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Here are RECENT ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS E-MAILED TO DR. HAWASS: From: Ella Kalantarian Hello Dr Zahi Hawass My name is Ella Kalantarian. I am a big fan of yours. When I grow up I would want to be a Egyptologist. I love studying about Egypt. I read the book called CURSE OF THE PHARAOHS it was a very good book. I read about Carter and heart attacks and the curse, it was wonderful. I wish I knew Arabic but all of the people I know are too busy to teach me but I really wish that I knew. Oh yeah, that girl named DINA I read about her I think she is very lucky to see you. I wish I could see you, that would be a dream. Please write back to me. My question is how much money do you get and how much do you need to know at the age of 11 to know a lot about Egypt . That is my question. I have seen you on TV. I could never miss one of the history that you tell younger people. I think it is amazing that you're in charge of Giza. Please write back, it would be a honor. I love the things about you, you're my role model! -ur #1 fan Ella Kalantarian PS: I am from Armenia we have a lot of the same food and and tiny words with Arabic but that's not enough to speak it and my mom got the book you wrote she and I read it and we were amazed she likes archeology too. Dear Ella, Thank you for your wonderful letter. I am always very happy to hear from an aspiring young Egyptologist. Egyptology is my passion, my love, and my life! I have had a wonderful career and have discovered many secrets. My discovery of the Valley of the Golden Mummies in Bahariya Oasis is considered the greatest discovery since the tomb of King Tut. We have discovered 234 mummies to date. Each mummy tells a story. In answer to your question - You do not need a lot of money when you are young to study and learn about Egyptology. Every discovery is an adventure! I live for these moments. I can’t describe them, and I think you need to experience them for yourself. Therefore, I recommend that read everything you can on Egyptology, study very hard and when you get ready to go to university go to the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, John Hopkins University, or UCLA and become an Egyptologist. I hope that you will travel to Egypt soon and see its magic and mystery for yourself. See you in Egypt. Best Wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass
From: "Steve LeMaster" Dear Dr. Hawass I enjoy visiting your site and every time I do, I see something new and exciting. What are your plans to balance tourism and conservation of monuments at Giza? This will be a monumental task. Regards,
Steve LeMaster Dear Steve, I was very happy to hear that you like my website. Balancing tourism and the preservations of the monuments is very important. One of the things I am most proud of in my career is the site management project in Giza. It has many aspects and I plan to implement them at all the historical sites in Egypt. For example, a rotation system, having one pyramid closed for cleaning and restoration and two pyramids open to the public. Each year a different pyramid would be closed. Also rotate the tombs that are open to the public. When people come to Giza they often just come to visit the Great pyramid, the Valley Temple of Khafre and they only spend about two hours at the site. They are missing so much, there are beautiful and historic tombs that we have opened to the public and are promoting. This will take some of the stress off of the high traffic areas. We have worked on cleaning up the site, keeping the venders at bay. We have restricted the number of people that can enter the Great Pyramid to 150 a day to keep the moister and other eroding factors under control. Also, we have just completed a new entrance to the pyramid area and we are working on stopping all vehicle traffic. We will have an information center and electric cars that transport the tourist. We built a picnic ground. Many tourist come to the pyramids, especially on holidays just to have a picnic under the shadow of the pyramids, by creating a place for them we are controlling the congestion near the monuments. We are opening mew sites. And we have opened more tombs at the most popular sites We have extended the hours the Egyptian Museum is open. Until recently it closed at 4:30 and now it is open until 7pm. This will stop the rush and keep the crowds under control. I have also decided that no mission will be granted permission for new excavation projects from Giza to Abu Simbel. Teams will only be granted permission to do survey, restoration, GIS, and site management work. However, I will give permission for new excavation in the Delta and the desert. Thanks for your great question, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: Dylan Smythers Let me start by telling you I'm a huge fan of all your programs. I would also love to come and see all the wonderful things to enjoy in Egypt but my long life dream of seeing this place before I die is just a dream that will never come true unless I was to win a bunch of money. That's also just a dream. I'm 26 years old an have a wife and two step kids that