Archive for November, 2009

Image via Wikipedia Next year, the Franklin Institute will be the first stop in a traveling exhibition about the enigmatic Egyptian queen. “Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt,” opening June 5, follows the FI’s 2007 blockbuster “Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs,” which National Geographic, the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities,... »

Image via Wikipedia Switzerland voted to ban the construction of new minarets on Sunday, a surprise result certain to embarrass the neutral government and which the justice minister said could affect Swiss exports and tourism. The Swiss news agency ATS and other media said about 57.5 percent of voters and all but four of the 26... »

The government of Egypt banned Inside Egypt in 2008–the first time a book on Egyptian politics had been banned in the country in decades–and quickly rescinded it after the media firestorm that followed. Most experts believe that in the next year or so, Hosni Mubarak will step down and that his son, Gamal is the... »

When KV 62, the tomb of Tutankamun, was found, an English reporter translated a piece of text from the front of the Anubis shrine incorrectly.  She claimed it said “I will kill anyone who enters this tomb.”  But if this text represented an actual, effective curse, everyone who entered the tomb should have died... »

In a gala ceremony at the Catholic University in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, the University’s Dean, Dr. Ramon Olonso, bestowed upon Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), an honorary doctorate for his great achievement in and devotion to the field of archaeology. The ceremony was attended by... »

Image by khalid almasoud via Flickr Revenues and the number of visitors from last year are expected to be the same this year, as the effect of the global economic crisis appears to be less severe than expected. Currently, the Egyptian tourism industry is 4-5 percent below last year’s revenues. The Ministry of Tourism is investing even... »

Image via Wikipedia Djoser permitted 11 of his daughters to be buried in his pyramid, which makes the Step Pyramid the only pyramid of the Old Kingdom that was used for the burial of the king and his royal family. Why not also allow his architect Imhotep to be buried with him? Could it be... »

Image via Wikipedia The 10-month Corniche Development Project has been designed by Ain Shams University’s Faculty of Engineering and is being implemented by the army. It is budgeted at LE250 million, LE150 million provided by the Tourism Development Fund and the remaining LE100 million in the form of a European grant. Due to start in January,... »

Comments have been circulating that Egyptian authorities have forbidden the use of any visual recording device (cameras, video cameras, cellphones, etc.) at the entire Valley of the Kings, both outside and inside the tombs. According to a statement by the Egyptian Culture Ministry, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA)... »

For generations, Egypt has been a country to leave. It has long been stingy with opportunity, and its people have become exports to countries in need of laborers. Five million Egyptians work as bricklayers, carpenters and in any other jobs they can find in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and, for those with professions, Europe... »