne d’une statue égyptienne exceptionnelle », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 15 juin ; Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie parvient à suspendre la vente d’une statue en Allemagne », al-Ahrâm, 15 juin). - - Lundi 15 juin 2015 The Nagâ Hammâdî police station retrieved on Monday some items that were robbed six months ago from the Prince Yûsuf Kamâl Palace located in Qinâ. One of the suspects who was arrested possessed three daggers studded with jewels and silver, as well as several potteries, two statues and rare currencies. The suspect is being questioned in order to find the other suspects and retrieve the rest of the items. “Items from Prince Yûsuf Kamâl Palace in Qinâ retrieved”, Egypt Independent, June 15, 2015. Voir également Usâma al-Hawwârî, « Après six mois de filature : récupération d’une partie des collections du palais Yûsuf Kamâl », al-Ahrâm, 16 juin). - - Mercredi 17 juin 2015 Antiquities Minister Mamdûh al-Damâtî has settled the controversy that has been taking place on the land of the disbanded National Democratic Party’s headquarters, after its destruction. The minister said a cultural project will be carried out on the land, adding that documents have proven the land is owned by the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square, in addition to a Cabinet decision in March 2014 ordering the land be added to the museum’s land.

In a press conference on Tuesday, al-Damâtî said the project will include restoration laboratories, gardens and showrooms in a two-story building. The basement floor will include trade store and bazaars. (“Antiquities Minister: Cultural project to be carried out on defunct NDP’s land”, Egypt Independent, June 17, 2015. Voir également Alâ’ ‘Uthmân, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie a élaboré une vision du Musée Égyptien après l’annexion du terrain du PND », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 16 juin ; Muna Yâsîn, « al-Damâtî tranche la polémique : Mise en place d’un projet culturel sur le terrain du PND », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 17 juin). - - Vendredi 19 juin 2015

Muhammad Mustafa ‘Abd al-Magîd, general supervisor of the Alexandria Sunken Antiquities Department, said a Russian excavation mission discovered two cannons and three anchors dating back to Napoleon’s campaign in the western port of Alexandria and in Abû Qîr. (“Sunken cannons dating back to Napoleon’s campaign discovered in Alexandria”, Egypt Independent, June 19, 2015). - - Dimanche 21 juin 2015

Restoration of the beams A collection of 30 wooden beams of King Khufu’s second solar boat have arrived to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) after restoration. The new batch is to be stored in the museum galleries for reconstruction and later display. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told Ahram Online that the GEM houses now 203 wooden beams of King Khufu’s second boat, which was removed from its pit on the southern side of the Great Pyramid. He explained that the beams were inside the pit since it was first discovered in 1954 by Egyptian archaeologists Kamâl al-Mallâkh and Zakî Nûr during routine cleaning on the southern side of Khufu’s Great Pyramid.

The boat’s wooden beams al-Mallâkh then removed the timbers, oars and beams of the first solar boat and left the second one in situ until 2009 when a Japanese scientific and archaeological team from Waseda University headed by Sakuji YOSHIMURA offered to remove the boat from the pit, restore and reassemble it, and put it on show to the public. ‘Îsa Zaydân, restoration director at the GEM, explained that Japanese and Egyptian restorers removed 468 wooden pieces of the second boat from the pit and to date have restored 342 pieces according to the latest scientific methods.

YOSHIMURA said that the project would continue until 2018, when reconstruction of the second solar boat will begin. He added that recent restoration work was in the way of “first aid,” and that complete restoration would be done when the boat is reconstructed. (Nevine El-Aref, “Thirty wooden beams of Khufu’s second solar boat arrive to the GEM”, Ahram Online, June 21, 2015). - -

Cairo International Airport authorities, headed by Brigadier General Ayman ‘Abd al-Fattâh, confiscated five archaeological coins from an Italian passenger of Egyptian origin Sunday. The man was attempting to smuggle the coins into England. A security source said security officers suspected the passenger and inspected his handbag, finding five ancient coins inside. They were examined by the antiquities experts at the Cairo Airport and turned out to be two 1 millieme coins (1000th of a LE), dating back to the reign of Sultan Husayn Kâmil. Two other coins are 10 milliemes each and the last one 1 millieme, all three dating back to the era of King Fârûq. A claim was filed over the incident, the coins were seized and the passenger was allowed to travel on board the plane. (“Italian passenger attempts to smuggle archaeological coins”, Egypt Independent, June 21, 2015). - - Lundi 22 juin 2015 Muhammad Mustafa ‘Abd al-Magîd, head of the underwater antiquities department at the Antiquities Ministry, said the restoration and registration centers have registered all the relics that will be transferred to Paris and displayed in an international exhibition on submerged antiquities in September. In remarks to al-Masrî al-Yawm, ‘Abd al-Magîd said the registration process for the relics has been used by the ministry for a long time, particularly when items are transferred abroad. Parts of these relics are photographed with a magnifying lens in order to compare them with the items after they are returned. Approximately 293 items will be transferred, with 80 percent of them restored from the Mediterranean. Other pieces are from the Romanian-Greek museum, the Alexandria National Museum, the Submerged Antiquities Museum within the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the National Museum in Cairo. The items will be transferred on July 26 and the exhibition will open on September 7 for six months. The exhibit will then travel to Zurich, Switzerland for four months, followed by the British Museum for six months, before the relics are returned to Cairo. (“Antiquities Ministry prepares relics before int’l exhibition”, Egypt Independent, June 22, 2015). - -

For centuries, dogs have been humans’ loyal, domesticated companions. They’ve been wild animals, doing what’s needed to survive. And in ancient Egypt, they served as bridges to the afterlife, with the hope that they’d intercede with the god Anubis on their owner’s behalf. But only now is it becoming known the extent to which dogs served this latter role — eight million times over. That is the number of dead animals, most of them dogs, estimated to have laid in the catacombs of Anubis around Saqqâra, one of Egypt’s most historic and oft-visited sites, according to a group of British researchers. While such mass burials aren’t unprecedented, given the numerous animal cults of ancient Egypt, this one’s scale makes it unique. “We’re very pleased and somewhat surprised by the results,” the project’s director Paul NICHOLSON from Cardiff University’s School of History, Archaeology and Religion said Saturday. “We hadn’t expected that there would be so many animals, and it opens up a new series of questions.” One question that experts can at least partially answer is why an Egyptian might have brought an animal, dead or alive, to such a place. NICHOLSON, who has been studying animal cults since the 1990s, explains that people wouldn’t have come simply to kill or even bury an animal so much as allow it to move onto a different plane. A dog, especially, would be a good fit because it might then interact with Anubis, an ancient Egyptian god of the dead depicted with the body of a man and head of a dog or, its close relative, a jackal. “The important thing was to provide a representation of the god with a fitting burial,” NICHOLSON said. “It’s not some sort of blood sacrifice. It’s a religious act that’s done for the best possible motive.” The animal’s owner would hope that, by doing this, “some good will come to you,” the Wales-based Egyptologist noted. “Maybe you’re hoping that the animal will help someone in your family who has died recently (so that) Anubis will take care of that (relative).” Just as Egyptians’ view of Anubis, and dogs, has been common knowledge for some time, so too have the dog catacombs of Anubis. This includes a map from 1897 that shows their location clearly marked. Still, most of the focus was on temples outside the catacomb. Until, that is, NICHOLSON’s team — with the support and help from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities and sponsorship from National Geographic — began working on the Saqqâra site around 2009 and began exploring deep inside. They found a series of unadorned tunnels, in some cases filled with animal remains and in other cases cleared out. (NICHOLSON speculated that some might have been taken out for use in fertilizers, as has been done with other animal remains.) Those that they found were wrapped in bandages and mummified, including some with a resin applied. One shouldn’t imagine an ornate King Tut, though: They were likely stacked on top of each other and “survived very badly,” NICHOLSON said. “It would be quite difficult to easily find complete, nicely wrapped mummies,” he added. “What you have got is the decayed remains of the mummies.” To estimate how many there are, the team took a sample and extrapolated from there how many likely filled up the catacomb. One reason the number is so high is because many of the animals were very small; while there some were mature and likely had full lives, NICHOLSON speculated that some were “being especially bred for the cult.” The catacombs are believed to date from between roughly 750 to 30 B.C., up to the time Egypt’s society was interacting more and more with those of Europe, including ancient Greece and Rome. A summary of the Cardiff team’s findings was published this week in the journal “Antiquity”. NICHOLSON and his co-authors, Salima IKRAM and Steve MILLS, are now working on a more complete study. And the work continues at the Saqqâra site, which includes other animal catacombs and many monuments like the step pyramid of Djoser, as well as in laboratories to discover more about the animal remains, such as patterns of sex and age. “We are very curious about where the animals came from,” NICHOLSON said. “We’re learning quite a bit about the Egyptians’ interactions with animals. It’s an exciting thing.” (“Eight million mummified animals, mostly dogs, in catacombs at Egypt site”, Egypt Independent, June 22, 2015. Voir également « Découverte de 8 millions de momies d’animaux momifiés », Ruz al-Yûsuf, 22 juin). - - Mardi 23 juin 2015

