Hawass also expressed his deep gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, praising his pioneering cultural role in the region. He revealed that the Ruler of Sharjah once told him of his great admiration for Egypt and its civilisation. “Years ago, when he learned that some stolen Egyptian antiquities were being sold in Australia, he immediately bought them and sent them back to Egypt as a gift. When I asked why we had not heard about it, he said it did not matter, the important thing is to remain in the hearts of the people,” Hawass said.
Speaking about the Grand Egyptian Museum, Hawass noted that global interest in its opening stems from the fact that it will display 5,000 artefacts belonging to Tutankhamun, showcased together for the first time. He said visitors are always fascinated by the museum’s innovative exhibition design and narrative presentation.
Moreover, Hawass explained that the museum’s construction faced major challenges, starting with the relocation of the colossal statue of King Ramses II, which weighs 83 tons, and the transfer of the first Khufu Solar Boat. “Visitors to the museum can also see the Sun Boats Hall,” he added.
Hawass praised Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi for his decisive role in completing the museum project. “The credit goes to President El-Sisi, who insisted on continuing the work despite Egypt’s economic challenges.”
During a visual presentation, Hawass offered the Sharjah audience a detailed explanation of how the pyramids were built, outlining the engineering and construction techniques used by the ancient Egyptians. He refuted all unscientific and mythical theories suggesting that extraterrestrial forces were involved in building the pyramids.
Furthermore, Hawass described the precise engineering methods used by the ancient Egyptians to lift heavy stones and align architectural angles with remarkable accuracy. He also discussed the use of modern robotics to explore and clean narrow pyramid shafts. “Using advanced equipment, we discovered a 30-metre-long void inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, sealed by a door. Next year, we will announce to the world what lies behind that door, and I believe it could be the burial chamber of King Khufu,” he said.
Hawass revealed that Egypt has around 120 pyramids, each differing in structure and design. He described the construction of Khufu’s Great Pyramid as unique, explaining that the ancient builders laid a square base, then organised workers along its four sides to build a foundation eight metres deep using massive stone blocks.
During the session, Hawass shared his lifelong dream of discovering the tomb of Imhotep, the architectural genius who designed the Step Pyramid of Djoser. “Finding his tomb would surpass even the discovery of Tutankhamun’s,” he said, adding that he also hopes to uncover the tomb of Queen Nefertiti soon.
When asked what the world can learn from ancient Egyptians, Hawass said they taught humanity the value of justice and truth. “Egypt was the first to discover the principles of right and justice, and King Khufu was the greatest ruler in history,” he said.
Hawass emphasised the need to continue efforts to repatriate stolen Egyptian antiquities worldwide, describing it as not merely a national cause but a matter of historical and civilisational rights. He noted his efforts to reclaim major artefacts such as the bust of Nefertiti, the Rosetta Stone, and the celestial dome, though some museums refused to return them.
He concluded by stressing that this mission extends beyond Egypt, calling for a global stand against colonial-era practices still exercised by certain cultural institutions. He urged museums worldwide to reject the purchase of looted artefacts and to adhere to ethical standards that protect humanity’s shared heritage.
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