China and Egypt undertake massive project to scan more than 1,000 coffins

Chinese and Egyptian experts are carrying out a large-scale joint project to study and digitise Egyptian antiquities. This is reported by China Daily, a partner of the TV BRICS.

The project is implemented by a unit of Shanghai University, the World Art History Institute (WAI), and the Supreme Council of Egyptian Antiquities, Saqqara Archaeological Group. The programme is headed by Xue Jiang, a researcher at WAI. The experts note that the final results of their research will be published in Chinese, Arabic and English.

Zhu Qingsheng, the initiator of the study, believes that in the age of digitalisation, it is necessary to apply as many technological tools as possible for in-depth analysis of cultural relics.

"This marked an important beginning for China and Egypt to continue their cultural traditions, conduct dialogue among civilizations on an equal footing, and carry out international cultural cooperation in a new form," said Zhu.

The scholar noted that the joint project with Egypt was groundbreaking for Shanghai University: it was the first time its experts participated in an archaeological excavation using the latest developments in digitising images, creating databases and scanning micro-traces.

Ismail Khaled, general secretary Supreme Council of Antiquities expressed his full support for the progress of the project. He said that states with the heritage of ancient civilisations should further improve mutual exchange mechanisms.