Beginning in August, visitors of Tutankhamun’s galleries at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr will not be able to admire the king’s distinguished gold funerary mask which will leave its original display for intensive restoration to repair the improper restoration carried out recently. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî told Ahram Online that Tutankhamun’s gold funerary mask will go for restoration in August after the completion of the scientific studies carried out to discover the material used in its restoration and how to remove them without causing harm. “A month ago I assigned a scientific committee, led by me, to carry out a comprehensive analytic study on the mask since its discovery in 1922 in Tutankhamun’s tomb, as well as the restoration work carried out on it until now,” al- Damâtî said. al-Damâtî said that German restorer Christian ECKMANN assisted him in such studies because he is an expert in metal restoration. The committee includes the head of the German Archaeological Institute, Târiq Tawfîq, the head of the metal restoration section at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrîr Square, and a German CT-scan expert. The ministry has bought new CT scanning equipment to complete the study. After the completion of the study, ECKMANN will travel to Germany with the results, where he will create a gypsum replica of the mask using the proper materials, according to al-Damâtî. In August, he will then return to Cairo where an international conference is to be held to explain to the public and scholars the method selected to restore the beard through state-of-the-art technology. Then, the restoration itself is to start and all the work will be documented.

In January 2015, it was reported that the blue and gold beard of the mask was broken during a cleaning process at the Egyptian Museum and that conservators hurriedly glued the beard back on with epoxy resin, damaging the artefact. The ministry of antiquities held a press conference where experts asserted that the mask is safe and that the botched restoration carried out in August 2014 is reversible. (Nevine El-Aref, “Restoration of Tutankhamun’s funerary mask to start in August”, Ahram Online, June 23, 2015. Voir également Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mu‘tî, « Retrait du masque de Toutankhamon pour restauration », al-Ahrâm, 17 juin). - -

Jeudi 25 juin 2015

The Ayyubid walls stretch for 1.5 km in the Bâb al-Wazîr area, just below al-Azhar Park, on what was once the rubbish tip of mediaeval Cairo. The walls were constructed in the 12th century by Sultan Salâh al-Dîn al-Ayyûbî (Saladin) as part of his plans to connect the Fatimid city of al-Qâhira (Cairo) with the Citadel and its aqueduct. These walls, with their gates, towers, interior chambers and galleries, were one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the late 1990s, as was the Qubat al-Amîr Tarâbây al-Sharîf, a dome structure built by the commander of the Mamluke soldiers during the reign of sultan Qunsuwwa al-Ghûrî located next to the walls. After more than a decade of restoration both monuments have now been reopened to visitors. Minister of Antiquities Mamdûh al-Damâtî, Cairo Governor Galâl al-Sa‘îd and Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) General Manager Luis MONREAL were all on hand to cut the ribbon on Wednesday night as part of the monuments’ official reopening. Prime Minister Ibrâhîm Mihlib was scheduled to attend the event but cancelled at the last minute. al-Damâtî told attendees that the restoration projects for both monuments highlighted the strong and fruitful cooperation between the ministry and the AKTC. He said the restoration of the wall sections had cost $8.5 million while restoration of the dome had cost $6.8 million. Both projects are part of a much larger urban regeneration programme undertaken by the AKTC with the support of the Egyptian government, the governorate of Cairo, the Ministry of Antiquities and other partners. It includes the 30-hectare (74-acre) al-Azhar Park, a number of restored mosques, schools and public spaces, training programmes for the youth of the area, health and education initiatives and improvements to water and sanitation. Deputy Minister of Antiquities for Islamic and Coptic Monuments Muhammad ‘Abd al-‘Azîz told the Weekly that restoration work carried out on the Ayyubid walls included consolidation of the gates and towers and the replacement of damaged and missing stone blocks with new ones. Cleaning work also took place, and salt that had accumulated on the walls was removed and a new lighting system installed. Salâh al-Dîn al-Ayyûbî started the construction of the walls in 1176 CE. He wanted to contain the former Fatimid palace city and its suburbs, the pre-Fatimid city of Fustât, and the pre-existing fortifications within a single system. In the centuries that followed, Cairo’s rapid expansion went well beyond Salâh al-Dîn’s boundaries, rendering the old walls obsolete. In the 15th century, the eastern part of the city went into decline, and the Darrâsa area, where al-Azhar Park is now located, became a rubbish dump. In the 20th century, the Ayyubid walls were largely covered in rubble and lost several parts of their historic structure. During excavation and grading works for al-Azhar Park, a 1.5-km section of the remaining Ayyubid walls stretching from Bâb al-Wazîr to al-Azhar Street was restored to international standards. It now forms the boundary between the Darb al-Ahmar district and the Park. ‘Abd al-‘Azîz said that Cairo’s Ayyubid walls were built in Bâb al-Wazîr in the al-Darb al-Ahmar area by architect Bahâ’ al-Dîn Qarâqush on the orders of Salâh al-Dîn al-Ayyûbî to protect Cairo from invasion. Qarâqush built circular walls around Cairo, along with the al-Gabal and al-Fustât fortresses. He constructed several gates in the walls, among them Bâb al-Bahr, Bâb al-Sha‘riyya and Bâb al-Mahrûq. Restoration work on the gates started in 1999. Just outside the Ayyubid walls on the southern side of al-Azhar Park stands the Tarâbây al-Sharîfî Dome, which includes a mausoleum, gate, sabîl-kuttâb (water fountain) and madrasa (school). The building is a beautiful proportioned and exquisitely decorated structure with a zigzag pattern carved on its stone dome. It was built in 1505 for Tarâbây al-Sharîfî, commander of the Mamelukes under Sultan Qunsuwwa al-Ghûrî. According to ‘Abd al-‘Azîz, Tarâbây al-Sharîfî was a slave purchased by the Mameluke Sultan Qâytbây, who was subsequently freed and appointed amir, or prince, in the late 15th century.

