Opinion: Against tomb replicas
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Apparently, the exhalations of tourists in Egypt are threatening the very existence of the tombs of Tutankhamun and his fellow pharaohs. So they are going to be banned. A lot of people will tut-tut, but I think this is a responsible step to stop the humidity and fungus – caused by inconsiderate and wilful breathing – eating away at the ornate decoration.
But what causes a sharp intake of breath is the Egyptian authorities’ associated plan to build replicas of the tombs on a nearby site in the Valley of the Kings. While it is a crying shame that thousands of future tourists may be denied the chance to see this great wonder, I am always uncomfortable with such elements of artificial tourism. If I can’t see the genuine thing, what’s the point of looking at a fibreglass copy? It’s not the same – I’d rather see photographs or an audio visual tour. Or go somewhere else.
Tourism is a wonderful business but lines must be drawn when pandering to its whims. Theme parks are fine; I like them. They are what they are – created to provide thrills and entertainment. But when I want some history and culture, I want the real thing, whether or not I can touch or feel it, and if what I am looking at is not the genuine, centuries-old thing then, well, it’s not history it’s kitsch.
Graham Balmforth fot ttglive.com
Private Tour: Luxor West Bank, Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple
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