Unveiling the Secrets of Tomb TT39 in El-Khokha Luxor | Theban Necropolis

Tomb TT39 El-Khokha | Secrets of the Theban Necropolis in Luxor Revealed! 

Unveiling the Secrets of Tomb TT39 in El-Khokha, Luxor | Theban Necropolis Discover the fascinating history of Tomb TT39, located in the El-Khokha area on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor. This remarkable tomb belongs to Puimra (Puyemre), who served as Second Priest of Amun during the 18th Dynasty in Ancient Egypt.

Tomb TT39 is part of the world-renowned Theban Necropolis, an ancient burial ground that served as the final resting place for nobles, priests, and officials of the New Kingdom. The tomb stands out for its intricate wall reliefs, colorful depictions of daily life, and religious ceremonies that reveal much about Ancient Egyptian beliefs and traditions.

What Makes Tomb TT39 Unique? 

Owner: Puimra, the Second Priest of Amun 

Location: El-Khokha, Theban Necropolis, West Bank of Luxor Historical 

Period: 18th Dynasty, New Kingdom (c. 1473–1458 BC)

This tomb provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient religious practices and the daily lives of temple officials. Its vivid depictions of offerings, agricultural scenes, and ceremonies dedicated to the god Amun offer a window into the spiritual world of Ancient Egypt. Explore the Stunning Art & Architecture The tomb features stunning murals that depict:

Religious rituals and offerings to Amun 

Scenes of agricultural activities and daily life 

Vivid representations of Puimra with his family and colleagues

The restoration effort was nothing short of Herculean. The tomb’s limestone base, vulnerable to cracks and collapses, required stabilization using sustainable methods and materials such as locally sourced clay and mortar. Over 1,200 fragments of frescoes and carvings were carefully cleaned, reconstructed, and seamlessly reintegrated into their original places. Cutting-edge technology played a crucial role. High-resolution photography, 3D scanning, and detailed epigraphic studies ensured that every inscription and detail was preserved in a digital archive. These tools not only safeguarded the tomb’s legacy but also opened new avenues for academic research and public engagement. Challenges and Triumphs

Unveiling the Secrets of Tomb TT39 in El-Khokha Luxor | Theban Necropolis
The craftsmanship within TT39 highlights the importance of Amun’s priesthood and its role in maintaining the cosmic order through temple rituals and offerings. Location & Visiting Information.

Tomb TT39 is situated in the El-Khokha archaeological area on the west bank of the Nile, close to other iconic sites like:

The Valley of the Kings 

Deir el-Medina 

Hatshepsut's Mortuary 

Temple Historical & Cultural Significance

The Theban Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its wealth of tombs and temples dating back to the New Kingdom. Tomb TT39 is a testament to the high status of temple priests during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose III, showcasing their critical role in temple activities and religious ceremonies.

The Theban Tomb 39 is part of the private tombs of the Pharaonic Era that belonged to the aristocracy; they are located in ancient Thebes, now known as the region west from Luxor, the West Bank, in central Egypt. The tomb belonged to Puyemrá, second priest of Amon during the mandate of two great pharaohs Hatshepsut and Thutmosis III, in the XVIII Dynasty, around 1500 BC. According to the geography of Northern Africa and specifically of the region, the desert surrounds it and the sand covers the rocky limestone beds. However, at a short distance, like in representations of the Pharaonic Era, you can see the crop fields on the extensive slopes of the Nile River.

It is a tomb of medium dimensions (16.77 m long, 12.15 m wide, 3.79 m high, approximately) carved in the rocky mantle of limestone, completed with ashlars of the same stone and some of sandstone. It has a courtyard with an outer porch, and a corridor that gives access to three rooms inside. The central room extends to a chapel, while the southern room has a niche. All the walls on the outside and inside of the tomb are decorated with scenes carved in low relief or sunk relief according to the iconographic and epigraphic discourse, as well as remains of a rich polychrome decoration. The scenes narrate the importance and function of Puyemrá, making him worthy of a prosperous life after death; there are passages of his daily life that are pleasantly interesting and rich in representation. Approximately, the tomb has 642 m2 of decorated surface.

Puimra was a high-ranking official responsible for overseeing temple rituals in honor of Amun. 

The tomb’s artwork demonstrates the deep connection between daily life and religious practices in Ancient Egypt. El-Khokha is home to several other notable tombs, 

making it a must-see destination for archaeology enthusiasts.

