Monk “Tadaus Afamina”: Abu Mina site back to life… Plans to build a museum and hotel in the area

The archaeological site of Abu Mina in Borg Al Arab, Alexandria, one of the holiest Coptic shrines in the world, has been removed from UNESCO’s “List of World Heritage in Danger” during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee at the organization’s headquarters in Paris. This comes after years of threats, neglect, and concern over the fate of the historic city, nicknamed “the marble city,” which was once the second most important pilgrimage site after Jerusalem and a destination for healing.

In an exclusive interview with Bab Al-Masr, Father Tadaos Afamina, head of antiquities at the Monastery of St. Mina and coordinator of relations between the Coptic Church and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, who believes that stone is no less sacred than words, spoke about the fate of the only Coptic Orthodox monument listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, He also discusses the rescue project, the challenges faced by this rare Coptic site, and future plans to transform Abu Mina into a global attraction and living museum.

• First of all, congratulations on this achievement. Was the inclusion of Abu Mina on the agenda of the 47th session of UNESCO in Paris planned in advance?

The ambition to improve the status of the Abu Mina archaeological site has always been present, especially given the ongoing collective work on the ground. The inclusion of Abu Mina in the agenda of the current session was a natural result of the integrated efforts of the state, the Church, and the local community, which committed to implementing all the requirements set by UNESCO to remove the site from the List of World Heritage in Danger.

• • What were the key steps that led to this success?

The success of the Abu Mina file was not a coincidence, but rather the result of a series of integrated steps and coordination between various parties. Cooperation began with the governorate of Alexandria, which is responsible for the archaeological site. It is the fifth Coptic Orthodox monument in the country and is listed as number 90 on the World Heritage List.

This success was based on coordination between the governorate, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and the monastery, with the assistance of an expanded scientific committee that included a group of university professors specializing in architecture, geology, hydrology (the study of water), and mechanics. These efforts focused first on developing the infrastructure leading to the archaeological city. This included paving roads from the desert road to the site, installing signposts, and lighting the entire road.

The Old Borg Al-Arab City Council also contributed by sending specialized teams to clean the area. The Ministry of Agriculture removed weeds using pesticides and precision machinery, while identifying the types of plants. The Monastery of St. Mina allocated a budget of 25 million pounds to build a protective wall surrounding the site. The government also played a key role in addressing the biggest challenge, which was lowering the groundwater level that threatened the stability of the archaeological city.

• How did the site deteriorate to this extent?

The deterioration of the Abu Mina archaeological site began in 1983 with the implementation of a desert reclamation project supported by the US Central Bank as part of its aid programs, whereby the land surrounding the site was distributed to beneficiaries for cultivation.

Although the original agricultural plan relied on a drip irrigation system, in reality, flood irrigation was used, which led to large amounts of groundwater seeping into the area.

Due to the topographical depression of the tomb of St. Mar Mina, which is 7 meters below the level of the main road, water accumulated directly inside it, causing significant damage to the archaeological structure.

All the surrounding agricultural land also lacked an effective drainage system, which contributed to the drainage of water into the archaeological area. As a result of this dangerous situation, UNESCO decided, during its session in Aswan in 2001, to include Abu Mina on the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger and placed it in the “Red Circle,” warning that it could be removed from the list unless the situation was remedied.

• During the years of work, were there fears that the site would be lost or that it could not be saved?

Yes, fears were very present throughout the work. The site was threatened with complete collapse, had it not been for the concerted efforts of the government, the church and the local community.

The situation was a disaster waiting to happen, especially given the site’s spiritual and historical importance to thousands of visitors each year. An estimated 8 million people visit the site each year, including foreigners, researchers, and enthusiasts from around the world.

Despite the difficulty of the project, it attracted the attention of many academics and experts specializing in archaeology, water, and architecture. They closely followed its development, which helped to document the experience and build on it.

• What were the main challenges you faced during the rescue operation?

The rescue of Abu Mina faced a series of complex challenges, especially from a technical standpoint. It required in-depth studies to identify the root of the problem, which necessitated the implementation of two major projects over several years.

The first groundwater treatment project began in 2005 and continued until 2010. It covered an area of 300 acres of the site’s current total area of 978 acres, divided into three sectors.

