Egyptian archaeologist calls for action to protect architectural heritage

An Egyptian archaeologist is pressing to apply a law to regulate the demolition of buildings to protect architectural heritage.

Law 144 of 2006 clearly defines ways to register heritage buildings in each governorate, Abdel Rehim Rihan said Tuesday.

Under the law, permanent committees should be formed in each governorate following an order by the governor, Rihan said.

Indeed, Egyptian governorates contain many heritage buildings, the archaeologist said, noting that Port Said alone has 505 registered buildings.

He made it clear that the permanent committees should sort those buildings and revise their lists periodically.

Governors should refer reports of the committees to the Cabinet to stop any demolition order of a heritage building, Rihan said.