CAIRO: The German Archaeological Institute in Cairo (DAI) celebrated Sunday its centennial presence in Egypt to highlight the efforts and achievements of German archaeologists in the field as well as the cultural cooperation between Egypt and Germany over the last century.
The inaugural celebration that was organized at the Conrad Hotel in Cairo was attended by Bernd Erbel, the German ambassador to Egypt, DAI’s chief archaeologists as well as Zahi Hawass, head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA).
“What many don’t really know is that the German Archaeological Institute started its operations earlier than 1907 when it launched an office in Italy in the late 19th century, said Hermann Parzinger, director of the DAI.
“But having expanded our archaeological discoveries in Egypt as well as in other parts of the world over the last century, we have become aware that more than just boosting any country’s cultural heritage, archaeological missions are now an economic necessity. The more excavations yield fruit in any country the more it comes to the attention of tourists and travel agencies, he added.
“Many come and ask me about the necessity of involving foreign missions in excavations, said Hawass. “But again I have to stress that had it not been for the foreign archaeological teams that have operated in Egypt since the last century, there wouldn’t have been anything called Egyptology.
He added, “The future of this science is bound to the expertise of the archaeological institutes and colleges in France, Germany, Britain and the US. Many Egyptian archaeology students and experts are sent to learn in these places and come back to benefit their country in areas like excavation and restoration.
On the occasion of the DAI’s 100th anniversary, several events are scheduled to take place including an international symposium that will be organized from Nov. 18-22 at the Conrad Hotel to highlight the institute’s achievements during the past 50 years.
The Egyptian Museum will host a special exhibition starting Nov.19 displaying, for the first time, the artifacts recovered by the German archaeological teams from Abu Mina, Maadi, Abydos, Dra Abu Naga in Luxor, and the Elephantine in Aswan.
Several publications on the DAI’s achievements and activities throughout the last hundred years will also be available.
Focusing on DAI’s latest contributions, Hawass highlighted the remarkable discovery of the two coffins at Dra Abu Naga, Luxor.
“As the German teams excavated in Luxor in 2004, two beautifully decorated and nearly undamaged coffin ensemble at a shaft at the necropolis of Dra Abu Naga.
“This consisted of a big coffin that embodied a smaller one. Both belong to the 13th Dynasty, of which we know little due to the dearth of monuments relating to that period. It is currently exhibited at the Luxor Museum.
Hawass noted that the Monotheistic Museum that is scheduled to open in Menya in 2009 is the fruit of the Egyptian-German cooperation. “This pyramid-shaped museum is located at Tal Elamarna and it’s the first of its kind since it will highlight the concept of monotheism in ancient Egypt.
“We are currently negotiating with the German archaeological authorities the possibility of borrowing the bust of Queen Nefertiti that is one of Berlin Museum’s exhibits.
“According to international laws relating to antiquities, the bust belongs to Germany and we can’t claim it, but we share with the German archaeological officials, who are considering our request, their concern about the fragility of the bust.
“It is worthwhile for the wife of Akhenaton and queen of Tal Elamarna to be present at the inauguration of that museum but if tests reveal that it wouldn’t be safe we can’t press our request, explained Hawass.
For further details please visit www.dainst.org/Kairo100jahre
