Restoration of Menkaure pyramid causes criticism: “Why not wallpaper it?”

The pyramids of Giza are monuments of bygone times. The restoration of a grave complex has now begun. There is a hail of criticism for this.

Cairo – The pyramids in Egypt were built over 4,500 years ago. The tombs are reminiscent of pharaohs and wall paintings. Time has left its mark. That is why the Menkaure pyramid, the smallest of the monuments in Giza, is now to be restored – apparently to the annoyance of experts and residents.

Pyramid is restored in Egypt: “Project of the century”

The tomb is located next to the Sphinx and the larger pyramids of Chephren and Cheops on the western edge of the Nile Valley. The restoration is intended to restore the original style of the building. The project should be completed in around three years.

According to the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, it will be the “project of the century,” he said on Facebook. At the end of January, Waziri published a video of the work on the pyramid. In the footage, workers can be seen placing granite blocks at the base of the pyramid. The project is expected to cost the equivalent of 17 million euros, reported Euronews in 2021.

Restoration of pyramid in Egypt: Expert appeals to archaeologists

But not everyone seems to agree with the plan. “Impossible!” quoted The Guardian the Egyptologist Monica Hanna. “The only thing left was to tile the pyramid of Menkaure! “When will we put an end to the absurdity in the management of Egypt’s heritage?” she fumed. The expert therefore called on all archaeologists to “mobilize immediately”. Finally, international principles on renovation would prohibit such interventions.

Users on Facebook are also annoyed that the original blocks will no longer be recognizable after the restoration. The Guardian quoted numerous comments. “Why not wallpaper the pyramids instead of tiling them?” commented one. “When will the Tower of Pisa straightening project be planned?” scoffed another.

Not just anger over the Menkaure pyramid: other projects are also being criticized

There has also recently been trouble with the maintenance of the famous Abu al-Abbas al-Morsi Mosque in the port city of Alexandria. There, the colorful and decorated ceilings were simply painted white, the British newspaper reported.

The Foreign Office recently issued dozens of travel warnings, including for Egypt. Meanwhile, in Egypt, President Al-Sisi was re-elected in December. It is his third term in office.