During his visit to the Jordanian city of Aqaba, renowned Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass praised the level of archaeological and restoration work in the Kingdom, emphasizing that Jordan possesses a rich and diverse cultural heritage stretching from the Islamic eras to even earlier periods, comparable in significance to the world’s most prominent archaeological sites.
اضافة اعلان
The visit was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in collaboration with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, and included the participation of Her Excellency Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab and His Excellency Nayef Al-Fayez, Chairman of the Aqaba Authority.
The visit included a field tour of several key archaeological sites in Aqaba, such as the Byzantine Church, Aqaba Fortress, and the Islamic city of Ayla.
Following the tour, a press conference was held at the site of Islamic Ayla, during which Dr. Hawass expressed great admiration for the restoration work carried out at the Byzantine Church, the fortress, and Ayla, describing them as exemplary models in the field of heritage preservation. He emphasized that Jordan, despite being an Islamic country, sets a unique example in respecting and preserving Christian and broader human heritage, evident in its restoration efforts and the passion of young Jordanians working in the archaeological sector.
Dr. Hawass also described Jordan’s Regional Center for Conservation and Restoration as one of the best in the Arab world, pointing out that training young Jordanian professionals represents a genuine investment in the future of heritage.
Regarding the recent discovery of a hieroglyphic inscription in Wadi Rum, Hawass called it an “unprecedented event” that highlights the deep historical connection between ancient Egypt and surrounding regions, and opens new doors for future research and collaboration between Egypt and Jordan.
He expressed his joy at Jordan’s focus on archaeology alongside tourism, stressing that attention to cultural heritage is key to attracting cultural tourism.
Dr. Hawass concluded by saying: “What I have seen in Jordan in terms of restorations and discoveries is a monumental cultural achievement. It sends a clear message that the Kingdom values its heritage and gives it the status it deserves.” He also expressed his desire to return for future joint excavations.
Minister Lina Annab highlighted the special significance of the visit coinciding with World Heritage Day, emphasizing Jordan’s message in safeguarding cultural heritage and national identity.
She noted that Jordan is not merely a crossroads of civilizations, but a true homeland of civilizations, possessing the diversity and history that qualifies it as a global tourist destination.
Annab emphasized that the restoration work witnessed—carried out by Jordanian hands—is a source of pride, reflecting the development of local skills in heritage preservation. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Hawass, who stated: “Restoration is the backbone of preserving civilizations; without it, landmarks vanish and identities are lost.”
The Minister also referred to a memorandum of understanding signed between the Department of Antiquities and the Zahi Hawass Foundation, aimed at expanding cooperation in excavation, restoration, and knowledge exchange. She reaffirmed that the visit’s alignment with World Heritage Day adds symbolic weight to Jordan’s heritage preservation message.
For his part, His Excellency Nayef Al-Fayez praised Dr. Hawass’s visit, considering it a spotlight on Aqaba’s unique historical and cultural legacy, which strengthens its position as an integrated tourism destination combining sea, nature, and history.
The visit underscored Aqaba’s importance as a promising hub for cultural tourism and showcased Jordan’s ongoing efforts in heritage protection and site development, enhancing the Kingdom’s global tourism standing.
Al-Fayez reaffirmed that Aqaba possesses all the elements of a comprehensive tourist destination that blends history, sea, and nature. He noted that hosting an international figure like Dr. Zahi Hawass helps highlight the city’s cultural legacy and boosts its competitiveness as a prime destination for cultural, environmental, and leisure tourism.
