Tonight: Heritage Key Set to Interview Zahi Hawass in Indianapolis
When I first read about the Tut exhibition, Tutankhamen: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, at the Indianapolis Children's Museum, I have to admit that I was elated. When I found out that Zahi Hawass would be giving a lecture there, I was even more excited. So imagine how I'm feeling now, just a few hours before I will get to interview the great Dr Hawass as a special assignment for Heritage Key!
It has been twelve years since I was able to see Tut up close, at the Cairo Museum, and the thought that he would be just two hours away brought back some of the excitement I felt before going to Egypt. Of course, when I read a little further and realized that the burial mask would not be included, I have to admit I felt a little let down. I was still very excited at the prospect of seeing more than 130 artefacts from Tutankhamun's burial, along with items from other kings dating from the Fourth Dynasty all the way to the Late Period, but naturally there was some disappointment at not being able to see the most recognized face in archaeology.
But when I heard that Dr. Zahi Hawass would be speaking in Indianapolis on August 7th, my spirits lifted considerably! Like all Egypt aficionados, I follow Dr. Hawass' work with much excitement. The depth of his knowledge combined with his passion for Egypt's history can turn even the most casual observer into a fan. So plans were made for a road trip to Indy to take in the Tut Exhibition and see The Man from Egypt speak at Butler University's Clowes Memorial Hall.
Bring on Barack Obama
I will be chatting to Zahi Hawass this every evening for an exclusive Heritage Key interview. I have been working closely with Heritage Key to put together a list of questions we think you will want answered, covering everything from the tomb
"There are two important ambassadors that will help relations between Egypt and the U.S.:
One is King Tut, and the other is President Barack Obama" - Zahi Hawass
of Seti I, to the mysterious probing robot of the Great Pyramid, to the wonders of King Tut himself.Back in June, when Dr. Hawass attended the opening of the Tut Exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, he said in a speech that there are two important ambassadors that will help relations between Egypt and the U.S.:
One is King Tut, and the other is President Barack Obama. I would like to ask about another ambassador: Zahi Hawass. What role does he see Egyptology playing in world peace? How can Egypt and her complex and glorious history help expand the dialogue between different cultures today?
But for now, the road awaits. I will report back soon from my interview with Zahi Hawass. In the meantime, have a look at the videos below, to find more about out some of the things I'll be discussing with him.
Zahi Hawass on Archaeology:
Zahi Hawass Inside the Mysterious Tunnel in the Tomb of Seti I:
US President Barack Obama tours the Pyramids with Zahi Hawass:
Check out my photos of Zahi Hawass in the Heritage Key Flickr pool soon, and explore the treasures of King Tut virtually here on Heritage Key.
Read 2 comments, or leave your own
videos
Comments
The interview with Zahi Hawass went great!
I can say that Dr. Hawass is as gracious and ebullient in person as he is on TV and on stage.
But that's not what you want to read about! Click over to the interview here!
Also, I blog about the lecture itself here, so join me over there so we can speculate about who might be in the new tomb about to be revealed, not to mention what (not who) killed Tut...
As an African, I must honestly tell you that I deeply despise what Dr Hawass, an Arab, has been doing to our dead. Under the pretext of doing mankind a favour, he has led the continued defilement of our dead. If I or anyone were to go to Mecca and started digging around for the body of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, all the umaa would be rightfully justified in seeking my head.
The Prophet's burial site was made secret to prevent defilement and, we must remember, Arabs highly respect their dead the thought of digging them up would be deemed sacrilegious. Europeans similarly respect their dead, hence no tombs in Europe have been pried open to exhibit the historical figures buried in the vaults and tombs in places like Westminster Abbey and Winchester Cathedral, not even in the name of knowledge.
Why then are the Arabs encouraged to do the exact opposite? From the insulting acts of wholesale ransacking of the tombs and exhumation of the ancient Bantu/"people" is quite clear that they were not Arabs nor were they Europeans otherwise the graves and tombs would have been guarded jealously. Frankly, the wanton exhumation and exhibition of the bodies of the ancient Bantu kings is very disrespectful and blatantly racist!
When you write so effusively about Dr Hawass, I get sick to the stomach. You are giving aid and comfort to Arab cultural terrorism.
Post new comment