The French mission operating at El-Deir district, Al-Kharja Oasis at New Valley governorate discovered a huge factory for pottery that dates back to 3rd century A.D. that contained a large collection of rare pottery containers that were manufactured at the aim of trade and distribution in regions far from places of production. These products were unique in make and form, as no similar production was found in any other place in Egypt or the world.
The mission, during implementation of an integrated project for restoration and rescue of El-Deir Citadel that dates back to 3rd century, on a group of containers and closed pots like glass, made of tender white clay that is covered with non-glossing colour ranging between yellow and brown.
The Minister of Culture Farouq Hosny approved the implementation of immediate project for restoration and rescue of El-Deir Citadel and preparing it for tourists visit, in accordance to the latest world systems at a cost of L.E. 10 Million. Layers of sand covering most parts of the citadel were removed in order to support the foundations and restoring weird walls.
Moreover, a complete program was set for maintaining the citadel, site and the monumental information concerning it.
The project that is supervised by the Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Antiquities Dr. Zahi Hawas includes restoration and treatment of cracks existing in the walls of the Citadel in addition to coordinating the surrounding site and paving the roads leading to the citadel and providing it with guiding signs in various languages with linking of the citadel with other monumental sites and features at Al-Kharja Oasis, in preparation for placing it on Egyptian Tourism map immediately following completion of the restoration project in the middle of next year.