Another Mameluke, Azdmar, was also purchased by Qâytbây and appointed to a number of governmental positions. He built his tomb on the northern side of the mausoleum of Tarâbây, but there is no documentation regarding the relationship between Tarâbây and Azdmar to explain why their mausoleums were constructed in such close proximity. ‘Abd al-‘Azîz said the dome was restored in 1905 by the Comité des Antiquités, an early heritage organisation. The mausoleum is a large domed cube typical of late Burgi Mameluke buildings, set within an enclosure entered through the gate opposite a drinking trough built by the Mameluke Aymitsh. All that remains of a much larger complex, the structure is a magnificent example of late Mameluke workmanship, including double-leaf cresting, windows in the form of three oculi over three arched panels, roundel inscriptions with the amir’s name, double bands of moulding and decorated shoulder cascades in the dome’s transition zone. ‘Abd al-‘Azîz said the restoration of the dome included the removal of several metres of rubbish that had accumulated around the monument, structural consolidation and conservation of both the interior and exterior surfaces of the mausoleum, madrasa and sabîl-kuttâb. The exterior spaces have been reorganised in order to prepare the area as the southern entry point to al-Azhar Park. The restoration work started in 2006. MONREAL said that both the Ayyubid walls and the Tarâbây al-Sharîfî monuments are part of the broader urban regeneration projects begun in 1984 when the Aga Khan Award for Architecture sponsored a symposium in Cairo titled “The Expanding Metropolis: Coping with the Urban Growth of Cairo.” At that time, the AKTC offered to create a park for the citizens of the capital. The creation of al-Azhar Park and the numerous urban regeneration projects around it, including the Ayyubid walls and the restoration of the Tarâbây Complex, speaks to the possibility of rejuvenating areas that once appeared to be in terminal decline, he said. Another example is the restoration of the 14th-century Amir Aqsunqur “Blue Mosque” in al-Darb al-Ahmar, which was inaugurated a month ago. In all of its restoration and regeneration work, MONREAL said, the AKTC has the objective of leveraging culture in ways that could lead to the alleviation of poverty. In al-Darb al-Ahmar, one of the poorest districts in Cairo, the Trust has consciously worked to create a critical mass of activities that not only focus on the restoration of monuments, but also on the creation of public spaces, water and sanitation improvements, education and health initiatives, microfinance and employment generation and training, he said. The 1984 programme not only aimed to create a park visited by almost two million people a year, MONREAL said, but also extended to socioeconomic initiatives in the neighbouring al-Darb al-Ahmar district, including housing rehabilitation, microfinance, apprenticeships and healthcare. Local housing was renovated and returned to its owners. Job training and employment opportunities were offered in different sectors such as shoemaking, furniture manufacturing and tourist goods production. Apprenticeships were made available in automobiles, electronics, mobile telephones, computers, masonry, carpentry and office skills.

Microcredit loans enabled residents to open small businesses such as carpentry shops and a drycleaner. Hundreds of young men and women in the al-Darb al-Ahmar area have found work in the park, in horticulture and on project teams restoring the Ayyubid walls, MONREAL said. (Nevine El-Aref, “Historic Ayyubid walls reopen”, Al-Ahram Weekly, June 25, 2015. Voir également MENA, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie : La restauration de la muraille Est et de la coupole de Tarâbây a coûté 9,1 millions de dollars », al-Shurûq, 16 juin ; “Minister: Cairo eastern wall renovated for $8.5 million”, Egypt Independent, June 17 ; Dînâ ‘Abd al-‘Alîm, « Le ministre de l’Archéologie : L’inauguration de la muraille du Caire contribue à l’essor du tourisme », al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘, 17 juin). - - Dimanche 28 juin 2015 Sultân ‘Îd, head of Luxor Antiquities, has denied media reports that artefacts have been stolen from Karnak temple galleries. He told Ahram Online that all the artefacts are safe and sound. The car which was parked at the western gate of Karnak temple, he continued, belonged to the archaeological mission of the American Research Centre in Cairo which is working in Khonsu temple and tomb number 110 at ‘Asâsîf on Luxor’s west bank. The car, Sultân asserted, was not filled with artefacts, as claimed, but with samples of rubble, sand and cement that were transported to the restoration laboratory inside Karnak temple for study.

If these samples prove a success, Sultân explained, they would be used in the restoration of tomb number 110 at ‘Asâsîf. The car transported these samples a month ago, not a week ago as reported, and it was done after taking all security and safety measures and under the supervision of the Tourism and Antiquities Police. (Nevine El-Aref, “Egypt’s Karnak temple theft claims ‘unfounded’: Officials”, Ahram Online, June 28, 2015. Voir également Samar al-Naggâr, « Le ministère de l’Archéologie nie le vol du musée de Karnak », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 25 juin). - - Mardi 30 juin 2015 Demolitions began on Sunday at the headquarter of the formerly-ruling, now-dissolved National Democratic Party. The works comes as per a Cabinet decree made in April. Passers-by stood to watch bulldozers tearing down parts of the building under supervision from the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces. Traffic ran smoothly outside the building despite the works.

Egypt disbanded Husnî Mubârak’s party following the 2011 uprising that ended its 30-year rule. The building was ransacked and set ablaze on January 28, 2011 during the turmoil. Authorities have not decided on the project to be implemented on the NDP building site, though the Antiquities Ministry had requested to join the plot to the adjacent Egyptian Museum. (“Demolition begins for NDP headquarter”, Egypt Independent, June 30, 2015. Voir également Suzanne ‘Âtif, « Les bulldozers entament la démolition du bâtiment du PND », al-Masrî al-Yawm, 1er juin ; « Destruction du siège du PND », al-Ahrâm, 1er juin).

- - - -

IX - INDEX

A ADN 133 Aéroports Aéroport du Caire 103, 157 Agences Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 16, 27 Agences de presse 92 Agence France Presse (AFP) 19, 31 Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) 73 Middle East News Agency (MENA) 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 27, 33, 38, 44, 48, 49, 57, 58, 61, 66, 67, 68, 77, 81, 82, 92, 123, 133, 136, 138, 139, 149, 154, 161 Reuters 19, 30, 90 al-Azhar 43, 44, 51, 101, 128, 136, 159, 160, 161 Amphore 30 Amulette 82, 104, 154 Anatomie humaine Squelette 11, 21, 67, 70, 76, 77, 78, 103, 108, 113, 114 Apôtre 110 Aqueduc 159 Arabesque 64 Armée 35, 47, 51, 96, 108, 155 Armes Canon 86 Char 87, 136 Fusil 35 Lance 28, 61, 101, 133 Artères historiques Rue al-Mu‘izz l-Dîn Allâh al-Fâtimî 64 Atlantide 21, 71 Autel 110

B Bâb-s Bâb al-Wazîr 141, 152, 159, 160 Bain 46, 47 Bandelette 137 Barques 11, 19, 27, 51, 97, 103, 139, 156, 157 Barque solaire 11, 27, 156, 157 Barrage 62 Basilique 34, 68, 110 Bassin 14, 15 Bibliothèques Bibliotheca Alexandrina 32, 39, 54, 55, 62, 124, 157 Dâr al-Kutub wa-l-wathâ’iq al-qawmiyya 129, 130 Bière 15 Bijoux 9, 76, 102, 153, 155 Bustes 48