Opening of tomb TT39, restored by the talented Mexican team led by Gabriela. This tomb, which dates back to the New Kingdom, has undergone remarkable restoration work. I originally invited the team in 2005, and now this incredible site will soon be opened to the public. During the event, I gave a speech to inaugurate the press conference, and Elinora, the Ambassador of Mexico, delivered a beautiful speech celebrating the cooperation between Egypt and Mexico. Theban Tomb TT39 Luxor.

Mallawi National Museum El Minya Egypt

Mallawi National Museum 

Established in 1963, the Mallawi museum was used to house the discoveries found in local excavations. The museum held a collection of highly important artifacts, although it was looted in 2013, most of the artifacts have been recovered and are available for viewing.

The Mallawi Museum is a two-floor building that stands like a sandy beige fortress in the heart of Minya and is built on an area of about 2,500 square meters. Please verify this information with an official source before making travel plans.

The Mallawi National Museum has a permanent exhibition of special artifacts, some of them from its former collection while the rest have been carefully selected from the Al-Ashmounein and Al-Bahnasa storerooms in the Minya Museum.

The exhibition is divided into sections displaying Minya residents’ daily lives in ancient times and the utensils they used in their houses for cooking as well as the tools they used for making goods and those used for cultivation and trading.

The Mallawi National Museum has sections on clay pots and pans, textiles, medicines and writing styles. Panels explaining the development of tools in the area are on display, as is information on how the ancient Egyptians used natural and artificial light.

Jewellery are on display in one section of the new museum, shown through a display of make-up containers, wigs, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

A collection of mummified animals is also on display to show visitors that the ancient Egyptians not only worshiped animals but were also very fond of them. Concepts of justice, love and eternity are also illustrated. The funerary collection of Henu, one of the region’s ancient nobles, is on display, for example, reflecting traditions regarding the afterlife in ancient times.

The Mallawi National Museum building had been completely renovated, changed from being a mostly outdoor museum to indoor exhibition halls. A new lighting and security system had been installed and walls cleaned and polished and damaged showcases had been replaced with new ones.

The new design concept of Mallawi National Museum provides a broader educational service to visitors. It informs Egyptian visitors about how their ancestors built a great civilization, showing Al-Minya residents' daily lives in ancient times, their industries, handicrafts and culture.

Anany declared during the opening ceremony that the Malawi Museum restoration and re-opening is a step towards winning the battle against terrorism, in addition to highlighting how Egypt is continuously exerting efforts to preserve archaeological heritage.

Mallawi National Museum El Minya Egypt

Al-Aqmar Mosque El-Gamaleya Cairo Egypt

Al-Aqmar mosque is located on al-Muizz Street, and was commissioned by the Fatimid Caliph al-Amir bi-Ahkam Allah in 519 AH/ 1125 AD. The mosque’s construction was supervised by the Vizier al-Ma’mun al-Bata’ihi, and it was renewed during the reign of Sultan Barquq in 799 AH/ 1397 AD under the supervision of Prince Yalbugha al-Salmi.

The main façade of the mosque is presently one of the oldest surviving stone façades in Egypt. Its architecture is characterized by its intricate stone carvings and the repetition of the phrase “Muhammad and Ali”, in addition to Qur’anic verses written in the Kufic script. The engineer’s ingenuity is most manifest in his ability to orient the façade to the direction of the street and maintain the direction of prayer inside the mosque.

When the Coptic Museum was built in the twentieth century, its façade was inspired by al-Aqmar Mosque’s architecture, but with Biblical

verses and Christian iconography. The mosque consists of an open courtyard at its center surrounded by four riwaqs (arcades) topped by shallow domes, the largest of which marks the qibla, the direction of prayer. An inscription above the mihrab (niche in the wall of a mosque marking the direction of prayer) records the renovations that were undertaken by Yalbugha al-Salmi.

Historian Taqi al-Din Ahmed bin Ali al-Maqrizi says, in his book, “Prayers and consideration of el- Ethir in Remembrance of Plans and Effects,” about the reforms that took place in the mosque. When it was in the month of Rajab in the year seven hundred and ninety-nine, the Emir, Minister Field Marshal Al-Astadar, Yalbugha bin Abdullah Al-Salmi, one of the Zahirite Mamluks, renewed it. On the outside of his door in Al-Bahri he built shops topped with dishes, and he renewed in the courtyard of the mosque a nice pool to which the water reaches from a waterwheel, and he made it high from which water descends to those who perform ablution from copper taps, and he set up a pulpit in it.

