Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Gihan Zaki, delivered a lecture at the Louvre Museum in Paris on Friday, attracting significant interest from academics and cultural figures.
Titled “Bigeh Island: Reviving a Forgotten Treasure – Secrets of Archaeological Excavations on the Nile,” the lecture focused on the historical and archaeological importance of Bigeh Island and the First Cataract region in Aswan.
The visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Egyptian-French cultural relations and expand co-operation in culture, the arts, archaeology, and knowledge exchange.
Drawing on her academic background as a professor of ancient Egyptian civilisation and a researcher at the Sorbonne University, Zaki highlighted the unique historical and geographical significance of the First Cataract. She described it as one of Egypt’s most remarkable regions, and one that deserves far greater study.
During the presentation, the Minister shared historical photographs, maps, manuscripts, and documentary materials to illustrate the geography and history of the Nile cataracts. She noted that while neighbouring Philae Island has enjoyed global attention over the years, Bigeh Island has remained largely overlooked despite its rich archaeological heritage.
Minister Zaki said Bigeh Island held a sacred status in ancient Egypt, noting that ongoing archaeological excavations and scientific research are vital to restoring its rightful place in historical and cultural studies.
Emphasising the global significance of ancient Egyptian civilisation, Zaki called for stronger international co-operation to protect and preserve cultural heritage. She highlighted the vital role of leading institutions, such as the Louvre, in supporting heritage conservation and the mutual exchange of expertise.
She stressed the importance of the cultural bond between Egypt and France, noting that such partnerships are essential for promoting Egyptian culture internationally and preserving humanity’s shared heritage for future generations.