During the project, 170 pumps were installed to extract water. Studies later revealed that the salinity of the water in the area was extremely high, reaching around 30,000 parts per million, which led to corrosion of parts of the equipment and damage to some of the pumps. This posed a difficult technical challenge in selecting the right type of pumps.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi paid special attention to the site, considering it one of the most important archaeological and religious landmarks in Egyptian history. This gave new momentum to the project and opened the door to its rehabilitation with a more detailed study, which included reducing the number of wells and improving the infrastructure in line with the site’s unique characteristics and soil type. The attempt was repeated, drawing on expertise in the fields of water, geology, and engineering.

• Tell us about dealing with the encroachments that existed on the site. How was coordination with the security authorities to remove them? What is the position of the local community?

The archaeological site was subject to encroachments by some residents, as it is an open area. This was especially true in areas far from the sites where the ruins were directly discovered. Did the church play a role in protecting the site and take the initiative to maintain a constant presence within the archaeological area? This created community awareness of the importance of preserving the site and prevented any new attempts to encroach on it.

Full coordination was also carried out with the relevant security authorities, which implemented the decisions to remove the encroachments in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. After the importance of the area and its religious and historical significance were clarified, the local community cooperated in supporting the protection efforts.

• As the person responsible for the archaeological site, how did your academic studies (master’s and doctorate) help you make practical decisions about Abu Mina?

My decision to pursue specialized academic studies in archaeology was not an individual one. It came with the direct support and guidance of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II and under the patronage of His Eminence Anba Kyrillos Ava Mina, abbot of the monastery. The aim was to preserve the Abu Mina site according to specialized scientific principles.

Although monasticism does not traditionally seek academic degrees, as monks choose poverty and obedience, renouncing worldly titles, I received special permission to complete my studies as a monk. I enrolled at Kafr El Sheikh University after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Menoufia University in 1997. I then changed my academic path to study Islamic and Christian archaeology.

My master’s thesis dealt with “The Monastery of Abu Mina and its archaeological remains,” focusing on the past and present of the region and the problems that threaten it. My doctoral thesis was entitled “The Development of Religious Architecture in the Mariout Region in Light of Recent Archaeological Discoveries.” It is a comprehensive field study that examined churches, monasteries, shops, and ancient baths, as well as accurately documenting their locations.

My study extended to exploring the future of the region, with a scientific vision for its management and preservation. One of its focal points was the “Abu Mina Archaeological Site Management Plan,” which included a plan to revive the tomb of Saint Mar Mina and organize visits to it, even though it is currently completely covered.

• What is the exceptional value that led to the selection of Abu Mina as a World Heritage Site?

The archaeological site of Abu Mina has a unique and exceptional value that qualified it for inclusion in the World Heritage List. It is considered the first manifestation of Coptic Orthodox architecture in the world.

The Coptic dome appeared as a distinctive architectural element at the beginning of the 4th century AD. This is clearly evident in the church above the tomb of St. Mina, which is considered one of the oldest examples of Coptic church architecture.

What also distinguishes Abu Mina is that it was a complete Coptic city. It combined religious, daily and monastic life, and contained markets, hotels, and oil and raisin presses. It covered an area of about 2,000 acres and was protected by a military force of 11,000 Roman soldiers.

It was known as the “marble city” due to the luxurious building materials used in its construction. The streets, doors, and roads were completely paved with marble. Abu Mina was also the second pilgrimage site for Christians after Jerusalem, as it was famous for the miracles of healing and blessings associated with Saint Mar Mina.

• What is the difference between the archaeological site of Abu Mina and the modern monastery in terms of function and role?

Saint Mar Mina the Wonderworker is one of the most famous martyrs of the Coptic Orthodox Church. He was born in 285 AD in Naqios, Egypt. His father was the governor of North Africa, and his mother was barren, but she was told in a prayer before an icon of the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to a boy named “Mina.”

At the age of 15, he joined the Roman army, having lost both his parents. He had a close friend named Athanasius, who is the main source of documented information about the saint’s life. He left the military after three years to devote his life to God in the desert, like the monks, but at that time monasticism had not yet emerged in its familiar form.

When the Roman emperor converted to paganism and began persecuting Christians, Saint Mar Mina publicly declared his faith and was beheaded in 309 AD at the age of 24. When his friend Athanasius led the army to Alexandria to fight the Barbarians, he brought the saint’s body with him. They defeated the Barbarians, and on their return, they placed the body on a camel, which stopped in the area of Mariout. This was considered a sign of the place where he should be buried.

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A large church made entirely of marble was later built by Pope Athanasius, the 20th patriarch. Then a large cathedral was built by Pope Theophilus, the 23rd patriarch, in the 5th century. However, after the Persians conquered the cities and cut off the roads, the place began to fall into ruin. The Abbasid Caliph Al-Mu’tasim sent a man named Aliazar al-Dimashqi to bring marble from Egypt, and he uprooted the marble columns from the city.

The city was last seen when Muhammad Ali Pasha completely buried it because thieves were hiding there. Until its rediscovery in 1905 by a Catholic priest, who discovered a three-part manuscript about Saint Mar Mina, the site was unknown. On his return to Germany, he took with him 100 boxes of artifacts from the city, which he used to establish the Frankfurt Museum in Germany.

• What is the next plan to reopen the area as a global tourist attraction? When can we expect this to happen?

Efforts to save the Abu Mina area do not stop at removing it from UNESCO’s “List of World Heritage in Danger.” They extend to developing a clear vision for its future as a world tourist attraction befitting its historical and religious significance.

With every step, we consider a fundamental question: What is the fate of this place? Especially since the church, the local community, and the relevant authorities all share in building this future. This is done by submitting proposals and contributing through presence and support. Among the most prominent proposals are: rehabilitating the site to receive visitors by developing infrastructure and providing integrated services, including the construction of a tourist hotel to serve visitors. In addition, visits will be organized according to itineraries that ensure the preservation of the archaeological character of the site.

The church continues its daily prayers at the site. Plans have already been drawn up as part of the area’s development file, which is currently being studied in coordination with the official authorities. Although no official date has been set for the opening, positive signs indicate that the site will soon be transformed into a prominent religious and tourist destination on the global tourism map.

• Where will the hotel be built? Will it be located within the archaeological site?

The planned hotel project, which will serve visitors and pilgrims, will be built within the buffer zone surrounding the Abu Mina archaeological site, not within the archaeological site itself.

The construction will use modern architectural materials that clearly highlight the difference between it and the archaeological character, in accordance with UNESCO requirements. The project is part of a vision that aims to support the site without affecting its authenticity. Its uniqueness as one of the most prominent Coptic landmarks included in the World Heritage List will be fully preserved.

• What is the fate of the archaeological artifacts belonging to the city of Abu Mina? Are there plans to display them in a museum in the area?

Yes, of course. A museum is among the plans proposed to rehabilitate the Abu Mina site to welcome visitors.

• Do you have any plans to return some of the artifacts from the Coptic Museum to the Abu Mina site? What is the Ministry of Antiquities’ position on this request?

First of all, we would like to emphasize that all the artifacts from Abu Mina are currently being kept in complete safety and are under the supervision of the relevant authorities, whether in the Ministry of Antiquities’ warehouses in Rosetta, in the Coptic Museum, or in other storage sites.

There is a project underway to establish a permanent central museum within the Abu Mina area itself. It will house all the artifacts and pieces belonging to the archaeological site, reconnecting these antiquities to their original context and giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of the city from within its actual location.

• What facilities are planned to welcome visitors to the Abu Mina archaeological site?

The plans include the creation of a comprehensive range of tourist and cultural facilities and services, in line with international standards for religious and archaeological sites.

These facilities include a museum to display artifacts discovered in the area, interactive sound and light shows that simulate the history of the city, areas dedicated to bazaars and traditional crafts, reception and lecture halls, electronic interpretation centers with modern display screens, and basic services such as public restrooms and seating areas.

• Abu Mina was a global center for pilgrimage and healing. Are there plans to integrate the area into Egypt’s tourist circuit in cooperation with international entities?

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is working to integrate the Abu Mina site into the Holy Family’s journey and highlight it as an important stop on religious tourism itineraries, especially in the governorate of Alexandria. The ministry adopts an integrated vision that combines the preservation of archaeological sites as human heritage with their promotion worldwide. This is in addition to supporting the national economy through sustainable tourism.

Egypt has seven sites listed on the World Heritage List that are key pillars of Egyptian tourism. These are: the Pyramids of Giza, the city of Luxor and its temples, the city of Aswan and its archaeological sites, Historic Cairo, the Abu Mina archaeological site, St. Catherine’s Monastery in South Sinai, and finally Wadi Al-Hitan in Fayoum.

• What is the nature of the daily coordination between the Monastery of St. Mina and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities? Are there any permanent cooperation protocols?

The relationship between the Monastery of St. Mina and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is based on close cooperation in the management of the archaeological site. The church plays an active role in preserving this spiritual and historical heritage, which dates back to the 4th century AD. The first church was built by Pope No. 20, followed by the Great Cathedral in the 5th century, and the city later expanded around the tomb of Saint Mar Mina. It became a destination for pilgrimage and healing.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II has paid special attention to the site, both when he was bishop and now, and has participated in field visits with the UNESCO representative, the Minister of Tourism, and the Governor of Alexandria in support of efforts to preserve Abu Mina as a symbol of Coptic and world heritage. The monastery works on a daily basis and in accordance with protocol with the ministry through coordination committees and the exchange of expertise and technical support.

