Egypt's SCA Protects Monuments & Visitors
Changes to the Pyramid Plateau Benefit Egypt and Tourists
Aug 27, 2008
When Amelia Edwards established the Egypt Exploration Fund 1882, she couldn’t have known what changes were in store for the ancient monuments of Egypt. At that time, the Egyptian government’s interest in historical artifacts was non-existent; were that not the case, their resources prevented them from protecting the national treasures.
Today, Egypt takes great pride in their heritage and strives to protect its history. The Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) endeavors to protect all monuments; their most recent project introduces the past to modern technology at the Giza Plateau.
The first of three stages in a site management plan has been completed. When visitors approach the Pyramids, they purchase their tickets without confusion, natives no longer foist horse and camel rides upon them and they easily find clean toilets. Security now protects the monuments and tourists.
Security and Convenience Keeps Business Running Smooth
Phase one:
- An 18.5-meter-long enclosure wall equipped with 200 mobile and fixed cameras linked to closed circuit television.
- An infra-red-movement alarm system.
- The entrance gate (facing the Mena House Hotel) now controlled electronically and features x-ray machines that automatically check visitors’ bags.
- Electronic ticket machines keep track of visitors as they move in and out of the plateau.
- Early warning system and burglar alarm.
- High standard toilets.
- Large parking area.
- Small bookshop that sells replicas and archaeological / historical books.
Aesthetics and Ease for Visitors
In the future, travelers to the plateau can expect to find:
- Paths in the style of those seen in ancient Egypt in place of the modern paved roads.
- Special lit paths for tourists.
- Strategic lighting.
- Conservation laboratory.
- Another parking area (Giza-Fayoum Road entrance), reserved for tourists and group visits.
- A square in front of the Sphinx.
- Cafeteria, bookshops, bazaars and visitor center.
- Police station and ambulance unit.
- Electric cars to carry visitors to the archaeological zones.
More Changes to Come
Future phases include a stable for horses and camels outside the archaeological site. With the historical monuments as a backdrop, rides outside the archaeological area will be allowed. A picnic area outside the archaeological site is planned for those with no interest in the history of the site. We’ve all been dragged along to a destination that didn’t interest us at least once in our life.
The SCA’s goal is to preserve the site and establish a more efficient tourist attraction. Improvements to security protect the monuments from overzealous visitors and deter vandalism. Visitors now marvel at the ingenuity of ancient Egyptians in a stress-free environment.
References:
- Oakes, Lorna, and Lucia Gahlin. Ancient Egypt. New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2006.
- Agnese, Giorgio and Maurizio Re. Ancient Egypt: Art and ARchaeology of the Land of the Pharaohs. New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc., 2006.
- "Propping Up the Plateau." Al-Ahram Weekly Online 21 - 27 Aug. 2008: 22 Aug. 2008 Al Ahram Weekly.
- Al Sherbini, Ramadan. "Egypt Invests in Tourist Friendly Areas." GulfNews.com 15 Aug. 2008: 20 Aug. 2008 Gulf News.