Al-Aqmar Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful Fatimid mosques and the oldest of the remaining examples of small mosques in Egypt. Perhaps the most prominent of its distinctive features is its western façade, among the oldest stone facades, decorated in this rich varied style, in Islamic architecture in Egypt. Possibly the decorative elements on the façade of the projecting portal of al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo (built AH 403 / AD 1012) influenced the construction and decoration of the entrance to this building. Historical sources indicate that stone was used in Fatimid architecture alongside brick. The great traveller, Nasir Khasraw, who visited Egypt in AH 439 / AD 1048, describes the Fatimid palaces that he saw as having walls of stone that fitted into each other so smoothly that the viewer could imagine that it had been hewn out from one single block of rock. 

On the façade and on the entrance, the decoration has been carved out symmetrically and includes a number of components including shell forms, blind-arched niches borne on spiral columns, in addition to vases, rosettes and diamond shapes. The façade also consists of chamfered-edged niches (muqarnas); a new architectural element to be introduced into Egyptian Islamic architecture, and a device previously seen only on a gate, Bab al-Futuh in Cairo (built AH 480 / AD 1087). The façade is also embellished with inscription bands carved in the floriated kufic script. To the left of the entrance is a minaret that was constructed in AH 799 / AD 1396, built by order of Amir Yalbugha al-Salimi, who was in the service of Sultan al-Zahir Barquq who reigned twice (AH 784–91 / AD 1382– 9 and in AH 792–801 / AD 1390–9). 

The mosque's interior measures 28 m x 17.50 m. At the centre is an open square courtyard whose length at the side is 10 m, and which is surrounded by four roofed areas with rows of columns. The deepest of these is the qibla area, which consists of three colonnades, while there is only one colonnade in each of the other three areas. All the arches of the colonnades are made of brick. The colonnades of the mosque – with the exception of that, which precedes the mihrab – are covered with small shallow domes, built of brick. The transition zones of all the domes consist of spherical-triangular pendentives, a style previously applied in Bab al-Nasr and Bab al-Futuh in Cairo, and both built in the Fatimid period, in around AH 480 / AD 1087. The style was used subsequently in the Mamluk period for the construction of Khanqah Faraj ibn Barquq in Cairo (built AH 813 / AD 1410). The convention of spherical-triangular pendentives became widespread in Ottoman mosques where a number of small domes were used to cover the colonnades. 

One of the most distinguishing aspects of the floor plan of this mosque is its response to the street alignment, which deviates from the direction of the qibla, and where the western façade of the building and the entrance lies. There is, however, a respect for the direction of the qibla, brought about by means of a rectangular cross-section that forms a transition area, since on the outside it faces the street whereas the inside faces the direction of the qibla. This mosque is considered one of the earliest examples in the Islamic world of a building that used a triangular section to adapt to the residential fabric surrounding it. 

The mosque was exposed to encroachments in the AH 13th / AD 19th century, the most prominent of which led to the loss of the right-hand side of the western façade, which was replaced by a residential building. In the 20th century the building that had encroached on the mosque was pulled down. The façade of the mosque was then restored to its original form based on the features of the left-hand side of the façade, which was supposed to be identical to that on the right. 

Location: Aqmar Mosque is located on al-Muizz li Din Allah Street, in the Jamaliyya district. At the time it was built, its location was to the north of the Eastern Fatimid Palace, which is now extinct, Cairo, Egypt .

The Grand Egyptian Museum GEM

Explore the breathtaking artifacts housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the world's largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. This video showcases iconic masterpieces, including treasures from King Tutankhamun's tomb and other significant relics that narrate the rich history of ancient Egypt. Join us on this captivating journey as we delve into the stories behind these remarkable pieces and their cultural significance. Don't miss out on experiencing Egypt's glorious past!

The Grand Egyptian Museum New Era for Ancient Egyptian Heritage 

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the iconic Giza pyramids, represents a monumental leap in the preservation and presentation of ancient Egyptian artifacts. After years of anticipation and delays, the GEM officially opened its doors to the public on October 16, 2024. This blog post will explore the museum's significance, its extensive collections, architectural marvels, and what visitors can expect from this world-class institution.

A Brief History of the Grand Egyptian Museum 

The concept of a new museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian artifacts was first proposed back in 1992. The goal was to alleviate overcrowding at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and provide a dedicated space for the nation’s rich archaeological heritage. Construction began in 2012, but various challenges—including political upheaval, economic instability, and the COVID-19 pandemic—led to significant delays. Despite these obstacles, the GEM has finally emerged as a beacon of Egypt's cultural identity.

