Egypt's Minya Will Soon Be Back on International Tourism Map

Minya province, in upper Egypt, has experienced years of turmoil and terror attacks against its residential, cultural and heritage sites since the Muslim brotherhood was outlawed in 2013. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

The museum of Malawi had been targeted with an explosive package in 2013. Now, after the restoration of the damaged artifacts, and increased security measures in the province of Minya, the museum has reopened. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Now police checkpoints and highly equipped security clusters are on each crossroad and highway in Minya to ensure the security of locals and international visitors. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is now able to continue its excavation projects in Minya Province, where the Egyptian Archaeological Mission recently uncovered several late period communal tombs. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Egyptian archaeologist Ashraf Saad provides first aid to one of 5 wooden coffins found at the Al-Ghoreifa area of the Tuna El-Gabal archaeological site in Minya, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Archeological inspector “Wahballah” explains the ‘inscriptions of titles,’ names engraved on sarcophagi of Dejd Dejhuty Iuf Ankh, the royal treasurer, bearer of seals of Lower Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Among the findings, more than 10,000 Ushabti figurines shaped from green and blue faience, most of which are engraved with the titles of the deceased at the Al-Ghoreifa area, Tuna El-Gabal archaeological site, in Minya, Egypt. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

A rare engraved wax head of a bald smiling priest on display during the announcement of the first archaeological discovery in 2020 by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities at the Al-Ghoreifa area of the Tuna El-Gabal site in Minya. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

The Egyptian archeological mission also uncovered more than 700 amulets of various entities, including amulets of the gods, heart scarabs, and pure gold amulets such as the "Ba" - a human headed bird. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Increased security and recent discoveries by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities all encouraged the Egyptian government to bring Minya to the international tourism map again. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is working throughout many Egyptian provinces to inspect the archeological sites and enhance the efficiency of tourist facilities, security, and services provided. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

The Gabal Al-Teir area, where the Virgin Mary church and monastery is located, is considered to be one of the main points of interest along the Holy Family's journey through the eight provinces of Egypt when they fled Israel. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Dr. Khaled ElAnany, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, listens to school children telling what they learned from their tour of the Virgin Mary Church. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Christians are a minority in Egypt, but the country still has more than 25 historic sites relating to the Holy Family, most of them now turned into churches, monasteries, and other places of worship. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

This cave, believed to be one of the main places where the holly family lived, now is located inside the Church and Monastery of the Virgin Mary, where Christians from all over the world visit to pray and receive blessings. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Most of the sites believed to have been visited by the Holy Family have been turned into churches or other places of worship. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

In the village of Bahnasa, there are relics from different historical eras including Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic. Local Muslims and Christians visit the sites where the Holy Family is thought to have stayed. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Moderate Sufi Sheikhs from Al-Azhar Sheikhdom in Minya have been teaching local Muslims how to work with the government and security officials in order to bring local and international tourism from all believes back to their villages. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

The sacredness and historical value of the village of Bahnasa is increased by including many tombs of the companions and family members of Prophet Muhammad in its list of tourist attractions. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

This tree where the Holy Family is believed to have rested in its shade is located between a mosque and a Muslim cemetery. Now families from any religion can hang out under its shade for picnics and good family times to remember. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)