• How do you assess the role of the local community in protecting the site after the removal of encroachments? Has the local community’s perception of the area changed?

The local community surrounding the Abu Mina archaeological site has seen a noticeable positive shift in its view of the site, following efforts to remove encroachments and develop the area. Residents have begun to realize the historical and spiritual value of the site, and their attitude towards it has changed from that of an abandoned site to a heritage that must be preserved and respected.

• Is there currently a permanent committee to monitor maintenance and environmental control of the site?

Yes, there is a permanent committee responsible for monitoring and managing the Abu Mina archaeological site as part of an integrated system for the protection of World Heritage sites in Egypt.

The Supreme Committee for the Management of World Heritage Sites was formed by Presidential Decree No. 450 of 2018. Its membership includes representatives of various ministries and relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Environment, the Governorate of Alexandria, and urban planning authorities. Representatives of the local community and the church are also included.

The committee is responsible for developing general policies for the management of sites included on the World Heritage List. It holds regular meetings to follow up on the progress of existing projects and resolve the various challenges facing the sites, particularly those related to environmental or urban pressures, under the chairmanship of Major General Khaled Foda, advisor to the President of the Republic.

• Are there any long-term plans to ensure the stability of groundwater levels in the future?

Yes, maintaining groundwater levels at the Abu Mina archaeological site is one of the top priorities for the coming period. There is already a long-term plan being implemented by the specialized company responsible for maintenance, in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

The company closely monitors groundwater levels, pump conditions and operating rates on a daily basis. It also monitors any power outages that could affect the operation of the system. Any harmful environmental effects that may result from a system malfunction are also monitored, with the aim of intervening quickly to avoid any damage to the archaeological site.

• Are there any environmental studies monitoring the impact of salt water on the remaining archaeological formations?

Yes, several specialized environmental studies have been conducted to monitor and analyze the impact of saline groundwater on the archaeological site, especially in the area of the tomb of St. Mar Mina. The salinity of the water in some areas reached about 30,000 units, which is a high level that makes drainage difficult.

A scientific plan was implemented to address this environmental crisis, which included a process of “mixing” the saltwater streams to gradually reduce salinity. This enabled the water to be drained into the main state drainage system after successfully reducing salinity to approximately 4,000 units, which is an environmentally acceptable level.

The high salinity caused significant damage to the archaeological site. This included the accumulation of layers of “calcification” on surfaces and the erosion of the materials binding the archaeological bricks, as a result of the interaction between salts and sulphates.

Advanced studies are currently being conducted in collaboration with restoration experts to identify the appropriate materials for removing the calcification. New compounds are also being used to strengthen the structure and prevent the recurrence of corrosion of archaeological elements by sulphates.

• Do you think the success of Abu Mena could inspire similar projects to save endangered archaeological sites in Upper Egypt or the Nile Delta?

Without a doubt, because the experience of saving the ancient city of Abu Mina is an inspiring model that can be built upon to repeat the success in other endangered archaeological sites throughout Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta. As a coordinator between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Coptic Church, I am considered one of the field experts on this issue due to the practical and scientific experience I gained during the implementation of the project.

A high-level scientific and advisory committee has been formed, bringing together a group of leading professors, including Dr. Murad Bakhoum, Dr. Sami Sabri, Dr. Asaad Salama, and Dr. Fadl al-Qums. The committee combines academic specializations in architecture, engineering, the environment, and historical and theological studies.

• What is your message to the new generations of Coptic and Egyptian youth about the importance of preserving spiritual and archaeological heritage?

I believe that education is the cornerstone of any real awareness-raising process, and that building archaeological and spiritual awareness among the younger generations must begin at an early age through education and early learning. One important initiative in the past was the “Atlas of the Governorates” initiative, which familiarized students with the archaeological and religious sites in their governorates. Archaeological information should be included in the curriculum at different stages of education, from primary to preparatory and secondary school.

This is not limited to knowledge of history, but also includes respect for and defense of it. Educating children, teenagers, and adults about the importance of every archaeological site, whether Egyptian, Coptic, Roman, or Islamic, contributes to instilling a sense of belonging and prevents the violation or damage of antiquities or even the consideration of smuggling or selling them.

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