Work on dismantling Hebes Temple still going on despite suspension orders
Egypt, History, 11/30/2001

The Temple of Deir Al Hagar at Dakhla Oasis which dates back to the Roman Age is one of the main attractions of the Oasis. The temple used to be called Est Ah (land of the moon) was dedicated for the god Ra and some other ancient Egyptian deities.

Most of the front parts of the temple was underground while the rear part was destroyed. When archaeologists started to cleanse and restore the temple many coloured paintings were found.

One of the paintings shows the coronation of king Titos - during whose reign part of the temple was built- having goddess Set on the right side and Horos on the left.

Inside the temple is an open court with 20 columns of different heights and an avenue that resembles the Rams' avenue at the Karnak Temple in Luxor.

A UNESCO expert who has recently paid a visit to Deir Al Hagar Temple noticed the deteriorating condition of one of the columns and warned that it was in danger of collapse. He recommended making a belt to protect it temporarily until restored.

He also urged experts of the Supreme Council for Antiquities to study the possibility of injecting it with suitable substances to prevent the appearance of fissures.

UNESCO experts had also visited Hebes Temple where work is going on to have it dismantled and reinstalled on a nearby site .

Upon recommendation from the experts the Minster of Culture, Faruk Hosni ordered the suspension of work until the current studies on possible risks are completed.

In spite of his directives visitors to the site say that work is still going on there.

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