are also very interested in seeing the wonders of Egypt. I also would like to know what kind of dig you are currently working on please e-mail me when you find time and good luck on your expedition. Dear Dylan: Thank you for your wonderful letter. I am always very happy to hear from people who share my passion for ancient Egypt. Egyptology is my passion, my love, and my life! I have had a wonderful career and have discovered many secrets. Currently we are working in Ain Shams (suburb of Cairo) and we have found the remains of a temple dating to the New Kingdom and several fragments of statues. This discovery is in a populated area and the SCA is in the process of purchasing the land so we can continue the excavation. If you refer to my book, "Secrets from the Sand" you can read about the other discoveries we have made in this area such as the tomb of Wadjhor. I hope that you will travel to Egypt soon and see its magic and mystery for yourself. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: judy marth Dear Dr. Hawass, This is not a question, but I do have a comment.... I never tire of watching your programs on Discovery or National Geographic channels, and listening to the great wealth of knowledge you impart. I have always been fascinated by ancient Egypt and her people - what a wonderful and exquisite culture! I envy you in that you have the opportunities to discover and bring to light people and things that have been forgotten over the centuries - a real privilege. But mostly, I have the utmost respect for you as you never let us forget that just because someone has been dead for a thousand years does not mean that they are unworthy of careful and respectful treatment. You are obviously proud and protective of your country and its heritage. The "King Tut" exhibit will be in Chicago at the Field Museum of Natural History next year. As a member, I can't wait to see it and I'll be the first in line! Oh, and your website is awesome! Sincerely, Chicago, IL Dear Judy, Thank you for your wonderful letter. I am always very happy to hear from people who share my passion for ancient Egypt. Have a great time at the Tut Exhibit in Chicago. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: Shannon Belzevick Hello and greetings from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. I wanted to let you know, your work is my inspiration! I have been following what you do, through various sites such as http://guardians.net/hawass/Fan_Club/questions_and_answers.htm, Discovery and the like. My personal opinion is you are the ONLY authority about everything Egypt in general, and some day I wish to meet with you. I was wondering, would there even be a remote chance of studying under you? This has been my life long dream, even if I cant make it to Egypt, but to learn from one of the masters. I live, eat, breath, and sleep Egyptology. Words cannot describe really how badly I want to go over there, and see it through the eyes that few get to see. Just thought I would let you know, your work is amazing, and holds many precious things for us all. I look up to you, and one day hope to follow in your shoes. Work wise, you are my hero! Talk to you later, I hope this email reaches you. Please contact me, if you have any questions! Angie Shannon Belzevick Dear Angie, Thank you for your wonderful letter. I am always very happy to hear from an aspiring young Egyptologist. If you come to Egypt, please contact my office and I will be very glad to meet with you. Good luck with your studies. I believe that it is your generation that will continue what I have started. Hope to see you in Egypt, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: "stephanie palma" Dear Dr. Hawass My name is Stephanie Palma and I am a student at Brawley Union High School in Brawley,Ca. I am a senior this year and part of my graduation requirement is to complete a senior project by writing a research paper. My research paper topic is "Large Statuary in Classical Egypt: Efforts and Methods at Stabilizaton/Restoration". Im doing research I came upon your site and saw an article on the restoration of he Sphinx of Giza. so I would like to ask you if you would let me interview you for my paper. The interview is only six questions long dealing with restoring large statuary in Egypt. Thank you for your time. Here are my questions: 1. What is the best strategy to raise money to restore any of the wonders of the ancient world?
From: Ashley Hall Dr. Hawass, Hello, my name is Ashley Hall and I am currently attending college to earn my degree in Fine Arts. I am writing a research paper for a class and I have chosen to write about the controversy over whether art should be rebuilt the way that people believe it might have been, or should it just be preserved the way that it is now. I would greatly appreciate any information from such an accredited person. Thank you for taking the time to read my email. Sincerely, Ashley Hall
Dear Stephanie and Ashley, Thank you for your letter. In order to maintain the integrity of the ancient Egyptian monuments it is important not to re-build or re-construct them. Therefore, I only believe in minimal restoration and ongoing conservation.
