The recent controversy surrounding a video depicting the transport of Egyptian antiquities and mummies on the Cairo metro rails has sparked contentious debate about its authenticity and accuracy. The brief clip, showing antiques being moved underground via the Shubra Line metro amidst passengers, has raised questions about its veracity.
Magdy Shaker, the chief archaeologist at Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, vehemently denounced the video, labeling it as “illogical and unrealistic.” In an interview with Mubasher Plus, he emphasized that the transportation of antiquities is meticulously planned and executed using scientifically approved methods, ruling out ordinary modes like the metro.
Shaker pointed out key inconsistencies in the video, such as the choice of the Shubra line for transporting antiquities, which he deemed far from the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza—more relevant locations for such transfers. Moreover, the seemingly indifferent behavior of passengers in the video while royal coffins were being moved defies logic, as such a spectacle would typically pique interest.
Rather than dwelling on the controversial video, the chief archaeologist highlighted genuine instances of antiquities transfers, like relocating the statue of Ramses from Ramses Square to the Grand Egyptian Museum or transporting King Khufu’s statue from the pyramids. He also mentioned the meticulous handling of royal mummies, ensuring utmost respect for the historical significance and safety of these artifacts.
Shaker called upon Egyptian security authorities to identify and penalize those accountable for circulating the fake video, underscoring the potential harm such misinformation could inflict on the credibility of the country’s official data. He also stressed the importance of transparent communication by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities to dispel doubts and thwart controversies.
Ultimately, this incident underscores the critical need for diligence and transparency in preserving and transporting Egypt’s historical treasures. It serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against the dissemination of false information that could tarnish the cultural heritage and reputation of the country.
For more information on this topic, you can visit the provided external article link.