With the support and generous resources allocation from Qatar, the Sudanese archaeology is currently experiencing an unusual upswing. The state of Qatar is investing 135 million USD for 40 projects, which strive to explore and protect the cultural heritage of Sudan, as well as renovate the national museum in Khartum.
The antique city Meroe used to be the capital of the Kingdom of Kusch during the centuries around the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Due to environmental impacts the pyramids are in acute danger, most of all threatened by sandstorms, which increased in number since the 60’s of the 20th century, caused by soil erosion. It is more important than ever to conserve and cautiously remove these important testimonies to the early cultures from the Nil.
The goal of the Qatari Mission for the Pyramids of Sudan (QMPS) is to preserve the pyramids of the world heritage site Meroe in cooperation with international specialists. The pyramid’s project is a central element of a broadly formulated research network.
With the Qatar Sudan Archaeological Project, Qatar Museums and the antique authority of Sudan, the Sudanese National Corporation for the Antiques Museum (NCAM), have established the framework conditions for international cooperation in research projects about Sudan. Furthermore, also the German Deutsche Archäolohische Institut (DAI) is involved in this large-scale research network with project about the royal baths in Meroe as well as about the city Hamdab.