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News Bulletin
March 2000 Bulletin

 The SCA in cooperation with Alexandria governorate decided to specify a surface of 21000 square meters to build a large complex that shall include with Ras El Soda Temple a Museum to exhibit exquisite mosaics found in the city. Ras El Soda Temple has been removed from its original location. The alabaster cemetery thought to be part of the Suma or the imperial cemetery of Alexander who ordered the foundation of the city in 333BC will be part of the complex that shall include a Roman auditorium. Dr.Gaballah, SCA secretary General announced that the mosaic exclusive pieces, 16, are to be meticulously restored to be displayed properly in the museum as they include mythological designs en vogue during this period, the Graeco-Roman period. The Museum in three stories will include monuments dating back to that period to highlight various aspects of life. 12 million EGL are specified for the project as announced by Dr. Adel Mokhtar, head of Museum Department.

Historical and documentary microfilm part of Prof. Farid Shafei library were recently delivered to Dr. Mohsen Zahran, Alexandria Library's Manager to be included with 774 rare books dealing mainly with Arab architecture and monuments. Prof. Shafei, who erected the Agha Khan tomb in Aswan, passed away in 1985. Alexandria Library is expected to be inaugurated end of year 2000. A great international celebration is to be held in this occasion.

A Pottery Centre in El Fustat

Restoration of the Aqueduct, water is to run from the Nile up to the Citadel

The Minister of Culture specified 46 million for the restoration of the aqueduct. The completion of the project is due in 36 month as water is meant to run up again, from the lower level of the Nile up to the Citadel built by Salah El Din El Ayubi. Dr.Gaballah, SCA Secretary General undertook the responsibility of moving the inhabitants to appropriate places. Cairo Governor is helping in this respect while Abdallah El Attar, head of the Islamic Department announced that the project consists of three restoration phases to preserve the wall spreading from Fom El Khalig to the Citadel. Sakieh set by Mohamed Ibn Kalaoun in 712 used to feed the Citadel with water running over the wall to be stored in a Well known as Bir Yussef.

Mashyakhet El Azhar

Recently classified as monument, Mashyakhet El Azhar  is actually the offices for religions discuss personnel. Sheikh Fawzi Elzefzaf has been assigned as Representative to International Organizations for the Great Imam El Tantawi re religions discuss.

Three airports in El Nuba

An integrated project to develop El Nuba historical area has started south Aswan. The project includes the development of the archaeological sites and the temples located along Nasser Lake. Three airports are to be built in El Emda, Wadi El Seboue and Gerf Hussein as announced by Minister Farouk Hosni. Helicopter and flying ambulance will have access to these airports as well as charters. The completion of the project is due in six months and will cost 7.5 million EGL.as it include the maintenance and restoration of temples and monuments in the area.

The Egyptian Antiquities Project updated contents

Within the framework of the signed agreement between the American Research Center In Cairo and the Supreme Council of Antiquities many projects in the field of preservation and conservation of the monuments has been accomplished. The scope of the conservation work is extensive as it covers long historical periods as from prehistorical eras when civilization started in Egypt through Pharaonic dynasties, Graeco-Roman periods, Jewish, Coptic and Islamic history. The Cairo Mapping project allowed scholars to use the final maps set by Nick Warner who is actually working in close cooperation with the SCA archived to accomplish phase II of the project.

 Bayt El Sehaymi restored by El Mashrabeya team

A group of vigilant architects undertook the responsibility of restoring El Sehaymi house located in El Darb El Asfar Off El Muez Le din Allah street within historical Cairo project. The Documentation, Restoration and Conservation project of Bayt El Sehaymi is a 3.5 million US grant from the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. Dr. and Mrs. Asaad Nadim are supervising the great work that has to be opened in April. A cooperation was established between the SCA employees and El Mashrabeya team to come up with satisfactory results.

Bayt El Razzaz funded by a USAID grant is under restoration. The house includes almost 120 rooms and two courtyards. Eng. Alaa El Habachi and Hoda Abdel Hamid, archaeologist are combining their efforts within ARCE to come up with good results.

Best wishes to you all

Naglaa

PREVIOUS New Bulletins:
20 September 1999
22 November 1999
23 January 2000

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