Egyptian Archaeologist Calls on Berlin to Return Nefertiti Bust

The bust of Queen Nefertiti, Berlin, March 1, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
The bust of Queen Nefertiti, Berlin, March 1, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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Egyptian Archaeologist Calls on Berlin to Return Nefertiti Bust

The bust of Queen Nefertiti, Berlin, March 1, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
The bust of Queen Nefertiti, Berlin, March 1, 2021. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Prominent Egyptian archaeologist and former antiquities minister Zahi Hawass has launched a petition for the return to Egypt of the pharaonic bust of Queen Nefertiti from the Neues Museum in Berlin.

Nefertiti's famous painted limestone bust was uncovered at Tell el-Amarna, around 300 km (185 miles) south of Cairo, in 1912 by a German archaeological mission, which shipped it to Berlin the following year.

Amarna was the short-lived capital of Nefertiti's husband, the 18th dynasty Pharaoh Akhenaten, who reigned until about 1335 B.C.

Akhenaten, called the heretic king, was notorious for promoting the worship of the god Aten to the exclusion of Egypt's other gods. His reign also introduced a radical change in Egyptian art.

In his petition launched on Saturday, Hawass asked for the return of the bust, saying it was removed from Egypt illegally after its discovery, Reuters reported.

"We announce today that Egypt - this is the national committee, it is not a government committee - asks for the return of the bust of Nefertiti," Hawass said.

"What I need from everyone here is to go to my website... hawasszahi.com, and you will sign, one signature, to show that you would love for this bust to come back."

Hawass said he is not calling for the repatriation of artefacts taken out of Egypt legally. His campaign is focused on repatriating "three main beautiful objects" including the bust of Nefertiti, the Rosetta Stone and the Dendera Zodiac.



Culture Ithra Winter Events Draw Over 57,000 Visitors in Less than a Month

"Ithra Winter" also provides diverse dining options at international restaurants and cafés - SPA
"Ithra Winter" also provides diverse dining options at international restaurants and cafés - SPA
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Culture Ithra Winter Events Draw Over 57,000 Visitors in Less than a Month

"Ithra Winter" also provides diverse dining options at international restaurants and cafés - SPA
"Ithra Winter" also provides diverse dining options at international restaurants and cafés - SPA

Since its launch, on December 16, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) "Ithra Winter" events have attracted over 57,000 visitors.
The diverse program, implemented at all Ithra facilities, features artistic and musical performances, workshops, interactive games, and craft exhibitions.
A highlight in the center's grand hall was a sports challenge program featuring advanced technologies.
The grand hall also houses interactive play equipment from Moment Factory studio, offering visitors four body-movement-controlled games using innovative tracking technology and collaborative multimedia platforms, SPA reported.
Ithra's gardens host artistic and handicraft workshops, guiding participants from concept to finished product.
At the Sustainability Studio, agriculture enthusiasts explored aquaponics, made plantable seed paper, and discovered the creative uses of clay.
Starting with January 2, the Energy Exhibition will host "Science Week", blending science with storytelling and humor.
"Ithra Winter" also provides diverse dining options at international restaurants and cafés.
Performances and family zones, designed to appeal to all ages and cultural backgrounds, were also part of Ithra Winter.