### The opening of the visitors center of the Qaitbay citadel: a step towards the valuation of the Egyptian heritage
The recent announcement of the opening of the Qaitbay citadel’s visitors center in Alexandria marks a significant development in Egypt’s strategy to improve the experience of visitors on its archaeological sites. This project, carried out in collaboration with the French Center for Alexandrine Studies, is an example of concerted effort aimed at enriching cultural and historiographical communication with visitors, while taking a new look at the heritage of this emblematic region.
#### A rich historical context
The citadel of Qaitbay, built in the 15th century on the site of the old Lighthouse of Alexandria, is not only an architectural prowess, but also a symbol of the historical and maritime riches of the old Alexandria. This city, which was once one of the main centers of culture and trade in the Mediterranean world, has always been a crossroads of stories and civilizations. The development of the visitors center thus responds to a need for public education, an essential component for the preservation of this world heritage.
#### Improvement of visitors to visitors
The Secretary General of the Supreme Antiquities Council, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, stressed that this initiative is part of a broader desire on the part of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to optimize the services offered on archaeological sites. By providing information on the surrounding archaeological structures, such as the Royal Port and the old quays, the Center offers an educational approach that could promote better commitment to visitors with local history.
The ideal would be that this initiative is not only limited to information, but that it is accompanied by interactive activities and cultural mediation, allowing visitors to connect in a more personal way with the heritage they explore.
#### Bilingualism and accessibility of information
One point to underline is the choice to install bilingual information panels, in Arabic and in English. This testifies to an effort to make the site accessible not only to foreign tourists but also to the Egyptians. However, it is relevant to wonder if other languages could also be envisaged, especially those spoken by an increasing number of tourists visiting Egypt, such as French or Italian.
#### Reflections on the role of the center
The visitors center is not limited to a simple display of information. Its presence within the citadel underlines the importance of the history continues this place. Avoiding the city’s fortifications, and describing the strategic role played by the citadel and its defenses under the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha, the center becomes a place of reflection on the challenges of defense, security and national identity through the ages.
Nevertheless, this development raises essential questions: how can the center ensure that this information, although precious, remains accessible to all, including future generations which could benefit from such collective knowledge?
#### Conclusion
In short, the opening of the Citadel’s visitors center of Qaitbay represents a commendable effort on the part of the Egyptian authorities to promote their cultural heritage while improving the experience of visitors. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the ability to engage the public significantly, to diversify languages and presentation formats, and to stimulate a lasting interest in history. It becomes crucial to question not only the content of the information presented, but also the way in which they are communicated and integrated into the overall experience of visitors. A thoughtful approach could thus contribute to establishing a solid cultural bridge between the past and the present, thus enriching the interactions to come around the rich historical tapestry of Alexandria.