Restoring Overdue Credit to Egypt

Al-Ahram, Egypt, July 28

Despite its reputation for spreading homosexuality and indecency, Netflix in some cases does justice to Egypt. A movie about Cleopatra is in the works for which her whiteness will not be questioned. However, irrespective of her complexion, Egypt has much to gain from every cinematic portrayal of our country. Not long after screening the documentary Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb, Netflix is now featuring a documentary masterpiece titled Unknown: The Lost Pyramid about the efforts of the Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass to uncover a pyramid hidden in the Saqqara area. The drama lies in the process of discovery that Hawass narrates, comparing it with the five-year-long hard work by renowned British archaeologist Howard Carter to discover the tomb of Tutankhamun, alternating between despair and hope, yet never losing his unwavering persistence. This time, the Egyptians are taking charge of their own affairs, yet for decades, research into their arts and sciences has been undertaken by foreigners from various countries. Since French philologist and orientalist Jean-François Champollion unlocked the secrets of the ancient Egyptian language, Egyptology departments have been formed in foreign universities that sought credit for all their successes. While local laborers and diggers were employed, much of the glory went to others. It is concerning that even today, when pharaonic history is discussed, it is only in reference to tourism and the discoveries of foreign nations. However, Hawass and his student, Dr. Mostafa Waziri, along with a new generation of Egyptian scientists, are determined to set the record straight. Through scientific investigation and patient, meticulous deliberation, they seek to ensure that this intricate history is uncovered and credited to the proper nation. — Abdel-Moneim Said (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)