C Cairo Opera House 27 Canneaux Canal de Suez 18, 23, 68, 121, 143 Carrière 19, 53, 124 Cartographie 15, 35, 42, 94, 96, 123, 136, 158 Cartonnage 137 Cartouche 35, 44, 90, 124 Catacombes 158 Catalogue 146, 148 CD-ROM 100 Centres de recherches American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) 53, 58, 60, 64, 73, 133, 162 Centre d’Études Alexandrines (CEAlex) 13 Centre Franco-Égyptien d’Études des Temples de Karnak (CFEETK) 23 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 23 National Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage (CULTNAT) 124 Céramique 64, 75, 87, 141, 143 Chaînes de télévision 28, 65, 104, 108, 133 BBC 73, 113, 114 Chambre funéraire 30, 45, 52, 53, 65, 71, 77, 78, 105 Chapelles 19, 26, 50, 57, 82, 83, 84, 89, 90, 111, 112, 145, 151 Chicago House 23 Cimetière 11, 39, 45, 60, 84, 104, 150, 152 Citadelles 50, 51, 63, 108, 121 Citadelle de Qâytbây 103 Citernes 46, 101 Clergé 14 Colloque 55, 118, 125 Colonnes 14, 20, 33, 50, 51, 99, 110, 123, 125, 140 Colosses 120 Comités Comité permanent des Antiquités du CSA 43, 49, 99, 100, 125, 153 Commerce 43 Congrès 17, 72, 125, 133 Conseil Suprême des Antiquités 9, 23, 33, 34, 43, 49, 53, 55, 61, 64, 68, 73, 81, 95, 101, 103, 104, 153, 158 Conservation 11, 19, 21, 28, 37, 38, 43, 47, 61, 67, 78, 92, 95, 118, 119, 132, 134, 135, 136, 141, 143, 149, 153, 161 Coopération 15, 17, 22, 23, 27, 49, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 66, 73, 90, 91, 115, 116, 125, 126, 127, 128, 146, 147 Couleurs beige 82, 85, 98 blanc 91, 152 bleu 77, 110, 140, 159 jaune 98 noir 24, 30, 31, 36, 38, 49, 100, 152 orange 82, 84 Coupole 39, 110, 111, 161 Croix 110, 111

D Demeures bourgeoises Bayt al-Qâdî 87, 149 Démotique 44, 119 Description de l’Égypte 130 Déserts 68, 151 Désert Occidental Nouvelle Vallée 92, 124 Divinités Amon 31, 38, 53, 60, 65, 93, 95 Amon-Rê 19, 20, 115 Anubis 157, 158 Apis 114, 126 Aton 53, 57, 65, 88, 89, 121 Bastet 114 Hathor 34 Horus 32, 35, 79, 82, 108, 114, 121, 154 Isis 31, 38, 82, 104 Khensou 162 Nekhbet 30, 107 Osiris 13, 18, 19, 36, 52, 80, 104, 114, 148 Ptah 104, 105 Sekhmet 31, 36, 38, 48, 49, 59, 82 Seth 52 Thot 19, 20, 113, 114 Dôme 39, 50, 118, 141, 152, 159, 160, 161 Donation 105, 122 Dromos 66

E Eau souterraine 21, 33, 50, 59, 66, 73, 90 Églises 14, 15, 33, 34, 68, 81, 110, 111 Église al-Mu‘allaqa 132 Église Saint-Serge 132 Enchères 9, 115, 139, 155 Environnement 39, 94, 116, 129, 148 Époques byzantine 50 chrétienne 15 copte 9, 14, 15, 32, 34, 35, 36, 43, 124, 132, 133, 136, 146, 149, 150, 153, 160 gréco-romaine 16, 21, 22, 32, 35, 36, 38, 46, 47, 82, 92, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 119, 121, 125, 126, 136 grecque 46, 47, 48, 119, 126, 132 hellénistique 47, 99, 100, 101 islamique 14, 17, 23, 24, 40, 58, 59, 66, 75, 76, 91, 125, 126, 127, 128, 133, 146, 147 ayyoubide 44, 159, 160, 161 fatimide 39, 43, 50, 63, 142, 159, 160 mamelouke 43, 44, 50, 51, 57, 63, 64, 115, 127, 139, 140, 141, 142, 150, 152, 160, 161 ottomane 43, 51, 61, 63, 64, 140, 152 Moyen-Âge 50, 159 pharaonique Ancien Empire 25, 26, 40, 44, 45, 51, 69, 79, 83, 84, 91, 92, 98, 104, 105, 149 Deuxième Période Intermédiaire 70 dynasties IIe dynastie 26 IIIe dynastie 91, 92 Ve dynastie 19 VIe dynastie 67, 76 XIIe dynastie 78, 112 XIIIe dynastie 69 XVIIe dynastie 71 XVIIIe dynastie 19, 30, 49, 53, 57, 155 XXVe dynastie 18 XXVIe dynastie 108, 154 XXXe dynastie 14 Moyen Empire 18, 24, 69, 70, 77, 79, 103, 109, 138, 151, 154 Nouvel Empire 15, 18, 60, 64, 78, 96, 107, 108, 109, 123, 149 Troisième Période Intermédiaire 78, 103 prédynastique 19, 32, 35, 87 préhistoire 62, 117 ptolémaïque 44, 54, 80, 107, 137, 139, 151 romaine 11, 34, 35, 46, 47, 59, 99, 100, 102, 110, 119, 121, 123, 125, 126, 137, 138 Esclave 50, 160 Exposition archéologique 23, 24, 28, 48, 55, 58, 59, 72, 76, 79, 80, 81, 82, 89, 97, 110, 112, 117, 119, 120, 121, 124, 126, 133, 135, 136, 137, 143, 148, 157

F Famille royale Néfertari 36 Néfertiti 89 Nefret 84 Tiy 49, 59, 60 Fausse porte 26 Figurine 104 Fleurs 24, 97 Lotus 72, 97 Fondations Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) 121, 127, 140, 141, 142, 154, 160, 161 Fonds World Monuments Fund (WMF) 141 Fontaine 64, 141, 152, 160 Forteresses 18, 20, 35, 50, 108, 110, 111, 121, 160 Fossile 148 Fouilles 11, 12, 13, 15, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 32, 35, 38, 46, 47, 48, 49, 53, 54, 57, 60, 66, 70, 76, 77, 83, 84, 90, 91, 93, 95, 97, 99, 100, 104, 107, 108, 115, 116, 124, 125, 130, 131, 139, 151, 152, 154, 156, 160 Fouilles sous-marines 60

G Gabal al-Silsila 19, 123, 124 Graffiti 105, 152 Guerre 36, 49, 50, 59, 75, 121, 128, 131, 133

H Hiératique 52 Hiéroglyphes 30, 34, 44, 52, 53, 58, 65, 79, 80, 84, 90 Humidité 33, 64, 129 Hyksôs 18, 35, 36, 70, 71

