The partnership between UNESCO Regional Office, the Supreme Council of Antiquities and Japan has been a long-standing one, characterized by a shared vision of preserving heritage and promoting a sustainable future. This partnership has been instrumental in shaping UNESCO’s visions for peace and heritage preservation. Japan’s unwavering support, characterized by its domestic knowledge, predictable contributions, and strategic dialogue, has played a pivotal role in advancing shared priorities related to heritage conservation.
Sharing Knowledge by practice: Building on lessons learnt and Know-How
The Government of Japan and the UNESCO Regional Office in Egypt shared technical expertise to preserve ancient Egyptian wall paintings of the Royal Tomb of Amenhotep III (KV22) in Luxor under the auspices of the UNESCO/Japan Funds-in-Trust initiative. The project, implemented in close collaboration with the Supreme Council of Antiquities ensures the preservation of this remarkable heritage site for future generations.
Shared Priorities: Protecting Heritage
Heritage preservation stands as a shared priority between UNESCO and Japan to accompany the efforts of the national authorities in Egypt. Both entities recognize the intrinsic value of cultural heritage in fostering peace, promoting intercultural dialogue, and enhancing social cohesion. The conservation efforts in the royal tomb of Amenhotep III exemplifies this shared commitment. By safeguarding the wall paintings and pillars in the tomb, the project aims to conserve Egypt’s rich cultural legacy while promoting sustainable tourism development. Japan’s consistent support for UNESCO’s heritage protection initiatives underscores its dedication to preserving cultural diversity and fostering mutual understanding among nations.
The project “Conservation of the Wall Paintings of the Royal Tomb of the Amenhotep III” was developed and implemented under three phases: Phase 1 (2001-2004), Phase 2 (2010-2012) and Phase 3 (2023-2024) with the support of UNESCO/Japan Funds-in-Trust. During 1st and 2nd phases of the Amenhotep III project, the international conservation team consisted of Japanese, Egyptian, and Italian conservators implemented the necessary works for the essential maintenance and care of the tomb and undertook the conservation of the paintings on the walls, pillars, and ceilings of Room E, I, and J (Sarcophagus chamber). Also, the conservation and restoration work on the red granite lid of the sarcophagus greatly progressed, not only over 200 pieces were put together and surface cleaning was completed but also the lid was installed on the iron-steel base for presentation.
