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Faculty 6
Study programme World Heritage Studies (WHS) Master of Arts (M.A.)

Philatelic Contribution to UNESCO Campaign on 'Save the Nubian Monuments' by MOHAMMAD ABU AL HASAN, Bangladesh, HCSM Program, BTU

Exhibit Plan

2. Beginning of the campaign 1959-1962

2.1. Appeal to UNESCO

In 1959, both the government of Egypt and Sudan appealed to UNESCO in protecting nearly 3000 years old monuments of the Nubian region that would be flooded and submerged completely by the construction of the intended Aswan High Dam. Along with the appeal to UNESCO, Egyptian postal authority single handedly started the philatelic campaign on Save the Nubian Monuments by issuing a stamp on that year.

United Arab Republic (Egypt), 22 December 1959, Saveguarding Monuments of Nubia 1v.MNH, showing the front view of the Abu Simbel Temple in Nubia, marked the beginning of the Philatelic campaign on Save the Nubian Monuments.
Egypt First Day Cover with the First Day commemorative Post Mark from Cairo on the save Nubian monument issue, the commemorative cover is showing the submerging Philae Temple.

2.2. Launching of the Campaign

Egypt (UAR), 14 November 1960, same design and denomination as of the issue of 1959 except difference in color and changes in Arabic legends. The 2nd issue of the Philatelic Campaign on Save the Nubian Monuments

For UNESCO, it was the 1st time to receive such a request by any country. On March 8, 1960 at the Great Hall of UNESCO House in Paris, Vittorino Veronese, the Director General of UNESCO launched the world appeal inaugurating the international campaign for the preservation of the monuments of Nubia. After the launching of the campaign from UNESCO, Egypt continued their philatelic campaign on 1960 alone. 

Later in 1960, UNESCO authorized the continuation of the Save the Nubian Monuments campaign. This year, the construction of the Aswan High Dam was started and Egyptian Authority Dismantled and transferred the temples of Debod and Taffa and the kiosk of Qertassi.

2.3. Beginning of International Philatelic Campaign, 1961

In the early stage, in between 1961-1963, 12 countries issued stamps and FDCs on Save the Nubian Monuments Campaign. 

2.3.1. In 1961, two countries along with Egypt.

i. United Arab Republic (Egypt)
Egypt, 15 November 1961, Help to Preserve Nubia’s Temples 1v. MNH, showing the temple of Isis in Philae
Egypt First Day Cover along with the First Day commemorative Post mark from Cairo on the save Nubian monument issue

ii. Monaco

The 1st country other than Egypt to join the philatelic campaign to Save the Nubian Monuments. 

Monaco, 03 June 1961, 1v. MNH
Monaco Maxi card with First Day commemorative Post mark on the save Nubian monument issue.
Monaco, First Day Cover illustrated the submerging Sphinx
iii. Sudan

Even being one of the hosting grounds of the UNESCO campaign on Save the Nubian Monuments, Sudan joined in the philatelic campaign in 1961.

Sudan, 01 March 1961, 3v. MNH, illustrated the statue of the Nabatian King Tirhaqa in three different denomination and in three different color
Sudan, Souvenir sheet imperforate of the same issue.

2.4. International Philatelic Campaign continued, 1962

In 1962, Dismantling, transfer and reconstruction of the temple of Kalabsha by the Federal Republic of Germany continued. In February, Experts meeting on the safeguarding of the monuments of Sudanese Nubia was held. An Executive Committee of the International Campaign was created. From this year, Dismantling, cutting and transfer of the temple of Beit al-Wali and Wadi es-Sebua and of the Tomb of Pennut at Aniba with a financial contribution from the United States of America was started.

On this year along with Egypt (UAR), three other countries joined in the philatelic campaign for saving the Nubian Monuments.            

i. United Arab Republic (Egypt )

                                                                                         

Egypt, 31 October 1962, 1v. MNH illustrated the wall painting of Abu Simbel Temple depicting Queen Nefertiti crowned by Hator.
Egypt, First Day Cover commemorative Post mark from Cairo on the save Nubian monument issue, Registered post to Italy
Official Cover along commemorative Post mark from Cairo on the save Nubian monument issue, registered sent to USA
ii. Lebanese Republic
Lebanon 4v. MNH issued on 01 August 1962. The 5p and 15p illustrated the front of the smaller temple in Abu Simbel Temple and the 30p and 50p stamps are depicted with the wall curving of the Isis of Kalabsha Temple.
iii. Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia 2v. MNH issued on 10 April 1962. The 25 value shows the Priestess from the frieze of the Sun Temple at Karnak, Luxor and the 50 value shows part of the carved statue of Rameses II at Abu Simbel.
iv. United Arab Republic (Yemen)
Yemen, 01 March 1962, 2v. Perforated MNH showing the Trojen Kiosk
Yemen, First Day Cover with Commemorative Post mark from Sana on the save Nubian monument issue.
Yemen, 01 March 1962, Souvenir Sheet imperforated MNH
Yemen, First Day Cover with Commemorative Postmark on the save Nubian monument issue from Sana.