I Icône 34, 36, 110, 111 Îles 77 Éléphantine 67, 77, 78, 155 Incendie 10, 16, 32, 40, 96, 97, 122, 123, 129, 151, 153 Instituts Czech Institute of Egyptology in Cairo 45, 83 Deutsches Archäologisches Institut Kairo (DAIK) 24, 120, 134, 159 Institut d’Égypte 129, 130 Institut européen d’archéologie sous-marine (IEASM) 148 Institut français d’archéologie orientale (Ifao) 12, 66, 76, 79, 125 International Council of Museums (ICOM) 28, 30, 124, 135 Internet 10, 23, 70, 71, 109, 122, 126, 131, 133 Irrigation 24, 38, 94 Islam 50, 125, 128, 136, 137, 146, 147 Ivoire 87, 155

J Jardins 10, 24, 25, 26, 28, 35, 63, 64, 90, 97, 124, 138, 153, 156 Parc al-Azhar 159, 160, 161 Jarre 30, 31, 38, 114 Juif 110, 111, 142, 143

K Kom-s Kom al-Hîtân 48, 59 Kom al-Shuqâfa 100, 101 Kom Ûshîm 23 Kuttâb-s 141

L Lacs 66, 91 Lac al-Burullus 90, 91 Lac Manzala 10 Lac Qârûn 47 Lac sacré 66 Lampe 22, 36, 147 Le Caire fatimide 61, 63, 91, 101, 112, 121, 132, 149 Lin 30, 38 Livre des Morts 79, 80 Loculi 21

M Madrasa-s 160, 161 Mairies Mairie du Caire 40, 41, 129 Maladies Cancer 67, 78 Malédiction des pharaons 20, 21 Mammifères 20, 30, 82, 113, 114, 115, 141, 150, 157, 158 Baboin 114 Baleine 43, 148 Bélier 14, 15 Chacal 158 Chameau 108 Chat 113, 152 Chauve-souris 9, 10, 30, 76 Cheval 35, 70, 108 Chien 114, 157, 158 Éléphant 10 Gazelle 155 Lion 48, 49 Singe 114 Taureau 126 Manuscrit 34 Mashrabiyya 36, 63, 152 Masque 11, 27, 28, 29, 36, 37, 43, 69, 70, 78, 85, 109, 120, 122, 134, 136, 159 Mastabas 51, 82, 83, 84, 105 Matériaux de construction Béton 11, 33, 110, 132 Bois 11, 30, 34, 35, 38, 50, 61, 64, 68, 70, 75, 78, 87, 97, 103, 104, 105, 109, 112, 122, 134, 135, 137, 140, 141, 142, 143, 145, 149, 153, 154, 156, 157 Cèdre 70 Brique 68, 82, 94 Ciment 21, 110, 162 Gypse 26, 159 Plâtre 141 Mausolées 140, 141, 150, 160, 161 Médecine 39 Mers Mer Méditerranée 18, 31, 38, 46, 99, 102, 139, 157 Marsa Matrûh 119 Mer Rouge 81 Hurghada 121 Sharm al-Shaykh 22, 121 Tâbâ 35 Métaux 28, 29, 34, 104, 120, 122, 134, 140, 159 Argent 36, 87, 92, 111, 155 Bronze 31, 38, 48, 91, 106, 149 Cuivre 36, 45, 52, 77 Or 28, 29, 30, 36, 37, 49, 69, 78, 85, 87, 104, 120, 123, 130, 134, 137, 159 Microfilm 129 Mihrâb 50, 140 Minaret 43, 50, 61, 63, 140, 141 Minbar 75, 115, 140 Miroir 10 Momies 11, 12, 15, 29, 35, 38, 68, 77, 78, 92, 96, 97, 104, 113, 114, 115, 118, 124, 137, 151, 152, 154, 158 Momification 114, 115, 124 Monastères 14, 34 Monnaie 13, 36, 87, 97, 102, 103, 104, 106, 151, 157 Montagne thébaine 94 Mosaïque 16, 140 Mosquées 23, 43, 44, 49, 50, 51, 57, 61, 63, 64, 132, 133, 140, 141, 142, 150 Mosquée al-Azhar 43, 44, 51, 101 Mosquée al-Tanbaghâ al-Mardânî 127, 152 Mosquée al-Zâhir Baybars 23 Mosquée Aslam al-Silihdâr 127 Mosquée Hâtim al-Bahlawân 115 Mosquée Sayyida Ruqayya 58 Mosquée Sayyida Zaynab 57 Mosquée Sulaymân Aghâ al-Silihdâr 141 Mosquée Tirbâna 16 Murailles 152, 161 Muraille ayyoubide du Caire 159, 160, 161 Musée de plein air 96, 121 Musée maritime 139 Musées British Museum 48, 82, 157 Brooklyn Museum of Art 113, 114 Grand Musée Égyptien (GEM) 15, 22, 56, 66, 69, 78, 83, 109, 117, 120, 124, 133, 149, 156 Manchester Museum 113, 114 Musée archéologique d’al-‘Arîsh 32, 34, 35, 36, 120 Musée archéologique d’Ismâ‘îliyya 72 Musée archéologique de Louqsor 122, 124, 150 Musée archéologique de Mallawî 17, 34, 122 Musée archéologique de Tantâ 15 Musée atonien 88, 89 Musée Copte 124, 136 Musée d’archéologie sous-marine 139 Musée d’Art islamique 17, 23, 24, 34, 58, 66, 67, 75, 76, 91, 120, 125, 127, 128, 132, 133, 136, 146, 147 Musée de l’Agriculture 90 Musée de la Nubie 39 Musée de Port-Saïd 35 Musée des Textiles 24, 64 Musée du Louvre 22, 118, 125, 146, 147 Musée Égyptien 27, 30, 40, 43, 48, 56, 66, 69, 85, 137, 147, 156 Musée gréco-romain 16, 35, 100, 102, 106, 119, 121, 126, 136 Musée national d’Alexandrie 124, 136, 157 Musée national de la Civilisation égyptienne 23, 66, 81, 117, 122, 125, 128, 139, 145, 150, 155 Roemer- und Pelizaeus-Museum d’Hildesheim 135 The Metropolitan Museum of Art 107, 133 Muséologie 22, 74, 76, 81, 91, 101, 149 Musique 80, 93, 114

