The excavation revealed a wealth of historical treasures, including residential structures, churches, and cemeteries. Among the most striking finds is a mural depicting Christ healing a sick person, a potent symbol of the city’s religious significance. Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, hailed the discovery as a testament to the rich and diverse history of Egyptian civilization. “This find enriches our understanding of religious transition in Egypt and highlights the values of tolerance and cultural diversity deeply rooted in our history,” he stated.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, underscored the importance of the find in shedding light on the early Coptic era. “Kharga Oasis played a key role as a religious and social hub throughout many historical periods, and this discovery further confirms its significance,” Khaled explained. The uncovered structures include mudbrick homes with plastered walls, service areas with daily-use ovens, and storage spaces containing large pottery jars used for preserving food and grain.
Seham Ismail, Director General of Antiquities in Kharga and head of the mission, shared details about the two churches discovered. One is a large basilica-style church, complete with a central hall flanked by two aisles and service buildings. The second is a smaller, rectangular church with Coptic inscriptions still visible on its interior walls. These findings, combined with artifacts such as ostraca, pottery fragments, and stone relics, paint a vivid picture of early Christian life in the region.
Previous excavation seasons revealed that the site was continuously used across several historical eras. Buildings from the Roman era were adapted for the early Coptic period and later for the Islamic era, showcasing the site’s long standing role as a center of life and continuity. “The Western Oases stand as historical treasures, cementing Egypt’s enduring significance in the religious and cultural narrative of the region,” affirmed Ismail.
This discovery not only enhances Egypt’s standing as a cultural tourism destination but also reinforces its role in the global narrative of religious and historical evolution. As the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities continues to support archaeological missions, this find serves as a profound reminder of the layers of history waiting to be uncovered beneath the sands of Egypt.
