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Report: Autumn School in Luxor 11/2024
Famous for its historical sights, time-honored temples and friendly mentality: Luxor welcomes us with a very special charm. Located directly on the Nile, Luxor belongs to the region of Upper Egypt (the upper part refers to the direction of flow of the Nile from the geographical south to the north).
Day 1 - Conference
Insights
The conference at Luxor Library provided deep insights into Egyptian archaeology, featuring renowned experts such as Prof. Dr. Mamdouh Eldamaty, who presented the latest geophysical research on King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Prof. Dr. Dietrich Raue explored how preservation has shaped cultural identity, while other speakers discussed key excavations, artifacts, and historical studies from Egypt and beyond. The event concluded with engaging discussions and a reception, making it a valuable gathering for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Day 2 - Workshops
Manuscripts
The workshop explored the material culture of Islamic manuscripts, focusing on techniques of coloring, sizing, and calligraphy. Led by Dr. Hassan Ebeid and Prof. Abdelrazek Elnaggar, it provided valuable insights into historical manuscript production and preservation.
Papyrus
In the papyrus workshop led by Eman Ali Selim, participants handcrafted papyrus sheets from fresh stalks, experiencing the traditional production process firsthand. In a relaxed atmosphere, everyone eagerly glued and hammered, bringing ancient techniques to life.
Day 3 - West Bank Excursion
Stunning visits
On this exciting day, we were guided through the excavation site of the Colossi of Memnon, gaining a unique insight into how remnants were unearthed and pieced together. Afterwards, we visited the breathtaking Valley of the Kings, where we admired the tombs and the massive rock formations.
Day 4 - East Bank Excursion
Temples
On the last day of our excursion, we visited the absolute must-see of this region: the world-famous Karnak and Luxor Temples. We wandered through the towering colonnades, marveled at the tombs and sculptures, and immersed ourselves in the world of ancient Egypt.
Day 5 - Conclusion
Final boat tour
After the final conference session, we were invited on a boat tour across the Nile to a restaurant, where we enjoyed a hearty last meal together. On the way back to the hotel, we were lucky to witness the stunning sunset. With a fresh breeze and Egyptian dance music, it was the perfect highlight to end our journey!
