Scientific Gathering for Egyptian Archaeologists at the MSA
The Ministry of State for Antiquities hosted a four-day meeting for Egyptian archaeologists. Today, 16th June, is the final day. Despite being an annual event, this particular occasion was significant for two reasons.
It was the first gathering of Egyptian archaeologists since the revolution on 25th January and the first to bring a broad range of specialists together. In previous years, separate meetings took place for distinct archaeological specializations: Ancient Egyptian, Islamic, Coptic, Greco-Roman, and site or museum restoration.
We have been fortunate to have such a diverse selection of papers. There was a presentation about objects stolen from the Egyptian Museum during the revolution in El Tahrir Square. Another paper discussed how archaeologists and site guards thwarted an attempt by looters to steal a statue of Senusret III in Ehnasia and we had a variety of papers concerning MSA excavation work in Alexandria, Saqqara, Ismailia, Sohag, and Medinet Habu on Luxor’s west bank, to mention just a few.
Papers also covered important new methodological research concerning human bone and pottery analysis. What insights can be gained from understanding the type of clay used and methods of production, for example? Restoration work and architectural considerations form a further integral part of recent research. Again, to name just a few, papers ranged from considering development plans for the Behbeit el-Hagar temple to fresh restoration work at the Step Pyramid in Saqqara, the Monastery of Saint Anthony on the Red Sea, and the Synagogue of Moses Ben Maimon in Cairo. There was a study about architectural elements on the front entrance of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali situated in the ancient Citadel in Cairo, as well as the impact of torrential rain on Egyptian architecture through the ages.
The event has been a unique and important event for Egyptian archaeologists. It was an opportunity to meet and learn from each other, to discuss new developments and heritage issues and form strong relations that will, I hope, lead to more collaborative work. I was particularly impressed with the quality of research assembled before the committee in advance of the gathering and it is clear that there has been a huge leap in scientific publications at the MSA since 2003. I am also proud to see young, empowered Egyptian archaeologists collaborating with specialists from abroad in international relations based on mutual respect
