First Arabic Coin Minted Under Ali Ibn Abi Taleb Reign

 Researcher Mohamed Fawzi Abdellatif affirmed that the first coin was minted under Ali Ibn Abu Taleb reign in 35-40AH/655-660 Ad contrary to what was previously announced. It was known that the first Arabic coin was referred to the years 65-86AD/685-702AD during Abdel Malek Ibn Marawan's reign. Abdel Malek Ibn Marwan was the Omayad Caliph who ruled Egypt during this period. Arabic coins are an important source of evaluation to the social, political and economic aspects of the society.

SCA Islamic Department has lately decided to preserve and restore El Busseiry Mosque referred to the 19th century. Burda El Busseiry, a famous Sufi, was buried inside the mosque since 825 years in 696AH. His tomb was discovered during preservations and restoration works practiced inside the building. The architectural design of the Mosque is different from other contemporary mosques in Alexandria as it consists of an open-air yard including an alabaster fountain for ablution. Two rows of inscriptions characterize the mosque, inscribed over the marble they represent the whole text of Burdet El Busseiry. The wooden ceiling is exceptional and the vaults in iron are considered a scarcity. Work will last for 15 more weeks inside the mosque to allow SCA to gain a unique mosque in the city of Alexandria.

El Khashwaei Mosque Recently Discovered

The pre-mentioned mosque was recently found intact buried in the sand near Balteem shores. The mosque was referred to the early 1025AH after the Arab conquest. Mohamed El Zahaar, SCA archaeologist focuses on the fact that the mosque is constantly covered by the sand dunes; this prevents the scientific mission from accomplishing their tasks. The mosque is 30 m high.

Qayet Bey Sabil Opens for Visitors

The Spanish Mission acting in Egypt and SCA staff undertook the responsibility of restoring the pre-mentioned Sabil and preparing the surrounding area to suit the monument. The Spanish staff discovered while restoring the Sabil three cisterns to store the drinking water. A Kottab was constructed on top of the Sabil in 1860/1866 and the whole building is still reflecting the perfect architectural and decorative elements he used to have. The Sabil/Kottab is located in El Saliba Street, one of the most important arteries of the Fatimid Cairo that includes 12 other Islamic monuments. Farouk Hosni, Minister of Culture opened the restored place and decided to consider the place as a cultural center and a library.

Beyt El Senary, El Sayeda Zeinab

Located in Haret Monge, El Sayeda Zeinab, the house witnessed great events as members of the French Expedition that invaded Egypt under Bonapart's campaign benefited of the house's hospitality. Ibrahim  El Sinnary, a wealthy Egyptian originated from Donkolah, Sudan erected the Beyt in 1794 AD/ 1209 AH. French scholars escorting Bonaparte's expedition used the house while in Egypt. The house is a masterpiece reflecting the Arab art's element en vogue at that time. It consists of a main entrance simply built; exquisite mashrabeyas are overlooking the central yard. A marble water jet is located to the center of the yard. The Beyt as a whole is under restoration. Farouk Hosni, SCA president and Minister of Culture together with Abdel Rehim Shehata, Cairo Governor and Dr. Gaballah inspected lately the measures taken to restore and preserve the house in order to open it for visitors. A compensation has been decided to be given to inhabitants of surrounding houses in order to clear the area around the house, they are to be removed to houses specially prepared by Cairo Governorate for this purpose. According to Abdallah El Attar, head of the Islamic Department, expenses will reach 4 million EGL. The duration of work supervised by the French expert Bernard Moret was five years almost. 

Saint Paul Monastery Restoration

St. Paul's Monastery has been lately under restoration by ARCE and SCA within the restoration project set between both. The structural work is well on its way to completion. A team led by architect Rami Dahan has repaired the failing arch and wall, and is supporting and sealing the roofs over the mills and refectory rooms. A new measure will be adapted in the monastery as a small display of the monastery' cultural artifacts will be presented inside these rooms. The first-ever survey of the monastery is almost complete and an illustrated book will be published the coming year.

Saint Anthony Church Under Restoration

Dr. Gaballah A. Gaballah, SCA Secretary General, in the presence of Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni, is signing the contract for restoring and developing the famous monastery Saint Anthony located in the Red Sea. The project costs including the paintings and inscriptions restoration will come up to 16 million EGL and work is due to a 30-month period. Because of the unique nature of the wall paintings, a special care is to be granted to this important project. A close coordination is actually existing between concerned parties to accomplish the tasks and duties required to presenting the monastery in its utmost perfect look. In this respect Father Maximous, ARCE personnel and SCA staff are combining their efforts to clean the wall paintings and the unpainted Dome.

According to Abdallah EL Attar, head of the Islamic Department, the monastery is one of the well-conserved monasteries in Egypt that includes four churches, a fort, and a large library rich in religious books and papyri. The monastery erected in the middle of the third century by Abba Antonius, founder of the monasticism applied worldwide, was constructed in wadi Arba in the Red Sea area. The four churches and the library were constructed during the fourth century. The panorama surrounding Saint Anthony Monastery is exclusively beautiful. The area is reputed by its quietness and peace.

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