Architectural Design and Features 

Spanning an impressive 500,000 square meters (approximately 120 acres), the GEM is now the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. The museum's design is a modern homage to ancient Egyptian architecture, featuring a stunning alabaster and glass façade that reflects the pyramidal forms of its surroundings.

Key architectural highlights include: 

The Grand Staircase: 

A six-story structure adorned with over 60 royal statues and artifacts that lead visitors through an immersive experience of ancient Egypt. 

Hanging Obelisk: 

An iconic feature at the entrance that symbolizes Egypt's historical grandeur. 

Atrium: 

Home to colossal statues, including an 82-ton statue of Ramses II, welcoming visitors into the museum's vast spaces.

Collections and Galleries The GEM houses over 100,000 artifacts from various periods of ancient Egyptian history, making it a treasure trove for historians and enthusiasts alike. The museum is divided into several main galleries that are organized both chronologically and thematically.

The GEM is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps and elevators throughout its expansive layout. Visitors can explore various interactive exhibits that utilize virtual reality technology to enhance their understanding of ancient Egyptian life and culture.

The Grand Egyptian Museum is not just a repository of artifacts; it serves as a cultural hub that fosters education and appreciation for ancient Egyptian civilization. By showcasing artifacts in context—through themes such as kingship, society, and beliefs—the GEM allows visitors to grasp how these elements shaped daily life in ancient Egypt.

The Grand Egyptian Museum stands as a testament to Egypt's enduring legacy and cultural richness. With its grand architecture, extensive collections, and commitment to accessibility and education, it promises to be a transformative experience for all who visit. As we look forward to witnessing more treasures unveiled within its walls, the GEM is set to become not only a center for historical preservation but also an inspiring destination for millions around the world.

Bab-Zuweila Cairo Egypt

Bab-Zuweila is one of the gates of the Fatimid Cairo's walls, located on the southern side. It was built by the Fatimid Vizier Badr al-Gamali during the reign of the Fatimid Caliph al-Mustansir in 485 AH/1092 AD, about five years after the construction of the Bab al-Nasr and Bab al-Futuh on the northern side. Together, these gates stand as enduring evidence of the grandeur of military architecture in Egypt during the Fatimid era.

The gate consists of two semi-circular towers and the entrance lies between them. it measures approximately 4.82 meters wide. 300 years later, the Mamluk Sultan al-Mu’ayyad Shaykh used the bases of these two towers to build the two minarets of his mosque adjacent to the gate in 818–824 AH / 1415–1421 AD.

The gate was named Zuwayla after the tribe of Zuwayla, that came from North Africa with Jawhar al-Siqilli and quartered near the gate.  Bab Zuwayla was also known as Bawabat al-Mitwalli (the gate of al-Mitwalli), after the Mitwalli al-Hesba, the official in charge of finances and tax collection based here.

Bab Zuwayla witnessed the end of Mamluk rule when the Ottoman Sultan Selim I, hanged the last Mamluk Sultan Tumanbay, in 923 AH/1517 AD.

In the 1990s, the gate underwent its first restoration by the Committee for the Conservation of Arab Monuments. Later, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, in collaboration with the American Research Center in Egypt, successfully restored the gate as part of a five-year conservation project between 1998 and 2003.

Its name comes from Bab, meaning "gate", and Zuwayla, a Berber tribe originally from the Fezzan. This name was given because Fatimid soldiers from this tribe were lodged in this area when the gate was first created in 969 during the Fatimid founding of Cairo. In Coptic tradition the name was associated with Biblical Zebulun (Coptic: ⲍⲉⲃⲩⲗⲱⲛ).

The gate later acquired the popular name Bab al-Mitwali or Bawabbat al-Mitwali. According to art historian Caroline Williams, this name dates from the Ottoman period, while according to Nairy Hampikian the name dates from the 15th century around the time of the construction of the nearby al-Muayyad Mosque, by which time the original association with the Zuwayla tribe in the Fatimid period had faded. The name Mitwali comes from Mitwali al-Qutub, a Muslim saint (wali), possibly fictional, who became associated with the area of the gate.

Cairo was founded in 969 to serve as the new capital of the Fatimids right after their successful conquest of Egypt. The original walls of the city and their gates were built in mudbrick. The southern gate was called Bab Zuwayla, also known as Bab al-Qus, and it was originally located at a site about 100 metres (330 ft) north of the current gate, close to the present-day mosque of Sam Ibn Nuh.

  In 1092, the Fatimid vizier Badr al-Jamali refortified the city with slightly expanded city walls. The southern gate was rebuilt in stone at its current location and today's structure dates from this time.

 The upper gate was accessed via an L-shaped staircase on its northeast side.