The Egyptian scholars researching in the EES London office, from L-R in order of their biographies below.
The Society is currently playing host to six visiting Egyptian scholars who are using our library and archive facilities to expand their research. We thought it was about time that we introduced them.
Afaf Wahba is an Antiquities Inspector working at the Head Office of the Egyptian Sector of the Ministry of State for Antiquities (MSA). She is also undertaking research into ‘Childhood and Markers of Skeletal Stress in Late Period Egypt’ for a Master’s degree in the Department of Anthropology at Cairo University. Afaf has received extensive training in osteology, bioanthropology and excavation techniques at various sites throughout Egypt including Amarna, Giza, Heliopolis and Helwan, and has shared what she has learnt as a teacher at various field schools throughout the country as well. Her ambition is to establish an osteology / human remains department within the Ministry and to ensure that every inspectorate throughout Egypt is aware of the importance of, and equipped to deal with, human remains recovered from archaeological sites
Moamen Saad Mohamed is an Antiquities Inspector at Karnak Temple, in the Luxor Inspectorate. He has also worked as a Project Archaeologist for the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), and recently inaugurated a field training school for inspectors at Karnak in collaboration with colleagues. Moamen’s doctoral research at South Valley University, Qena in the Faculty of Archaeology focuses on the New Kingdom inscriptions at Gebel es-Silsilah, building on previous fieldwork undertaken by the Egypt Exploration Society, and complementing a current international research project at the site.
Dr Mohamed Gamal Rashed is a Curator in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo and gained his PhD in Egyptology from Cairo University in 2010, with first class honours. Mohamed is also a former curator at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), and as such is uniquely well-placed to understand the challenges facing the Ministry as it coordinates the development of three of the largest and most important archaeological museums in the world: the Egyptian Museum, GEM and National Museum of Egyptian Culture (NMEC).
Mohamed Youssef Ali is Director of Dahshur and Lisht Inspectorates, Ministry of State for Antiquities. He is currently studying for a Master’s degree in the Egyptology Department at Tanta University where his research focuses on material discovered as a result of illicit excavations since 25 January 2011. Mohamed is very clear and passionate about the need for inspectors to understand the importance of the material being recovered and conveying this knowledge to local communities as a tool to combat looting.
Rabee Eissa Mohamed Hassan is an Antiquities Inspector in the Beni Suef Inspectorate. His doctoral research in the Faculty of Archaeology at Cairo University focuses on ‘Royal Adoration Scenes and Inscriptions in Ancient Egyptian Temples during the New Kingdom’. Very highly regarded by the American archaeologists he has worked with, Rabee has a passion for training his fellow Egyptians in what he has learned.
Reham Mahmoud Zaky El Sayed is an Antiquities Inspector in the Repatriation Department of the Minister’s Office at the MSA – the body responsible for tracking down ancient objects which have left Egypt illegally, in order to ensure their safe return. She is currently undertaking a Master’s degree in the African Studies Institute at Cairo University, where her research focuses on engagement with local communities as a part of site management in Egypt – a vital means of tackling the illicit excavation and trade of Egyptian antiquities. Reham has clear ideas as to the benefits of community engagement as a tool for combating looting, and making use of the local population to help steward archaeological sites.
A busy first week...
Their first week has been very busy, including trips to the British Museum, Petrie Museum and the Griffith Institute! They have many more places to visit – as well as consulting our library and archive for their own research interests.
Carl Graves shows them the EES archive and potential for further research.
The scholars arrive at the British Museum for a private tour 'behind-the-scenes'
Dr Alice Stevenson gives the scholars a tour of the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
Would you like to meet the scholars?
On Tuesday 23rd September, three of the six scholars will give short, informal presentations and all will be on hand to discuss their work at an evening event open to all EES Members. Places are limited but can be booked via our events page.
Don't forget that Dr Mohamed Gamal Rashed will also deliver this year's special guest lecture at our AGM on Saturday 11th October. This lecture is open to all EES members and those attending our study day. Please see event pages for bookings and further details.