Within the framework of its educational and cultural mission, and under the auspices of Ain Shams University, Al-Zaafaran Palace Museum welcomed today a group of preparatory-stage students from St. Joseph Maronite School and Al-Galalaa Official Language School, as part of an educational program aimed at raising awareness of cultural and civilizational heritage and linking school curricula with academic knowledge and practical application, emphasizing the vital role of museums in supporting education and heritage awareness.
The visit began with an introductory tour through the exhibition halls, during which the students were introduced to the museum’s archaeological collections, the history of the exhibited artifacts, and the fascinating stories behind them, reflecting various aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization, as well as key periods of modern and contemporary Egyptian history.
During the tour, accompanied by their school supervisors, the students explored engaging and significant aspects of ancient Egyptian history and civilization. The program focused on several major cultural themes and landmark achievements, most notably the history of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty and the royal family tree, in addition to the rich history of Al-Zaafaran Palace, which has been located within Ain Shams University since 1901, with historical roots dating back to 1869.
The tour continued through the galleries of the Egyptian Antiquities Collection and the Ain Shams University excavations at Al-Matariya (Heliopolis), highlighting important topics related to ancient Egyptian civilization and its major contributions. These included the prominent figure of the vizier Imhotep, one of the most distinguished personalities during the reign of King Djoser of the Third Dynasty, as well as ancient Egyptian mummification practices, the manufacture and development of coffins through the ages, and ancient Egyptian beliefs concerning resurrection, immortality, and the afterlife.
The program also included the screening of short documentary films specifically designed to simplify archaeological information in an engaging manner appropriate for the students’ age group, along with interactive discussions in which the students actively participated by sharing their opinions and asking questions.
In addition, the program featured a storytelling workshop using puppet theater, presented by Ms. Nirvana Mohamed, puppet show designer, who delivered engaging stories about the historical background of Al-Zaafaran Palace and other interesting information through the use of puppets, creating an interactive and enjoyable learning experience.
The program was coordinated by Ms. Abeer Abdel-Aal, Director of the Planning and Environmental Management Department at the Environmental Sector of Ain Shams University.
The students were accompanied during the visit by Mr. Hossam Mohamed and Mr. Hisham Khamis Mohamed, curators of Al-Zaafaran Palace Museum, under the supervision and in the presence of Dr. Walaa El-Din Badawy, Director of Al-Zaafaran Palace Museum.