The recent controversy surrounding the restoration of the lion statues on the Qasr al-Nil Bridge has sparked strong reactions on social media, highlighting the challenges of preserving cultural heritage in Egypt. The controversial intervention on these historical symbols has raised questions about the country’s antiquities maintenance and restoration practices.
Gamal Mostafa, head of the Islamic and Coptic Antiquities sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, tried to calm the situation by explaining that the work undertaken on the statues was part of a maintenance operation, not a full restoration. He stressed that the people in charge of the work were qualified specialists, and that the Cairo governorate was the owner of the statues.
However, despite these assurances, criticism was quick to come. The Fine Arts Syndicate denounced the method used for the restoration, calling the use of paint rollers a major mistake and a violation of the scientific and technical rules of maintenance work. According to him, this approach risks damaging the artistic value of the statues, jeopardizing their historical integrity.
Magdy Shaker, chief archaeologist at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, stressed the importance of entrusting the restoration of antiquities to specialized experts. He highlighted the lack of coordination between the different parties involved in this work, stressing the need to use qualified professionals to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.
The incident of the lion statues of the Qasr al-Nil Bridge highlights the challenges Egypt faces in preserving its rich historical heritage. It also highlights the importance of raising public awareness about the importance of protecting these cultural treasures for future generations. Hopefully, this controversy will serve as a catalyst for more rigorous preservation practices that respect Egyptian history and culture.