LUXOR, Egypt — Photos of a recent wedding at the ancient Karnak Temple Complex, built over 4,000 years ago, have caused an uproar in Egypt. The debate comes amid renewed efforts by the country’s tourism and antiquities authorities to open more of the country’s archaeological and historical venues to private use to generate funds.

The photos of the event at the Pharaonic temple in the southern city of Luxor circulated on social media Oct. 4, attracting condemnation and incredulity. “This is a historical temple — one of the oldest in the world. It is not a wedding hall,” tweeted writer Yasmine al-Khateib Oct. 7.

Tharwat Ajami, adviser to the Luxor Chamber of Tourism, demanded a probe into the Ministry of Antiquities’ approval for the wedding attended by 300 people, calling it "unacceptable." In an Oct. 5 press release, Ajami stated that historical venues cannot be turned into wedding halls so that the Ministry of Antiquities can make money.

The ministry defended itself by declaring that it had authorized a dinner, not a wedding reception. In an Oct. 6 statement, the ministry said that the organizer had obtained permission for a dinner and that the ministry had charged a fine and halted future business with the company.