N Nappe phréatique 94 National Geographic Society 49, 71, 91, 97, 103, 114, 158 National Organisation for Urban Harmony (NOUH) 153 Nécropoles 11, 13, 18, 22, 30, 44, 53, 67, 69, 70, 76, 77, 79, 83, 94, 105, 108, 113, 115, 154, 155 Nécropole thébaine 30 Qubbat al-Hawâ 67, 77 Niche 25, 53, 62, 65, 140, 141 Nil 15, 18, 19, 25, 32, 35, 57, 62, 64, 78, 80, 82, 85, 87, 89, 92, 95, 96, 98, 107, 123 Nilomètre 14, 15 Noms de lieux Allemagne 48, 82, 89, 96, 102, 116, 120, 121, 122, 131, 133, 134, 155, 159 Berlin 81, 82, 89, 96, 135, 137, 148 Hildesheim 89, 121, 135 Arabie Saoudite 43, 130 Australie 122, 131 Autriche 133 Belgique 10, 21, 56, 57, 107, 139 Bruxelles 138 Canada 12 Toronto 11, 12, 127 Confédération suisse 58, 59, 112, 116, 122, 145, 157 Zurich 157 Danemark 102 Égypte Abû Mînâ 16, 91 Alexandrie 16, 21, 22, 31, 35, 38, 39, 44, 47, 48, 54, 91, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 106, 119, 120, 124, 125, 126, 136, 138, 139, 142, 143, 144, 151, 156, 157 Abû Qîr 156 al-Anfûshî 103 al-Qabbârî 21 Mârînâ al-‘Alamayn 23, 58, 121 Delta 16, 32, 35, 61, 87, 88, 91, 92, 106 Damiette 90, 98, 143, 144, 151 Fûwwa 16, 23 Kafr al-Shaykh 16, 109 Mansûra 10 Qalyûbiyya 62 Rosette 16, 44, 61, 119, 127 Sharqiyya Tanis 68 Tantâ 15 Gîza 14, 15, 17, 20, 27, 33, 51, 52, 59, 61, 69, 71, 72, 77, 78, 81, 83, 84, 91, 98, 104, 105, 106, 109, 111, 112, 113, 121, 147, 148, 151, 152 Abû Rawwâsh 151 Abûsîr 19, 44, 51, 52, 83, 86, 111 Dahshûr 24, 25, 69, 79, 85, 91 Memphis 24, 40, 91, 111, 138 Mît Rahîna 91, 106, 111, 138 Saqqâra 12, 46, 51, 59, 76, 77, 86, 98, 106, 113, 114, 115, 121, 149, 152, 155, 158 Haute-Égypte 18, 19, 21, 34, 37, 38, 53, 65, 70, 71, 77, 88, 92, 96, 107, 121, 131, 150 Abîdus 13, 18, 22, 25, 26, 70, 71, 73, 127 Aswân 19, 39, 44, 55, 67, 68, 77, 81, 96, 107, 123, 124, 127, 154, 155 Abû Simbil 91, 151 Philae 44, 91 Qubbat al-Hawâ 67, 77 Dandara 127 Dayr al-Baharî 92, 95, 127 Dayr al-Madîna 95 Louqsor11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 23, 29, 35, 48, 49, 53, 54, 55, 59, 60, 64, 65, 66, 73, 85, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 106, 122, 124, 127, 150, 151, 161 al-Qurna 11, 13, 53, 54, 60, 64, 150 Drâ’ Abû al-Nagâ 150 Karnak 14, 15, 19, 23, 35, 54, 65, 89, 93, 95, 97, 115, 127, 128, 150, 151, 161, 162 Madînat Hâbû 59, 94 Thèbes 13, 59, 70, 71, 85, 91, 92, 94, 95 Nubie 39, 71, 72, 77, 117 Qinâ 81, 127, 155 Suhâg 18, 21, 58, 70, 81, 121, 127 Le Caire 39, 40, 112, 128, 139, 154 al-Darb al-Ahmar 127, 140, 141, 145, 152, 160, 161 al-Darrâsa 160 al-Gamâliyya 149 Fustât 21, 128, 142, 150, 160 Héliopolis 9, 10, 68, 89, 90, 152 Hilwân 42, 111 Ma‘âdî 98, 111 Matariyya 10, 89, 90 Shubrâ 40, 122, 123 Vieux-Caire 58, 110, 111, 124, 128, 133, 143 Moyenne-Égypte Akhmîm 58, 137 Banî Swayf 35, 59 Fayyûm 11, 12, 46, 47, 82, 83, 111, 148 Karânîs 46, 47, 48 Maydûm 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, 99, 119 Wâdî al-Hîtân 148 Minyâ 34, 37, 38, 74, 88, 89, 109, 121, 151 Dayr al-Barshâ 112 Tûna al-Gabal 151 Port-Saïd 34, 35, 100, 103, 121 Sinaï 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 61, 72, 101, 108, 111, 121 Nord-Sinaï 31, 32, 34, 108, 120 Suez 18, 23, 24, 68, 121, 124, 143 Taposiris Magna 44, 56, 119 Wâdî al-Natrûn 61 Émirats arabes unis 23, 75, 113, 128, 129 Espagne 17, 31, 36, 38, 46, 50, 67, 85, 116, 130 Madrid 31, 36, 38 Valencia 31, 38 États-Unis 11, 16, 30, 46, 59, 62, 75, 97, 102, 103, 104, 113, 119, 122, 129, 130, 131, 143, 144 Chicago 23 Miami 143 New York 97, 103, 104, 107, 133 Washington 97, 103, 104 France 66, 67, 82, 97, 102, 104, 115, 122, 129, 130, 131, 137 Paris 80, 116, 137, 147, 148, 157 Grèce 82, 85, 86, 98, 158 Hongrie Budapest 115 Iraq 111, 116, 128, 130, 131, 132 Bagdad 127, 132 Israël 35, 111 Italie 60, 70, 85, 102, 119, 122, 128, 130, 133, 138 Florence 80 Rome 158 Turin 60, 70, 135 Japon 16, 23, 27, 28, 112, 116, 120, 122 Tokyo 28 Jordanie 62, 130 Kazakhstan 49, 50, 51 Koweït 130 Liban 130 Libye 60, 130, 131 Mauritanie Nouakchott 17 Norvège 46 Palestine 36, 108, 142 Pays-Bas 46 Pologne 55 Royaume-Uni 37, 38, 73, 88, 129, 130, 131, 135, 157 Londres 48, 139, 148 Soudan 77, 78, 114, 130 Syrie 25, 36, 39, 50, 62, 111, 130, 131 Damas 140, 141 Turquie 82, 85, 86, 98, 129 Constantinople 140 Union Européenne 150 Noms de personnes ‘Abd al-Fattâh (Ahmad) 54 ‘Abd al-Maqsûd (Muhammad) 18, 72, 104 ‘Afîfî (Mahmûd) 91, 100, 105, 107, 125 ‘Arab (Sâbir) 129 ‘Awad (Muhammad) 54 al-Asfar (‘Alî) 90 al-Damâtî (Mamdûh) 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33, 36, 39, 43, 44, 48, 49, 50, 53, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71, 72, 76, 78, 81, 82, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 96, 97, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 112, 116, 117, 118, 119, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 130, 131, 133, 134, 136, 138, 141, 142, 145, 148, 149, 150, 151, 154, 155, 156, 159, 160 al-Ghandûr (Magdî) 12 al-Halwagî (Mahmûd) 83, 96, 124, 136 al-Kahlâwî (Muhammad) 113 al-Nabrâwî (Ra’fat) 111 Al-Qadi (Galila) 39, 40 al-Sâwî (Ahmad) 97 Amîn (Mustafa) 9, 23, 33, 34, 43, 49, 61, 68, 73, 81, 103, 104, 151, 153 Bárta (Miroslav) 45, 51, 86 BELOVA (Galina A.) 91 BOKOVA (Irina) 116, 122, 127, 128, 130, 131, 132, 133 BONAPARTE (Napoléon) 156 BORCHARDT (Ludwig) 98, 123 BRYAN (Betsy) 98 Burayk (Mansûr) 93 CAMPBELL (Thomas) 114 CARTER (Howard) 37, 134 CHAMPOLLION (Jean-François) 41, 79, 80 DOURGNON (Marcel) 96 ECKMANN (Christian) 28, 36, 120, 134, 159 EMPEREUR (Jean-Yves) 13 Fakhrî (Ahmad) 24 GODDIO (Franck) 148 Hanna (Monica) 29 Hasan (Silîm) 51 Hawwâs (Zâhî) 21, 30, 40, 45, 46, 52, 60, 85, 86, 97, 99, 143, 151 Haykal (Fâyza) 72, 117, 134 HÉRODOTE 14 Husnî (Fârûq) 20 HUYGE (Dirk) 107 IKRAM (Salima) 44, 135, 158 JIMÉNEZ (Alejandro) 67, 77, 78 JOHNSON (Raymond) 23 LASCIAC (Antonio) 39, 42 LEBLANC (Christian) 94, 95 LEHNER (Mark) 52 Mabrûk (Mahmûd) 89 MARIETTE (Auguste) 59, 84, 86, 98 MARTINEZ (Kathleen) 44, 56 MASPERO (Gaston) 86, 96, 98 MIDANT-REYNES (Béatrix) 67 MONREAL (Luis) 127, 160 Mubârak (Husnî) 154, 162 MYSLIWIEC (Karol) 98, 99 NICHOLSON (Paul) 158 Nûr al-Dîn (‘Abd al-Halîm) 12, 111 PETRIE (William Matthew Flinders) 84 Radwân (‘Alî) 113 Rayhân (‘Abd al-Rahîm) 42 REEVES (Nicholas) 30 REISNER (George) 98, 105 Sharaf (Ahmad) 27, 31, 63, 67, 74, 126 Sirâg al-Dîn (Ismâ‘îl) 39 SOUROUZIAN (Hourig) 48, 49, 59 STADELMANN (Rainer) 24, 59 TIRADRITTI (Francesco) 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, 99 VAN DER VLIET (Jacques) 32 VERNER (Miroslav) 51, 52 WEINSTEIN (Carmen) 143 WILLEMS (Harco) 57 Yoshimura (Sakuji) 157 ZIVIE (Alain) 12

