So far there do not seem to be any confirmed reports of damage to Egypt's archaeological heritage during nationwide protests against President Mohamed Morsi. According to Al-Ahram, Egypt's archaeological sites, museums and monuments have been secured and protection measures have increased by the Tourism and Antiquities Police, in collaboration with the army, to prevent theft or destruction.
Minister of State for Antiquities Ahmed Eissa asserted that all archaeological sites in Egypt are unharmed and welcomed its visitors. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo's Tahrir Square received 219 visitors of different nationalities while 585 people visited the Giza Plateau on Sunday and Monday, he stated. Ministry of State for Antiquities archaeology consultant Mohamed Hamada confirmed to Ahram Online that nothing happened to Hathor Temple at Mit Rahina archaeological site [Memphis], located about 24 kilometres south of Cairo. He also denied rumours that it had been set on fire. The temple is very far of the burned grass and plants, Hamada said.Nevine El-Aref , 'Hathor Temple at Mit Rahina was not set on fire', Al Ahram, Monday 1 Jul 2013
This seems to have been prompted by a fear-mongering twitter-rumour:
A huge fire in the temple of Memphis in Mit Rahina has been going for three hours and encroaches the museum. #Egypt #June30
Meanwhile a Facebook page set up to record any damage caused is mainly filled at the time of writing by stuff that happened before the weekend.
Please contact us to report any attacks on heritage sitesI think though before we sigh in collective relief, in the matter of looting of antiquity storerooms/museum stores lets wait out the next two nights. I have a feeling that if potential looters are heeding the possible implications of the army 'ultimatum', they might feel it safer to act now than later on in the week... just saying.
هذه الصفحة لبلاغات التعديات على المواقع التراثية المصرية
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