The world of archaeology and World Heritage is abuzz as Egypt and China embark on a historic collaboration to preserve their unique cultural treasures. Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation with China to protect these World Heritage sites, benefiting from Beijing’s considerable expertise in the submission of dossiers and the inscription of transboundary sites.
This strategic collaboration was discussed during a meeting between Fathy and the Vice Chairman of the People’s Government of Fuling Province, Chongqing Municipality, and his delegation, during the Egyptian Minister’s official visit to the Chinese capital, Beijing. The goal is clear: to prepare a joint international application to inscribe the Rawda Island Nilometer in Cairo and the Baiheliang inscriptions on the Yangtze River on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
These iconic monuments represent an inestimable historical wealth and deserve to be protected and shared with the world. Inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List will contribute to the preservation and management of ancient hydraulic data in Egypt and China, and promote the dissemination of knowledge about ancient agricultural civilizations and hydraulic technology in the Asian and African regions.
Egypt and China, by joining forces in this major undertaking, will not only benefit from international expertise in heritage preservation, but will also strengthen their ties of cooperation and friendship, thus reinforcing the strategic relations between the two nations, particularly in the field of archaeology.
The Nilometer on Rawda Island, dating from the Abbasid era, is one of the oldest in Egypt and embodies the vital importance of measuring the Nile floods for the agriculture and economy of the time. As for the Baiheliang inscriptions in China, they represent a treasure trove of unique hydrological information, testifying to several centuries of history of the Yangtze River.
This collaboration therefore promises a bright future for these two exceptional sites, while opening new perspectives for the preservation of world heritage. The history and culture of Egypt and China will continue to shine through these fascinating monuments, witnesses to the grandeur and wealth of these ancient civilizations.