Publications
Geotechnical aspects of the salvage of the Egyptian monuments
Severe structural damage to Nubian monuments, including the Temples of Abu Simbel, Kalabsha, Philae, and Hibis, necessitated large-scale salvage operations due to soil movements triggered by environmental changes. The study highlights that these transfer projects—drowning temples under the Aswan High Dam reservoir—represented significant civil engineering challenges, with Philae and Hibis temples being particularly critical cases. Geotechnical assessments revealed cracks and dislocations caused by subsurface instability, underscoring the need for precision in relocation efforts to preserve cultural heritage.
Going Global
The obfuscation of white supremacy is deeply embedded in the technopolitical foundations of the UNESCO World Heritage List, which was enabled by the mass displacement of Nubians in Upper Egypt during the 1960s and 1970s. The dismantling and transport of Abu Simbel and Philae temples, led by American and European engineers, largely disregarded displaced residents but laid the groundwork for the World Heritage List. Institutional efforts in the 1980s aimed to address the overrepresentation of European sites by increasing recognition of 20th-century sites, particularly in the Global South. This study reveals how DOCOMOMO, a European-based modernist-preservation advocacy organization, contributed to the institutionalization of narrative strategies that facilitated the inclusion of white cities on the World Heritage List. The collaboration with DOCOMOMO established the conditions for adding such cities, extending institutional transformations from the 1980s into the 1990s and 2000s.
Virtuelle 3D Rekonstruktion : Der Tempel Amenophis‘ III. als Teil der sakralen Landschaft Nubiens
A virtual 3D reconstruction of the lost Temple of Amenhotep III, part of Nubia's sacred landscape, reveals its significance within the ritual geography of Lower Nubia and restores its geometry digitally. The temple, built in the 14th century BCE along the Nile's banks near modern-day Aswan, was submerged during the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. This interdisciplinary project, led by Prof. Dr. Martina Ullmann, combines expertise from Egyptology, conservation, imaging techniques, and monument sciences to analyze, document, and conserve seven large-scale wall paintings from its sanctuary while reconstructing its original form. The study also highlights the broader impact of the UNESCO-led Nubian Campaign, which saved numerous temples, including Abu Simbel, and led to the adoption of the Venice Charter (1964) and the founding of ICOMOS in 1965.
The Genius Loci at the Great Temple of Abu Simbel: Hermeneutic Reading in the Architectural Language of Ancient Egyptian Temples of Ramses II in Nubia
This study reveals that the Temple of Abu Simbel's location and unique design were primarily driven by political and conceptual factors during the reign of Ramses II, rather than religious tradition. By employing hermeneutic analysis—examining parts to understand the whole and then contextualizing it within a broader framework—the research demonstrates the validity of this approach in uncovering new dimensions about historical monuments. The study leverages Norberg-Schulz's Genius Loci concept and Heidegger's anticipatory fore-structures to interpret the temple's significance, offering fresh insights into its architectural language.
The Warden of World Heritage: UNESCO and the Rescue of the Nubian Monuments
A monumental rescue effort led by UNESCO successfully saved two dozen Nubian monuments, including the iconic Abu Simbel and Philae temples, from submergence under Lake Nasser's waters. This achievement, marked by a ceremonial sunrise event attended by 500 people, demonstrated the power of international collaboration in preserving ancient civilizations. The study highlights how coordinated action—spanning logistics, cultural diplomacy, and engineering—can achieve what was once deemed impossible. It underscores UNESCO's role as a global guardian of heritage, emphasizing that such efforts not only protect historical treasures but also foster peace and collective responsibility for future generations.
Philae: The Pearl of Egypt
Philae, an island in southern Egypt near Aswan, is renowned for its historic temple complex, which was progressively developed during the Late, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods. The site's splendor stems from contributions by both Egyptian and Nubian rulers, with the temple of Isis serving as its centerpiece. A significant challenge arose with the construction of the first Aswan Dam in 1902, which led to partial submersion of the complex under water. To preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the entire temple was meticulously dismantled into individual blocks and reassembled on Agilkia Island, ensuring its survival for future generations.
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