Fijet Bulgaria: Big Event in favour of EGYPT

Sofia, Plamen

StarevDr Zahi Hawass visited Bulgaria in the period January 25^th-28^th. He was in Sofia in order to attend a series of events. He gave a press conference in which he emphasized Egypt’s security and called on Bulgarian journalists to write that Egypt is a safe tourist destination.

At the press conference, he said that he will deliver a public lecture in which he will state his opinion on three issues: Whether there is a second tomb in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The truth about Tutankhamun’s death. The last results of his search for the grave of Mark Anthony and Cleopatra. The press conference was covered by all important Bulgarian media, including 5 national televisions. The second important reason for Dr Hawass’ visit was for him to receive the degree Doctor Honoris Causa at the New Bulgarian University. The degree was  presented to him by the most famous Bulgarian Egyptologist and former Minister of Science and Education Professor Sergey Ignatov. "I will be happy to take part, together with my Bulgarian colleagues, in the excavations at the Valley of the Bulgarian Kings,” stated Dr Hawass. He added that there are many resemblances between the ancient Egyptians and the Thracians. “There are similarities in terms of lifestyle, certain traditions and even writing. The Thracian signs have been influenced by both the ancient Egyptian and the ancient Greek writing.”* On the next day, Dr Hawass delivered a public lecture on the history of ancient Egypt. There was enormous interest in the lecture. One of the largest halls in Sofia was not big enough to accommodate all the people who wished to listen to the lector. Tens of people from Sofia remained outside in the hope of hearing at least part of the lecture. The event started by noting the 90^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Bulgaria. Short speeches were made by Egypt’s Ambassador to Bulgaria – Mrs. Manal El Shinnawi and Dr. Adel El Masry, General Director of the International Tourism Department at the Egyptian Tourist Authority. Dr Hawass began the lecture with an introduction about his personal efforts and the efforts of the Egyptian state to preserve the precious monuments of the Egyptian culture. After that, he elaborated on his latest discoveries. Via an abundance of visual material, he showed how, with the help of a robot, he is attempting to uncover the secrets of the Great Pyramid. His expedition has reached the third door and has ordered a special robot from a Japanese company, hoping that with its help they will discovered what lies behind the third door by the end of the year.Dr Hawass categorically rejected the possibility for secret tunnels to exist under the Sphynx connecting it to the pyramids. He stated that he has dug 32 holes under the Sphynx and there are no signs of tunnels. There is a solid rock under the surface.While telling the audience about the excavations at the pyramids, he was unequivocal that no slaves have been used for their construction. According to him, 10,000 Egyptians have taken part in the construction of the pyramids.The lector described in detail the story about the discovery of Tutankhamun’s family with the help of DNA tests and a CAT scan, as well as that of the identification of the mummy of Queen Hatshepsut. The famous Egyptologist also discussed the mysteries surrounding the murder of Ramses III.He paid special attention to the theory of Nicholas Reevs that Nefertiti is buried in Tutankhamun’s tomb. In his opinion, this theory cannot be confirmed. It is being supported artificially because of the interest in ancient Eqypt. Reevs relies on replicas instead of the existing three-dimensional photographs. Dr Hawass is convinced that there is no way that there is a tomb for Nefertiti in Tutankhamun’s tomb. Nefertiti worshipped God Atun and there is no way that the priests who worshipped God Amun would have agreed to accept her mortal remains in Tutankhamun’s tomb. Dr Hawass expressed his concern that if Reevs is allowed to use an optical camera inside the tomb, the priceless frescos on the walls might be damaged irreversibly. In his lecture, Dr Hawass paid special attention to one of his favourites – Tutankhamun. On the screen, he showed his personal meeting with him – face to face, when the mummy was unveiled in order to be scanned with a computer tomograph. This examination has provided the opportunity to prove that he did not die from a blow to the head as many people believe. The analysis showed that the hole in the back of his head was made during the mummification process. The examination proved that Tutankhamun died at the age of 19. This probably happened soon after he broke his left leg.