This 4,500 Pyramid Was Going to Be Covered in Granite, Fueling a Major Problem in Egypt

While aimed at returning the monument to how it once looked in the past, archaeologists, researchers, and Egyptologists have spoken out against the decision, with many expressing their concern.

News of a project, led by the head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziry, plans to cover the entirety of the structure in granite casing stones, which has upset a lot of people.

Only around four or five rows of granite casing stones are witnessed at the bottom today. Waziry believes it should be restored to its original state.

The video shows several workers standing around the base of Menkaure’s pyramid as they observe the ancient granite blocks.

According to the head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, the restoration work is “the project of the century.”

Waziry, who’s currently overseeing the team’s efforts, claimed the project is “Egypt’s gift to the world in the 21st century.”

Hundreds of negative replies from archaeologists and history enthusiasts litter the comments section of the video.

“When are we going to stop the absurdity in the management of Egyptian heritage?” she asked.

“Interfering with the nature of the monument can cause visible problems and major damage,” she said.

He believes the project should be approached with caution as numerous risks are clearly evident.

“It is destroying an ancient monument, legacy for all humanity, not only the today’s country of Egypt. Please respect the past, do not make Disneyland from ancient legacy. These monuments not only for people who want to make nice selfie photo,” wrote one man.

“As long as the stones used are the ones found around it, and not adding new ones that do not belong to the pyramid,” he said.

“It’s too early now to discuss the reinstallation. Study results will be put forward to the international committee before any next steps are taken,” Waziry said.

Originally adorned with granite, much of Menkaure’s covering eroded over time. However, the sheer volume of online criticism that this project faced has prompted Egypt’s antiquities authority to halt work on the monument.

“What I want to say is don’t worry, the pyramids of Giza are safe, and nothing will happen to them,” Zahi Hawass, a former minister of antiquities who headed the committee, said.

“People everywhere are calling me, writing letters, emails. They are worried. Don’t be worried at all, the pyramids are safe, and no one can touch the pyramid of Menkaure.”

The broader plans include building the Grand Egyptian Museums, local infrastructure, and establishing new and improved visitor facilities.

The billion-dollar museum features 12 exhibition halls and hopes to create a series of gardens that help to create a favorable microclimate.

The Egyptian government and the museum have remained tight-lipped about the exact opening date of the museum, but murmurs suggest there could be a late 2024 opening.

This ancient structure, boasting a remarkable age of around 4,700 years, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of its time.

Recognized by Al-Ahram as the world’s oldest monumental stone building still standing, it resides within the Saqqara funeral complex, situated outside the royal capital of Memphis—a UNESCO World Heritage Site located south of modern Cairo.

Imhotep, Djoser’s chief minister, is widely acclaimed as the architect behind this marvel. Imhotep, a multifaceted figure described as a sage, vizier, and astrologer, left an indelible mark on Egyptian history through his architectural contributions.

It is attributed to him that he may have been the trailblazer in utilizing stone columns for supporting architectural structures—an advancement marking a significant milestone in construction practices. Imhotep adeptly employed established techniques for stone walling, flooring, lintels, and jambs, showcasing his mastery in creating colossal structures entirely crafted from stone.

However, these efforts faced interruptions in 2011 and 2012 due to Egypt’s popular uprising and the subsequent overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak. Despite these setbacks, restoration work resumed in 2013, underscoring Egypt’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage.

The removal of debris revealed a striking 176-ton granite sarcophagus, standing nearly 5 meters (16 feet) tall—an awe-inspiring testament to the grandeur of ancient Egyptian burial practices.

These additions not only contribute to the overall visitor experience but also align with contemporary standards of inclusivity.

This financial commitment underscores the significance Egypt places on preserving its cultural heritage and ensuring that future generations can marvel at the wonders of the ancient world.

As visitors now have the opportunity to explore the Djoser pyramid, they embark on a journey through millennia, connecting with the distant past and appreciating the architectural ingenuity that shaped civilizations.

Residents of Alexandria were surprised to discover that renovations had been made to Egypt’s second-oldest mosque, erasing decorations that adorned the mosque since its construction.

These videos sparked backlash in Alexandria, causing a special committee to be formed to make a case to those who oversaw the restoration project.”

This is one of the restoration projects that have caused distrust among many Egyptians, as they fear their heritage and landmark sites are being destroyed in favor of monetary gain.

However, heritage preservation in Egypt has been largely a heated debate in the country and online.

However, they are concentrating on challenging President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s government on urban planning and heritage issues.

With many of Egypt’s treasures being lost, many feel that the country should focus on preserving and protecting them.

Other museums, like the Malawi National Museum, have been looted over the years, adding to civil society groups’ concerns.