For preserving Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and facilitating academic research, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, through the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), has initiated an ambitious digital transformation project. This initiative includes the translation, digitization, and publication of key historical documents and research materials related to Egypt’s Islamic and Coptic heritage.
Translating and Digitizing Historical Publications
As part of the strategy to digitize Egypt’s valuable cultural assets, the SCA is translating and publishing the “Arabian Antiquities Preservation Committee Notebooks” into Arabic. These notebooks, which serve as an essential scientific resource, have documented the preservation and restoration efforts of Islamic and Coptic monuments in Egypt from the late 19th century through the 20th century. The goal is to provide easy access to this wealth of knowledge for Arabic-speaking researchers and enthusiasts alike.
Additionally, the Ministry is digitizing a range of scientific publications, including the Annual Reports of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, The Museum Journal, Islamic Archaeological Studies, and Mishkat Journal. These periodicals, which have historically been published in paper form, will now be available in interactive digital formats, making them more accessible to a global audience.
Minister’s Statement on the Project
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Sherif Fathy, emphasized the importance of this project within the Ministry’s broader digital transformation strategy. “This initiative is crucial in facilitating academic research, enhancing accessibility to scientific information, and safeguarding our historical manuscripts and documents from potential damage,” he stated. The move is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to modernize Egypt’s antiquities sector and make vital heritage resources more accessible to the public and the academic community.
Ensuring the Preservation of Egypt’s Heritage
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, highlighted that this project is not just about digitization, but also about expanding the reach of Egypt’s scientific research on its rich archaeological heritage. “By digitizing these works, we are not only preserving them for future generations, but also making them available for easy search and retrieval, thus saving time and effort for researchers,” he explained.
Dr. Hesham El-Laythi, Head of the Antiquities Preservation and Registration Sector, noted that the translation and digitization of the Arabian Antiquities Preservation Committee Notebooks will make this invaluable content available to Arabic-speaking researchers, further enhancing understanding and appreciation of Islamic and Coptic architecture and culture.
The Impact on Egypt’s Cultural Heritage
The “Arabian Antiquities Preservation Committee Notebooks” are a pivotal series of publications that began in the late 19th century. They document detailed reports on the preservation, restoration, and renovation projects carried out on mosques, schools, palaces, and other historical buildings across Egypt. These reports often include photographs, architectural drawings, and plans that shed light on the development of Islamic art and architecture in Egypt.
The digitization project also includes the Supreme Council of Antiquities’ scientific journals, such as the Annual Reports, Mishkat Journal, and Islamic Archaeological Studies Journal. These publications cover a wide range of topics, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Islamic and Coptic heritage, providing a comprehensive resource for scholars in the field of archaeology.
Moving Toward a Digital Sustainability
The SCA’s project is a step forward in ensuring the sustainability of Egypt’s archaeological and cultural treasures. The transition to digital formats will not only ensure the preservation of these materials but will also make them more widely available for future generations. The digital conversion reduces the dependency on paper, which has a positive environmental impact, while also offering a convenient and efficient way to access critical research materials.
Moreover, the project is part of Egypt’s broader efforts to embrace digital innovation in the field of archaeology, helping to preserve and showcase the country’s cultural identity in the 21st century.
This initiative also underscores the Ministry’s commitment to promoting Egypt’s heritage on the world stage, contributing to the global understanding of its unparalleled contributions to art, architecture, and civilization.