O Oasis Bahariyya 151, 152 Khârga 124 Obélisques 19, 116 Offrande 34 Oiseaux 83, 84, 86, 98, 99, 113, 150 Canard 83 Ibis 19, 113, 114 Oie 85, 99 Organisations internationales United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) 28, 76, 95, 116, 122, 127, 128, 130, 131, 132, 133, 147, 151 United States Agency for International Development (USAID) 59, 75, 94 Osiréion 13 Ossements 11, 30, 45, 78, 98, 148 Ostraca 80 Ouchebti 97, 104

P Palais 9, 10, 11, 26, 30, 39, 40, 41, 42, 59, 63, 64, 68, 90, 94, 103, 104, 122, 123, 130, 131, 155, 160 Palais du prince Yûsuf Kamâl 155 Palais Manyal 64 Palais Sa‘îd Halîm 39, 40, 41 Palais Sakâkînî 23 Papyrus 18, 32, 46, 47, 48, 52, 70, 79, 97, 122 Parlement 17 Peinture 35, 79, 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 97, 98, 119, 143 Pèlerinage 23, 24, 36 Phare 103, 134 Pierre de Rosette 44, 119 Pierres 14, 19, 20, 24, 25, 29, 30, 34, 35, 44, 58, 89, 94, 97, 110, 115, 122, 123, 140, 160 Calcaire 44 Grès 15 Pigment 98 Place Tahrîr 28, 37, 69, 78, 79, 82, 97, 104, 109, 117, 119, 120, 124, 131, 134, 135, 136, 149, 156, 159 Places publiques Place al-Rimâya 111 Plateau de Gîza 27, 69, 71, 78, 83, 84, 104, 105, 106, 108, 109, 111, 121, 151, 152 Pluie 25, 50 Polémique 30, 78, 114, 146, 155, 156 Polices 11, 13, 22, 31, 36, 38, 39, 58, 67, 71, 72, 75, 90, 91, 92, 101, 106, 109, 112, 115, 122, 145, 151, 155 Organisation INTERnationale de POLice criminelle (INTERPOL) 115, 155 Police du Tourisme et des Antiquités 22, 38, 56, 72, 138, 145, 162 Ports 18, 31, 36, 38, 54, 57, 96, 143, 156 Poterie 30, 36, 68, 87, 91, 111, 125 Presse Ahram Online 19, 21, 22, 30, 31, 32, 39, 43, 44, 48, 49, 53, 57, 61, 62, 65, 66, 67, 69, 73, 77, 79, 87, 88, 89, 90, 92, 100, 104, 107, 108, 109, 112, 118, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 133, 137, 138, 139, 142, 144, 145, 146, 149, 150, 151, 154, 155, 156, 157, 159, 161, 162 Akhbâr al-Yawm 39, 42 al-‘Arabî al-Gadîd 30, 31, 101, 107, 137 al-Ahrâm 14, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 30, 33, 39, 44, 57, 60, 61, 64, 66, 68, 76, 82, 90, 92, 97, 101, 104, 106, 109, 123, 124, 127, 128, 133, 139, 142, 144, 145, 146, 148, 150, 154, 155, 159, 162 Al-Ahram Hebdo 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 28, 30, 34, 39, 40, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 53, 55, 57, 58, 62, 63, 68, 76, 77, 82, 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 96, 102, 103, 107, 111, 115, 116, 125, 128, 130, 133, 145, 146, 147, 148, 152, 154 Al-Ahram Weekly 9, 11, 18, 19, 21, 27, 30, 36, 37, 38, 48, 51, 52, 60, 64, 65, 71, 72, 78, 79, 80, 85, 86, 97, 99, 104, 106, 117, 118, 122, 133, 136, 137, 142, 143, 153, 154, 161 al-Bashâyyir 11, 22, 55, 72, 102, 108, 124, 154 al-Masrî al-Yawm 16, 21, 30, 36, 38, 55, 56, 69, 73, 85, 97, 99, 100, 104, 133, 138, 139, 148, 149, 150, 155, 156, 157, 162 al-Qâhira 43, 159 al-Sharq al-Awsat 97, 128 al-Shurûq 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 30, 33, 38, 44, 48, 49, 57, 58, 61, 66, 67, 68, 69, 73, 77, 81, 82, 85, 92, 106, 109, 113, 122, 123, 124, 128, 138, 149, 154, 161 al-Tahrîr 66, 90, 133, 142, 150 al-Watan 16, 22, 27, 31, 36, 51, 56, 69, 72, 127, 142, 145, 148, 151, 154 al-Yawm al-Sâbi‘ 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 38, 39, 43, 44, 48, 49, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 72, 73, 74, 76, 81, 82, 85, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112, 113, 118, 122, 123, 124, 126, 128, 130, 133, 136, 137, 138, 139, 142, 145, 149, 150, 151, 154, 155, 156, 161 Daily News Egypt 13, 14, 15, 32, 37, 38, 45, 53, 58, 101, 102, 106, 124 Egypt Independent 16, 23, 27, 38, 43, 49, 55, 56, 60, 67, 68, 85, 86, 88, 91, 92, 97, 101, 102, 104, 106, 108, 111, 115, 117, 138, 139, 146, 148, 150, 155, 156, 157, 158, 161, 162 Ruz al-Yûsuf 20, 38, 43, 49, 53, 56, 57, 59, 69, 74, 76, 77, 101, 102, 112, 122, 126, 127, 137, 139, 142, 149, 158 Pressoirs 14, 15 Prêtres 51, 76, 77, 96, 104, 105, 106, 113, 114, 138, 150 Procession 84 Pylône 14 Pyramides 24, 26, 33, 45, 51, 52, 55, 56, 71, 72, 77, 81, 85, 108, 111, 112, 128, 147, 151, 152, 158 Pyramide de Chéops 14, 46, 72, 86, 104, 105, 156 Pyramide de Chéphren 33, 81 Pyramide de Mykérinos 33 Pyramidiots 71

