In response to the uproar over a video on the Internet apparently showing the destruction of the Great Pyramid, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has issued a statement denying any harm to the pyramid’s structure or original stones. 

The ministry explained that the video depicts work to remove modern non-archaeological construction materials (mortar) that were applied decades ago to cover the electrical network used to illuminate the pyramid.

The Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) is currently removing these materials as part of a project to modernise the lighting of the Great Pyramid. The work is being conducted without impacting the body of the pyramid or any of its original stones.

The ministry reaffirmed its full commitment to its role of protecting and preserving Egypt’s archaeological and cultural heritage, urging social-media users to verify the accuracy of information before sharing any false claims that may cause confusion and mislead public opinion.

However, despite the ministry’s assurances, some have criticised what they perceive as a lack of proper supervision during the project. Some social-media users have described the incident as a “catastrophe”, with some calling for legal action against those responsible and describing the incident as a “crime”.

The hashtag #SaveOurHeritage has gained traction as users emphasised the Pyramids’ significance as a global cultural treasure and one of the world’s most iconic monuments.

Others recall a previous incident named “marbling the pyramid” that occurred earlier this year when the former secretary-general of the SCA was planning to reinstall the stone casing of the Menkaure Pyramid.

Most have downplayed the controversy, arguing that maintenance work on modern materials is routine and necessary for improving visitor experiences at archaeological sites.

Even so, according to Hassan Mahmoud, a visitor to the site, “the pyramid is not the only historical site being destroyed, as the Islamic necropolis in Historic Cairo is being destroyed too.”

He said that even if the ministry’s statement is correct, “the work does not look good in front of the tourists who were visiting the site,” describing the action as “madness”.

Another social-media user wondered if the electrical cables could be replaced by wireless technologies and solar energy. 

“It is ironic that a stray dog’s chance appearance could unintentionally promote our antiquities without effort or expense, drawing worldwide attention to them, while the ministry uses hammers and chisels in a manner that undermines millions of dollars in investments and efforts to boost tourism,” he said, referring to a recent incident in which a dog was seen on top of the Great Pyramid.

MP Amira Abu Shoka has filed an urgent inquiry to parliament addressing the minister of tourism and antiquities over the video.

In a statement, Abu Shoka criticised the incident for tarnishing Egypt’s tourism reputation and fuelling rumours of damage to the Great Pyramid of Khufu. She said that replacing the lighting system for the Great Pyramid should not be carried out in such an “unorganised manner”. 

She highlighted the negative impacts of the incident, pointing out that the presence of the international media during the work had added to the embarrassment. She criticised the failure to temporarily close the area, which she said had harmed Egypt’s image.

Adding to the debate, rumours circulated online implicating a company owned by Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris in the incident. Sawiris publicly denied any connection, sharing the ministry’s statement to clarify the nature of the work. 

His company, which had previously signed a contract to provide visitor services at the Giza Plateau, was not involved in the lighting system project, he said.

An official in the SCA who spoke on condition of anonymity explained that electrical cables are necessary for lighting systems, as wireless technologies are not feasible for such purposes. Even solar energy, he noted, requires cables to transport power to lighting units.

Ayman Ashmawi, head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the SCA, highlighted the importance of strict oversight during maintenance work, including the presence of inspectors and restoration experts, as well as scheduling work outside visiting hours.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi has referred several officials at the Giza Plateau for disciplinary action for failing to supervise the project adequately, he said. 

The Great Pyramid of Giza, the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, is a powerful symbol of Egypt’s heritage and a cornerstone of its tourism industry. The controversy underscores the delicate balance between modernising infrastructure and preserving cultural treasures.

As the investigation continues into the pyramid incident, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, rigorous oversight, and adherence to international standards in safeguarding one of humanity’s most cherished monuments.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 21 November, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly