Luxor: Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy and Luxor Governor Abdel Muttalib Emara inaugurated the tombs of Amenhotep "Rabouya" (TT416) and his son Samut (TT417) in the El-Khokha area on Luxor's West Bank. This event marked the culmination of restoration and site development efforts initiated on May 14, 2026.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Minister Fathy emphasized the importance of archaeological preservation for future sustainability. He described the restoration project as a journey spanning from 2015 to 2026 and expressed gratitude to the governor and archaeological staff for their contributions. Fathy highlighted that collaboration with the private sector for site services would improve visitor experiences under the ministry's strict management guidelines. He stressed the need for development efforts to balance conservation with clear performance indicators.
Governor Emara remarked on Luxor's continued revelation of historical secrets through the efforts of the ministry and archaeological missions. He underscored Luxor's status as a cultural tourism capital and its ongoing development. Emara also announced the implementation of 'Decent Life' sewage projects in July, aimed at protecting West Bank sites from groundwater ahead of the peak tourist season in October.
SCA Secretary General Hisham El-Leithy noted the significance of opening the two restored ancient tombs in Luxor, citing their historical and cultural value as important additions to the country's archaeological attractions. He stated that the restoration project underscores the importance of the Theban necropolis and preserves the legacy of the tomb owners.
Moamen Othman, Head of the restoration and museum projects sector at Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, detailed the restoration activities, which included debris removal, archaeological finds discovery, structural reinforcement, careful restoration of inscriptions, cleaning of original colors, installation of modern lighting, and security upgrades.
Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the council, explained that the tombs were discovered by the American Research Center in Egypt in March 2015 during excavations for the entrance to the tomb of Djehuty (TT110). Initially covered by debris and used for collective burials during the Byzantine era, the tombs date back to Egypt's New Kingdom period, with the tomb of 'Rabuia' from the reign of King Thutmose III and 'Samut' from King Thutmose IV.
The tombs, following the T-shaped architectural style of Egypt's 18th Dynasty noble tombs, feature scenes depicting daily life, craftsmanship, and various rituals. Notable scenes include agriculture, banquets, funerary processions, and a rare depiction of the goddess Renenutet nursing a royal child. Excavation work resumed in September 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and continued into 2021, involving further debris removal and preliminary restoration efforts.