Journal of Al-Azhar University Engineering Sector
Apstract:
Al Kharga Oasis is one of the most peripheral regions to study the late epoch, from Ancient Egyptian late period up to Roman period. Ain Amur, Hibis, Quasr el Ghuieda, Naura, Qasr el Zaiyan and Qasr Dush temples as well as Gebel el Teir rock inscriptions are the main landmarks monuments in this region.
Hibis temple is by far the largest of the temple structures in the oasis and the area around the temple clearly was a prominent part of the oasis culture. During the Saite age, a temple was built in the centre of the oasis capital of Hibis, by the shore of a 750 meter-long lake. It was probably constructed during the reign of Darius I (521-486 BC), to honor the main god Amun.
The temple was excavated and restored by New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, earlier at last century. Later, the temple has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Since the discovery of the temple, Hibis site started to suffer from a locally rising water table. During the fifties of last century, a grand restoration project has been performed by Egyptian Antiquities Service (SCA) to repair the defects in temple construction. Few years later, more cracks appeared at temple walls. Detailed geological investigations proved that inhomogeneous movement of subsurface shale layer is the main cause behind the sever damage of the temple. SCA scheduled the temple for relocation to new a better condition site. However, archeological site of historical monument is considered as important as the monument itself. In other words, both monument and its site are part of the urban fabric of the city. Again, SCA, (represented in Dr. Zahi HAWAS) has to declare that further efforts must be spent to save the temple at its original land.
This article is discussing role of numerous tools and methods which approach the right criteria for salvation of archaeological monuments.
PROBLRM DEFINITION:
It is well known that each archaeological site has it own character, acting as a remaining proof of what historian tells us about our origins. Dealing with the remains of these sites, saving what is left from previous humanity culture heritage, is not a routine problem, even for the most experienced engineers. Salvation of archaeological site, is hard job to do, difficult and never been absolute right decision, however, the decision must be taken. Saving all the site elements is far beyond the truth, the fact is, we have to save one element on account of another. In return the monument sprit will remain but it will loose part of its unique character. |