R Radiations Rayons laser 43 Rayons X 37, 113 Radiocarbone 62, 87 Réaménagement 12, 15, 39, 41, 58, 61, 93, 126, 127 Relique 38, 92, 102, 131, 139, 157 Réplique archéologique 37, 74, 102, 103, 120, 124, 134, 138, 159 Reptiles Cobra 30 Crocodile 113 Serpent 10, 113 Réserves naturelles 148 Restauration 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, 21, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 49, 50, 51, 53, 55, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69, 74, 75, 76, 79, 81, 84, 87, 89, 93, 95, 96, 100, 101, 103, 105, 106, 109, 110, 111, 117, 118, 119, 120, 122, 123, 124, 126, 127, 128, 129, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 140, 141, 142, 143, 147, 148, 149, 152, 153, 156, 157, 159, 160, 161, 162 Restitution 82, 145 Roches Albâtre 31, 38, 69, 77, 79 Basalte 34, 89, 126 Granit 31, 38, 49, 106 Grès 15 Marbre 10, 34, 41, 50, 51, 69, 78, 140, 141, 143, 152

S Sabîl-kuttâb 152, 160, 161 Sabîl-s 15, 64, 141 Sainte Famille 36 Sang 61 Sarcophage 11, 21, 30, 38, 65, 69, 70, 77, 78, 79, 103, 137, 149, 150, 154 Sauvetage 55, 72, 73, 128 Scribe 30, 105, 149 Sérapeum 59 Siège du Parti National Démocratique (PND) 96, 97, 162 Silo 88 Son et lumière 121 Souveraines Cléopâtre 44 Hatchepsout 19, 93 Souverains Ahmosis 36, 71 Akhenaton 49, 53, 57, 59, 65, 89 Alexandre le Grand 35, 47 Amenemhat II 24 Amenhotep 1er 15, 18, 30, 48, 49, 59, 60, 89, 94, 95, 97, 123, 124 Amenhotep II 15, 18, 30, 48, 49, 59, 60, 89, 94, 95, 97, 123, 124 Amenhotep III 18, 48, 49, 59, 60, 89, 94, 95, 97, 123, 124 Cambyse 35 Chéops 11, 14, 27, 46, 71, 86, 104, 106, 152, 156, 157 Chéphren 33, 51, 59, 71, 81, 106, 152 Dioclétien 46 Djoser 158 Mérenptah 90 Mykérinos 33, 51 Pépi 1er 28, 37, 76 Pépi II 76, 77 Ptolémée Évergète 1er 44, 46, 119 Ptolémée Évergète II 46 Ptolémée IV Philopator 44, 119 Ptolémée V 44 Rahotep 84, 86 Ramsès 1er 15, 34, 35, 58, 59, 68, 70, 95, 108, 123, 124 Ramsès II 15, 34, 35, 58, 59, 68, 70, 95, 108, 123, 124 Ramsès III 95 Sahourê 83, 86, 107 Sésostris 1er 24 Séthi 1er 13, 68, 121 Souverains musulmans ‘Alî (Muhammad) 39, 40, 42, 51, 62, 63, 64, 103, 143 al-Ayyûbî (al-Nâsir Salâh al-Dîn) 50, 159 Barqûq (al-Zâhir) 141 Baybars (al-Zâhir) 23, 49, 50, 51 Katkhuda (‘Abd al-Rahmân) 152 khédive Ismâ‘îl 42 khédive Tawfîq 63, 140 Qâytbây 57, 58, 61, 103, 150, 160 Thoutmosis 1er 108 Thoutmosis II 35, 68, 94, 95 Thoutmosis III 35, 94, 95, 108 Thoutmosis IV 20, 115 Toutankhamon 27, 28, 29, 30, 36, 37, 43, 49, 59, 68, 69, 78, 79, 85, 98, 109, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 122, 124, 133, 134, 135, 136, 147, 149, 151, 158, 159 Sphinx 20, 21, 55, 56, 65, 72, 93, 108, 133 Statue 10, 11, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29, 31, 35, 36, 37, 38, 48, 49, 58, 59, 73, 84, 86, 88, 89, 90, 93, 97, 99, 102, 103, 106, 107, 112, 116, 120, 125, 126, 138, 145, 147, 149, 155 Statuette 31, 36, 38, 97, 104, 154 Stèles 19, 26, 34, 44, 85, 104, 119, 123, 143, 149 Survey 9, 19, 23, 24 Symposium 15, 161 Synagogues 111, 133, 142, 143 Ben Ezra 132 Maimonides 142

T Table d’offrande 53, 65, 69, 78, 79 Tell-s Tell al-‘Amârna 56, 57, 89 Tell al-Dab‘a 98 Tell al-Farâ‘ina 109 Tell al-Maskhûta 58, 72 Tell Bastâ 32, 35 Tell Habwa 18, 20, 68, 121 Temples Osireion 73 Ramesseum 94, 95 Temple d’Amenhotep III 59 Temple de Dandara 127 Temple de Karnak 19, 35, 54, 93, 97, 150, 151, 161, 162 Temple de Louqsor 14, 17, 19, 23, 54, 65, 66, 93, 95, 106 Temple de Ramsès III 59 Textile 11, 36, 63, 75, 134, 135 The Egypt Exploration Society (EES) 72, 87 Tombes 13, 19, 22, 24, 30, 44, 53, 57, 61, 64, 65, 70, 71, 76, 77, 78, 83, 84, 86, 92, 98, 104, 105, 106, 107, 119, 130, 150, 154 Tombe de Toutankhamon (KV62) 118 Tomographie 113, 118, 120, 134, 159 Tourisme 15, 22, 33, 38, 40, 41, 45, 46, 55, 56, 57, 58, 62, 63, 64, 65, 71, 72, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 101, 108, 109, 116, 119, 121, 127, 131, 135, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143, 145, 148, 151, 161, 162 Transfert 9, 69, 73, 126, 130, 150 Tremblement de terre 33, 139, 140, 141 Trône 70

U Unesco World Heritage List 91, 132 Universités American University in Cairo (AUC) 44, 52, 72, 134, 135 Brigham Young University (BYU) 11, 12 Cardiff University 158 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven 57 Leuven University 21 Michigan University 46 Université d’Alexandrie 47 University of Manchester 113, 114 University of Michigan 98 University of Oxford 135 Uniwersytet Warszawski 98 Waseda University 27, 157

V Vallées Vallée des momies dorées 152 Vallée des Reines 127 Vallée des Rois 17, 29, 30, 66, 93, 95, 128, 133 Vases 31, 38, 74, 99, 139, 140, 143 Vase canope 31, 38 Verre 21, 74, 75 Vierge Marie 36, 110, 111 Vin 105 Vol 13, 38, 48, 101, 112, 129, 130, 131, 132, 138, 143, 144, 157, 162

W Wakâla-s Wakâlat al-Shurbagî 16 Wakâlat Qâytbây 57, 58 World Heritage Day 91

Z Zone piétonne 10, 62, 153

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SOMMAIRE

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JANVIER 2015

MUSÉES

FÉVRIER 2015

MARS 2015

AVRIL 2015

MAI 2015

MAI 2015

JUIN 2015

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INDEX