Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Inspects Ongoing Archaeological Projects in Luxor
As part of the regular follow-up on the progress of ongoing archaeological projects nationwide, Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, paid an inspection visit to Luxor Governorate. His tour included the sites of Draa Abu El-Naga, Deir El-Medina, the Ramesseum Temple on Luxor’s West Bank, the Montu Temple at Karnak, and the Mummification Museum, to review the implementation status and latest developments at these sites.
The tour included an inspection of the development and upgrading project of the museum storage facilities in the Qurna area on the West Bank, as well as those located in the Abu El-Goud area on the East Bank. The project includes upgrading perimeter walls and flooring, developing lighting systems, installing electronic security surveillance cameras, and installing self-firefighting systems. The Secretary-General directed that the development of archaeological storage facilities should also include upgrading the conservation laboratories and equipping them with the latest restoration equipment, in accordance with internationally recognized scientific standards. Be part of this unique experience by choosing our Egypt tours, designed to immerse you in the history, culture, and breathtaking adventures of Upper Egypt.
Dr. Khaled also inspected the work of several Egyptian and foreign archaeological missions operating in Luxor Governorate, including the Egyptian mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities at Draa Abu El-Naga, the French mission at Deir El-Medina, and the joint Egyptian–Chinese mission working at Montu Temple. He reviewed the latest archaeological discoveries made by these missions, as well as the documentation and conservation work carried out on the finds during the past period. He praised the efforts that resulted in a number of significant discoveries that have enriched archaeological and scientific research, stressing the importance of documentation, archaeological recording, and scientific publication of these discoveries to ensure their preservation and availability for academic research. Our Egypt Tour Packages offer a 3-day Easter tour to White Desert, Baharyia Oasis, and Fayoum, and visits to Egypt’s legendary temples and historical sites. The 12 Days Easter Vacation in Egypt tour package delivers the same experience, with the added benefit of exploring Cairo’s most important and famous landmarks.
The Egyptian archaeological mission at Draa Abu El-Naga discovered several tombs during 2025, including three tombs belonging to senior officials of the New Kingdom period. Meanwhile, the French archaeological mission at Deir El-Medina recently assembled and reinstalled the stone sarcophagus of the tomb of “Pached,” dating to the reigns of King Seti I and King Ramses II. The sarcophagus was found inside the tomb, fragmented into several pieces, some of which had previously been discovered and stored in the local museum storage facility. This sarcophagus is considered a distinguished artifact due to the rare texts it bears, including the “Negative Confession,” in which the deceased affirms his innocence of wrongdoing in preparation for passing into the afterlife. For those whom seeking religious tours in Egypt, the Holy Family Trip 8 Days Easter Package would be an ideal choice.
The Chinese archaeological mission working at Montu Temple discovered, two years ago, a number of chapels dedicated to the god Osiris, in addition to a sacred lake, and work is currently underway to uncover the remaining parts of the lake. During his inspection of the mission’s work, the Secretary-General held a meeting with Mr. Jia Xiaobing, head of the Chinese mission, during which the mission’s work plan for the coming period was discussed. Emphasis was placed on the importance of continuing the fruitful cooperation between the Egyptian and Chinese sides in the field of archaeology, particularly in light of the strong relations linking the two countries and their peoples. The 9-Days Easter adventure to Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan delivers the same experience, with the added benefit of exploring Cairo’s most important and famous landmarks.
The Secretary-General also conducted an inspection tour of the Ramesseum Temple to follow up on the implementation status of the project to restore and reassemble the temple’s first pylon. The joint Egyptian–Korean archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the National University of Cultural Heritage of Korea is carrying out the project. 7 Days Cairo and Mount Sinai vacation offers you the unique blend of cultural and religion experience that you will definitely enjoy.
To date, all the necessary scientific and technical studies have been completed, in addition to carrying out digital documentation of a large number of stone blocks belonging to the pylon, scattered blocks, and the surrounding areas, using 3D laser scanning technology. A dedicated site has also been established and equipped within the temple for the restoration of the pylon’s stone blocks and architectural elements, where they have been prepared and placed on specially designed platforms.
During the project works, the Egyptian–Korean team successfully discovered and extracted a large number of pylon blocks that had been buried under sand and stones for hundreds of years since the earthquake that destroyed the temple in ancient times. These blocks represent important archaeological evidence that supports restoration work and contributes to enriching academic studies related to Egyptology and architectural practices during the reign of King Ramses II. A 7-Day to explore Cairo and White Desert trip offers an exciting and adrenaline-rushing experience while camping in the desert.
During the tour, the Secretary-General followed up on the ongoing excavations around the pylon and listened to a detailed explanation of the most significant discoveries, including the uncovering of cartouches bearing the name of King Ramses II in the foundations of the northern tower of the pylon, as part of efforts to verify the integrity of the foundations.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled affirmed that this project is one of the major projects of great archaeological and scientific importance and is being implemented in accordance with the highest international scientific standards. He stressed that the project ensures the preservation of the archaeological and architectural value of the Ramesseum Temple and reflects the role of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in protecting and preserving Egyptian heritage and highlighting its great civilization.
The inspection tour also included the Luxor Museum and the development works of the museum display scenario for the Luxor Cachette. The Secretary-General directed that the entire lighting system inside the museum should be replaced to enhance the artistic and archaeological beauty of the displayed objects and provide visitors with the best possible museum experience. 10 Days Cairo, Alexandria, Siwa & with Nile Cruise Easter Package offers a wonderful experience combining ancient civilization history, coastal sites, and Nile Cruise.
He also instructed that the museum display scenario be reinforced with artifacts from archaeological storage facilities, in accordance with the approved display plan, to replace objects currently participating in external exhibitions. Alternatively, photographic images accompanied by descriptive labels explaining their participation in international exhibitions may be displayed, with the original artifacts to be exhibited upon their return to Egypt, in line with the museum’s approved display scenario.
Accompanying the Secretary-General during the tour were Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Head of the Conservation and Documentation Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities; Mr. Mohamed Abdel Badi, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector; Dr. Abdel Ghaffar Wagdy, Director General of Luxor Antiquities; Mr. El-Sayed Shoury, Supervisor of Excavation Affairs at the Secretary-General’s Office; and Dr. Riham Zaki, Supervisor of Scientific Affairs at the Secretary-General’s Office.













