Alexandria: The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has launched a photography competition to raise public awareness of Egypt's rich underwater cultural heritage. The competition, which begins Friday, 1 August, invites participants to capture artistic images of artefacts that emerged from the Mediterranean Sea and are currently on display at the Graeco-Roman Museum and the Alexandria National Museum in Alexandria.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the competition is part of broader efforts to engage the public with Egypt's diverse heritage and to promote appreciation for historical finds recovered from beneath the Mediterranean. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy stated that this initiative reflects the ministry's ongoing dedication to enhancing awareness and appreciation of underwater cultural heritage and to showcasing Egypt's unique archaeological assets to the world.

Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), noted that the competition is one of several cultural events planned by the ministry to shed light on submerged heritage sites and artefacts. Full competition details and updates will be published on the ministry's official social media platforms.

He continued that photographers in Egypt and abroad are eligible to participate, with a photography window open from August 1 to 10 August, during the official operating hours of both museums in Alexandria. Submissions must be sent to [email protected] by Thursday, 14 August, and must include the photograph along with a short biography of the participant.

Photos will be evaluated by a specialized jury comprising university professors and experts in photography and archaeology. The panel will operate under the supervision of the competition's technical secretariat. Ahmed Rahima, Assistant Minister for Human Resources Development and Head of the Central Training Unit, explained that evaluation criteria will focus on technical quality, creativity, and the ability to highlight the aesthetic and historical value of the featured artefacts. The names of the winners will be announced on 18 August, with an official award ceremony scheduled for 21 August.

The ministry has extended an open invitation to both Egyptian and international photography enthusiasts to take part in this unique cultural initiative, which blends art, history, and heritage preservation.