Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and the Governor of Gharbia Inspect the Temple of Behbeit El-Hagar; Plans Underway for Its Development and Reconstruction

During his visit to Gharbia Governorate today, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, accompanied by the Governor of Gharbia, Major General Dr. Alaa Abdel-Moati, conducted an inspection tour of the Temple of Behbeit El-Hagar in the Samannoud District. The visit aimed to assess the current state of the archaeological site and explore ways to develop and reconstruct it, in a manner that reflects its unique historical and archaeological significance as an outstanding example of ancient Egyptian temples in the Nile Delta (Lower Egypt).

The Minister was accompanied by Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities; Rana Gohar, Advisor to the Minister for Communication and External Relations and General Supervisor of the Ministry’s International Relations and Agreements Department; Mohamed Abdel-Badei, Head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council; and Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, Head of the Central Department for Antiquities of Lower Egypt.

During the tour, the Minister received a detailed briefing from Ehab Abdel-Zaher, General Director of Archaeological Sites in the Central Delta, and the team of archaeologists working at the temple. They discussed the temple’s history, the reasons behind its destruction and the dispersal of its components, as well as the preliminary studies and measures already taken to inventory and document the archaeological blocks and stones found on-site. These findings suggest that the temple’s original stone elements are largely present, which opens the possibility for its reconstruction and the restoration of its architectural features. For his part, Mr. Sherif Fathy emphasized the significance of the Temple of Behbeit El-Hagar as one of the most prominent archaeological temples in Lower Egypt. He commended the efforts of the archaeological team at the site—specifically their research, study, and documentation work—as well as the preliminary steps already taken toward the development project.

The Minister directed that a comprehensive and integrated vision be developed for the temple’s restoration and reconstruction. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ broader strategy to develop and preserve archaeological sites and museums across the country. The proposed plan must outline all necessary implementation phases, estimated costs, and the required technical and scientific studies, ensuring that the project is executed according to rigorous scientific and archaeological standards, commensurate with the site’s historical value. If you are an enthusiast of history and culture, we offer "Egypt Day Tours"—an affordable way to enjoy daily excursions. We also recommend our "Cairo Day Tours," allowing you to select the destinations you are most excited to visit in Cairo or Giza. For an 8-hour experience filled with both knowledge and enjoyment, consider our "VIP Private Tour to the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum."

Meanwhile, Major General Dr. Alaa Abdel-Moati, Governor of Gharbia, stated that the presence of the Temple of Behbeit El-Hagar in the Samannud District is a source of pride for the governorate’s residents, as it embodies the grandeur and historical depth of Egyptian civilization. He noted that preserving these archaeological treasures for future generations is a national responsibility. Explore our "Egypt Travel Packages" to take advantage of exclusive offers. For those seeking a luxurious experience in Egypt, we offer "Luxury Egypt Travel Packages," featuring stays at high-end, 5-star hotels. We recommend a 10-day luxury Egypt tour package, which provides ample time to explore the country. To help you enjoy the festive celebrations, we offer exclusive packages and periodic discounts on our Egypt Christmas tours. We also provide a 4-day Cairo Christmas tour, allowing you to enjoy excursions throughout Cairo and Giza.