Restoration of one of the pyramids of Giza: Egypt considers its copy to calm controversy

Avoid scandal. Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism announced this Saturday that it has formed a study committee following the controversy surrounding the reconstruction of the Pyramid of Mikerin on the Giza Plateau.

A week ago, the head of the Egyptian Antiquities Authority, Mostafa Waziri, posted a video showing workers leveling granite blocks at the base of the lowest of the three pyramids of Giza. Immediately, many Egyptologists and Egyptians revolted, condemning the attack on the heritage and calling on UNESCO and scientists to mobilize.

Trying to end the debate in a country where the tourism sector accounts for 10% of GDP, the ministry announced that a “high-level scientific committee chaired by Zaha Hawass,” the country’s much-touted Egyptologist, would study the project. “with Egyptian, American, Czech and German experts in engineering and archaeology.”

Lively debate over heritage

“A decision will be made on whether to implement this reconstruction project” or not, the ministry says, adding that the committee will also have to take care of “the necessary procedures for coordination with UNESCO.” However, at the foot of the Mikerin pyramid, AFP journalists have already noted that work was carried out last week.

When the pyramid of Mikerinus was built, its base was covered with granite. Over time it has lost some of its coverage. The current project aims to restore this layer of granite to return the pyramid to its original appearance.

The issue of heritage conservation in Egypt, home to the Pyramid of Cheops, the only one of the Seven Wonders of Antiquity that can still be seen today, is often the subject of heated debate. The recent destruction of entire parts of historic Cairo has greatly mobilized civil society, which is largely barred from political activity and now concentrates much of its struggle against the regime in the areas of urban planning and heritage.