Johannesburg: SiltaNews – News Desk
As 2026 begins, Egypt is capturing the world’s attention through a massive cultural expansion. While the pyramids remain eternal, the country is currently undergoing a series of historic openings and archaeological breakthroughs that are redefining its modern identity this month.
1. The full debut of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
After years of anticipation, January 2026 marks the first full month that the Grand Egyptian Museum is completely open to the general public.
The king’s full court: For the first time, all 5,000 artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb are on display in one location.
A new perspective: Visitors can now walk beneath the hanging obelisk at the entrance – the first of its kind – to see the rare royal seals on its underside.
The grand staircase: This month, the museum’s “Grand Staircase” has become a viral sensation, featuring 87 statues of kings and gods that tell the chronological story of Egypt’s rulers.
2. Discovry in Sohag: The Byzantine Monastary
In a stunning update for early January, an Egyptian archaeological mission has just unearthed a fully integrated monastic complex in the Sohag Governorate.
Daily life revealed: This isn’t just a church; it is a residential community from the Byzantine era. Archaeologists found mudbrick buildings, water basins, and workshops.
Ancient records: The team discovered ostraca (pottery fragments) inscribed with Coptic writing, providing a rare look at the letters and record-keeping of monks who lived over 1,500 years ago.
3. The “Green Lung” of the new capital
The Green River Park (Capital Park) in the New Administrative Capital is officially hosting its first major public events this month.
Massive scale: This park is designed to be twice the length of New York’s Central Park, stretching 35 kilometers to mimic the flow of the Nile.
The historical gardens: The phase that opened this January features three distinct zones – the Pharaonic, Classical, and Islamic gardens, each showcasing the flora and architectural styles of those specific eras.
4. The Cairo International Book Fair 2026
Running this final week of January, the 57th Cairo International Book Fair has opened its doors at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.
A global hub: It remains the largest and oldest book fair in the Arab world. This year’s edition is seeing record attendance from across Africa and Europe.
Cultural leadership: The fair is serving as a kickoff for Cairo’s 2026 status as a “Permanent Capital of Arab Culture,” following the successful Arab Theatre Festival held earlier this month.