Natural forces such as wind and exposure erode the monuments, and air pollution also deteriorates the monuments in Egypt. Rising ground water levels and the salt it contains are threatening sites throughout Egypt. The objects and buildings that are currently underwater are being eroded by the salty water and the monuments are being destroyed. To combat the effects of erosion, pollution and natural decay, the SCA has initiated restoration projects at sites all over the country, and many of these focus on underwater areas. We currently have projects on the West Bank of Luxor, at the temples of Kom Ombo, Esna and Edfu, and at different sites in Memphis, Alexandria and Abu Mina. If nothing were done, these monuments could be completely destroyed in a few decades, and all their history and significance could be lost.   These SCA projects are doing very important work to save the monuments for the future, to preserve the heritage of Egypt for the world.

 

After the interview I went to the east side of the Step Pyramid to look at a new shaft that had never previously been excavated. We know there are 11 shafts cut in the Step Pyramid for the burials of 11 of King Djoser’s daughters. This new shaft was found about 5 meters into the ground, and before we begin the restoration of this area, we will clean and excavate the shaft and we hope that it will reveal something important. I said to my assistant Samir, Djoser permitted 11 of his daughters to be buried in his pyramid, which makes the Step Pyramid the only pyramid of the Old Kingdom that was used for the burial of the king and his royal family. Why not also allow his architect Imhotep to be buried with him? Could it be possible that Imhotep was buried in the pyramid with his king? We know that he was very close to the king, that he was the one who designed the king’s tomb to be of stone for the first time in history. His name was also written on the base of a statue of Djoser, implying that he was very important to the king. Since he designed the pyramid for the king and his family, and he may have been as close as family to the king, it could be a possibility that he was allowed to be buried within the pyramid. In my opinion, that is one possibility, and we hope to find some answers when we excavate the shaft.

 

Another area that could be very interesting is the west side of the Step Pyramid, which we plan to excavate. This area has never been excavated before, and we will do this for the benefit of archaeology, and to continue the restoration of the Step Pyramid on its west side. Very soon, we will begin the next phase of work in the burial chamber of the pyramid. We will put plastic bags full of sand underneath Djoser’s sarcophagus, and cover the surface with sand, in order to protect it while we erect the scaffolding inside the chamber. Once the steel scaffolding is in place, we will begin the work of restoring the 29 meter tall burial chamber, and will leave the scaffolding permanently in the burial chamber to support it.

 

As I have explained before, the restoration of the Serapeum at Saqqara is one of the projects of which I am proud.   The SCA had considered restoring it for over 30 years, but no projects were actually initiated. When I became the head of the SCA, I decided to really begin this project, even though some people objected to putting iron and steel bars inside to support the ceiling above the sarcophagi. However, my team decided it was the only way to preserve the structure, and I recently visited to see the progress of this restoration project. Phase I is the restoration of the south tunnel, which is beautifully done. We have put iron scaffolding in all of the niches for the huge sarcophagi of the sacred Apis bulls, except for one on the very end that is very well preserved. This phase will be finished around the beginning of the new year, and then we will initiate Phase II, to conserve another tunnel. We are hoping that the restoration will be completely finished in the next two years.

 

 

Something very important that I would like to share with people is the reason for the success of these projects. We are successful because for the first time we are able to initiate major restoration projects of our monuments, and we use detailed job descriptions. We have a system of assigning a group of scientists trained in conservation, restoration, and architecture and placing these people in charge of the project on site. We put an archaeologist in charge of the whole team to supervise, and he reports directly to me. No one else on site will be in charge of the restoration work, because they are busy with other work at the sites. In this way, the inspectors can manage the site, and the conservators can focus on the restoration work. Everyone has their job description, and there is a clear division of authority. This system is why the Step Pyramid, South Tomb and Serapeum projects at Saqqara represent some of the best conservation work initiated by Egyptian or foreign teams. Another important project that is almost finished is the restoration and recording of the Hibis Temple at Kharga Oasis. This example shows how this temple, which was almost completely deteriorated, was saved. We have many other important restoration projects of which we are very proud.

 

This is why, when I read an article in the paper criticizing our work, I am very sad. I can hear the voices of these people, I know who they are, and I feel they will never understand why I am doing all of this. These people have never done anything for the monuments, they only care about themselves. I do not see why they get upset and say that I am doing too many things. I am doing many projects, but they are good projects. Look at our excavations in the Valley of the Kings; they are very scientific, recording the stratigraphy and artefacts. Also, my excavations at Saqqara and Taposiris Magna follow very scientific methods and are contributing to archaeological knowledge. I do not understand why these people criticize anonymously instead of helping and working to save the monuments. But I know that there are many people who support my efforts to protect the monuments, and I do not worry about the critics. I have made great changes in sites and monuments all over Egypt: Pharaonic, Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish monuments. I am proud of the work we have done, putting the antiquities in the hands of Egyptians and preserving them for future generations.