The government will channel 54% of the total allocations directed for investment in the antiquities sector, which is equivalent to EGP 200m in the current fiscal year, for the restoration of Islamic and Coptic monuments and the restoration of Egyptian antiquities in all governorates of Egypt, which represent about 27% of total governmental allocations at EGP 100m per project.
Head of the Department of Islamic and Coptic Antiquities at the Ministry of Antiquities, Al-Saeed Helmy, said that the allocations of the government for the restoration of the Islamic and Coptic monuments within the annual budget of the archeological sector represent a small part of what the sector needs.
He added that the government has allocated about EGP 100m for the restoration of Islamic and Coptic antiquities in the current fiscal year, which is the same amount as last year.
He explained that there are 1,022 Islamic artifacts, including 328 ancient mosques, next to 88 Coptic churches and 11 Jewish temples.
He explained that each artifact requires the allocation of specific financial provision depending on its condition, noting that, on average, the cost ranges between EGP 10m and EGP 20m, which requires much money; hence, the government’s allocations are channeled to saving buildings with a deteriorating situation.
Helmy added that the Islamic and Coptic archeology sector is currently working on the completion of the restoration work for 15 projects at a total cost of EGP 100m, including the restoration of the Zaghloul Mosque in Rashid with a cost of EGP 32m, next to Al-Abbasi Mosque, Al-Zaher Baybars, and some historical buildings in historic Cairo area.
