Certainly! Here’s the translated news article in markdown formatting:
The announcement by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt a few days ago about its project to restore the covering of the Menkaure Pyramid with fallen granite has sparked a debate of an archaeological nature. Some see it as “the largest jigsaw puzzle in history,” in which fallen granite stones will be matched to the stones of the pyramid to restore its original form. However, a majority view it as a removal of the pyramid’s archaeological cloak.
While both sides have cited international treaties that Egypt is committed to implementing, they have overlooked the scientific dimension that may decisively sway the issue in favor of rejecting the project, even if its implementation is archaeologically permissible.
Archaeologically, Mustafa Waziri, the head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt, believes that the project – described as “Egypt’s gift to the world” – will provide contemporary visitors with a glimpse of the original splendor of the pyramid, originally consisting of 16 layers of granite blocks of which only seven layers remain today.
Supported by a few archaeologists and heritage enthusiasts, including the historian and writer Bassam Al-Shamma, who described the restoration of the pyramid with granite as “the largest jigsaw puzzle in history,” some have criticized the wide rejection of the project as personal vendettas without logical reasoning.
On the other hand, the majority of the archaeological community opposes the project. Egyptologist Monica Hanna has called for a more conservative approach that focuses on preserving the structure as it stands today rather than attempting to recreate its original appearance.
She described the project as “mischief in the management of Egyptian heritage,” affirming that “international principles of archaeological restoration generally prohibit such wide-scale interventions.”
Notably, no one has considered the scientific aspect of the project and whether the reattachment of granite to the pyramid would affect its structural integrity. This question underscores the need for a thorough scientific assessment before making a decision to approve or reject the project.
Current Situation Evaluation
The questions posed by the experts stem from an evaluation of the current situation in the area, as detailed in a study by the geotechnical engineering expert at the Faculty of Archaeology, Cairo University, Sayed Hameda. The study, published three years ago in the “Heritage Science” journal, addresses the threat to the Giza Pyramids area posed by a shallow groundwater layer covering the pyramid plateau and the Great Sphinx, with groundwater depths ranging from 4 to 7 meters. Moreover, the study underscores the deterioration of many parts of the pyramids due to material aging and the impact of weather and water, affecting the limestone blocks that support the pyramids, many of which have become detached.
The study also focuses on the granite layers still covering the Menkaure Pyramid (seven layers). It reveals a clear deterioration in the granite blocks covering the pyramid, attributed to a complex process resulting from various factors such as regional climatic conditions, rising levels of groundwater due to water seepage from irrigation channels in the suburbs, and the comprehensive urban expansion surrounding the Giza Pyramids.
Additionally, various forms of weathering affect the granite blocks, and the study emphasizes the importance of evaluating the mineral content in the fallen granite, potential differences from the granite still covering the pyramid, and the possibility of an interaction between the minerals in the fallen granite and the pyramid structure.
Five Legitimate Questions
Given the current description of the area and its issues, Mohamed El-Shadly, an expert in restoration at the Faculty of Archaeology, South Valley University, emphasizes that one of the questions that must be addressed before implementing this project is: ‘Has the current state of the fallen granite blocks been studied regarding the weathering factors, evident deterioration, and structural issues, and is it more prudent to restore the existing blocks properly or reattach the fallen blocks?’
The second question pertains to the project’s sustainability: ‘Has the environmental conditions of the area, including the climate, groundwater levels, and other external factors, been studied, and how will they impact the sustainability of this proposed intervention?’
With regard to the minerals in the granite, has the mineral content of the fallen granite been evaluated, and are there differences compared to the granite still covering the pyramid, possibly leading to an interaction between the granite minerals and the pyramid structure?
An archaeology restoration expert with the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, who requested to remain anonymous, raises two additional questions regarding the current state of the pyramid: the deteriorating parts and the potential additional burden on the monument represented by the granite layer.
The final question raised by the Antiquities expert concerns the absorption and retention of moisture by the granite: ‘Has this aspect been considered in the sections currently covering the pyramid? Granite is known to absorb and retain moisture, potentially creating a moist microenvironment around the archaeological piece, leading to mold growth or other forms of deterioration.’
Committee to Decide the Project’s Fate
Experts advocate for the consideration of these scientific questions by the committee formed by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa, chaired by former Antiquities Minister Zahi Hawass, to decide the fate of this project, following the archaeological controversy it has sparked.
El-Shadly believes that answering these scientific questions should be a priority for the committee, as it may decide whether to cancel this project, even if it is acceptable from an archaeological perspective. Conversely, Hawass has refrained from expressing an opinion on the project, stating, “I cannot say anything until the committee completes its work.”
The committee, comprising engineers and archaeologists from Arab and foreign countries, is set to prepare a detailed scientific report on its findings and the scientific review, deciding whether to proceed with the project or not. The report will include all the necessary steps for the required coordination with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) regarding this matter.
Mustafa Waziri, head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, announcing the project (Facebook)
Original Source: Al Jazeera
