Antiquities minister eyes new policies for Egypt heritage

Ahram Online (Nevine El-Aref)

Today, following a long meeting with top officials of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), newly-appointed Minster of Antiquities Mohamed Ibrahim told reporters that under his tenure Egypt’s antiquities will be managed differently.

“I will focus my work more on archaeologists than on archaeology,” he asserted, explaining that “this doesn’t mean that I will neglect archaeology; on the contrary, protecting Egypt’s heritage is an obligation.” He added that when the skills and knowledge of archaeologists are better developed, Egypt’s heritage will be better preserved.

During the meeting, Ibrahim told officials that restoration work will be carried out by the SCA’s own restorers and not outside consultants. He also announced that in he will soon inaugurate such projects as the Serapium Necropolis in Saqqara and the Crocodile Museum in Kom Ombo, helping to boost tourism to Egypt.