Good luck in your studies, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: Mike Fehr Dear Dr. Hawass, I am currently doing a university research project on The Great Pyramid of Giza (Khufu) and was wondering if you could share some insights you have had from working directly on the Pyramid with me. First, I was wondering how many chambers are there in The Great Pyramid? The common images only show a few, the main ones, but I am wondering if there are in fact many chambers in the pyramid, that due to lack of a useful function, are left off of diagrams. Secondly, I was wondering what you believe to be the age of both the Great Pyramid and The Sphinx. Third, I wanted to know whether or not there were ever any plans to restore The Great Pyramid to it's former glory? Thank you for your time. Michael Fehr. Dear Michael, Thank you for your letter. I am always happy to hear from people who share my passion for Egyptology. To answer your questions I think you should a great book, "Treasures of the Pyramids", that has many articles by the top scholars in the field and was edited by myself. Good luck with your research, Dr. Zahi Hawass
From: marzena_lichocka My name is Marzena Lichocka. I am from Poland. The history of ancient Egypt intrigues me a great deal. I am extremely fascinated by your achievements in Egyptology, your discoveries and adventures. I intend to visit Egypt. I have heard of your public lectures. I would like to ask about your upcoming lecture schedule for nearest months- started from November 2005. Where can I find it (web site/ contact person at the AUC perhaps)?. Thank you in advance for information you can give me. I shall be grateful for any help. I do hope I am not putting you to much trouble. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards, Marzena Lichocka
Dear Marzena: Thank you for your wonderful letter. I am always very happy to hear from people who share my passion for ancient Egypt. My lectures are listed on my website. Hope you come to Egypt soon to see the magic and mystery for yourself. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass From:
"Holly Shingler" Dear Dr Zahi Hawass, I just wanted to know; how does it feel to open a tomb that hasn't been touched since the time of the Pharaoh’s, and to be the only person who has set foot in there for thousands of years? Especially when the tomb hasn't been touched by Grave Robber's and the artifacts are still intact, as well as the mummy. It must be so exhilarating to find something that nobody from this day and age has laid eyes upon let alone seen anything so beautiful and unique that (in some cases) is older than Christ. I would love to hear back from you. Yours
Sincerely,
Dear Holly, Thank you for your letter. In order to answer your question I think I will tell you how I became an Egyptologist and how my passion and love for Egyptology began. When
I was young I had no idea about archeology. In fact, I only visited the
pyramids once when I was 12 years old.
I came to Cairo from my village to visit my aunt and one day she
took me to see the pyramids. When I finished high school, I wanted to be a
lawyer because I wanted to defend people and I had seen lots of lawyers in
the movies and I admired them and wanted to be like them. When I went to
the University of Alexandria I bought many law books and when I started to
read them I found that I did not like the study of law. I realized that I
did not want to be a lawyer; I did not want to practice law.
I began to look for something else and I went to the Faculty of
Arts and they told me about a new department called Archaeology. I had no
idea what this was. I joined and stayed 4 years in this department. I
focused on the Greco- Roman Period. During my study I found that this was not something that I
really liked or wanted to do. When
I graduated, I joined the Department of Antiquities in 1988 and became an
Inspector of Antiquities. And even at that time, I wanted to change my
career. I decided that I wanted to become a diplomat. I studied for one
year and I passed the written exam but I could not pass the oral exam.
Then I went back to the Department of Antiquities. After one year the
Antiquities Department decided that I would become a member of an
expedition that was excavating a site in the delta called Kom Abuo Bellou.
I left Cairo and went to this site located in the desert of the Delta. On
this site we discovered a large Pharaonic cemetery and one-day I
discovered a tomb and I found in the niche of this tomb a beautiful
statue. And then I took a brush and started to clean the sand from the
statue – at that moment I found that the eyes of the statue were looking
at my eyes and this touched my heart and I said that I found my love and
my love is Archaeology! Since that time I have dedicated my life to
archeology and I give passion to my work. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: "Rick Mitchell" Dear Dr Hawass My girlfriend Gail, who has always had an avid interest in all things Egyptian, has become a tremendous fan of yours. She scans the TV listings for shows that feature your commentary. Is there anyway that I could get an autographed photo of you to present her for the upcoming holidays? Thank you Rick
Mitchell Dear Rick, Thank
you for your letter. Please email me your girlfriends name and address and
I will send her a letter and autographed photo. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass From:
"Sharon Graham" Sincerely, Laurel Barrett
Dear
Laurel: Thank
you for your wonderful letter. I am always very happy to hear from an
aspiring young Egyptologist. Egyptology is my passion, my love, and my life! I have had a wonderful career and have discovered many secrets. My discovery of the Valley of the Golden Mummies in Barhariya Oasis is considered the greatest discovery since the tomb of King Tut. We have discovered 250 mummies to date. Each mummy tells a story. In answer to your question - You do not need a lot of money when you are young to study and learn about Egyptology. Every discovery is an adventure! I live for these moments. I can’t describe them, and I think you need to experience them for yourself. Therefore, I recommend that read everything you can on Egyptology, study very hard and when you get ready to go to university go to the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, John Hopkins University, or UCLA and become an Egyptologist. If you come to Egypt make an appointment with my office and I would be happy to meet you. See you in Egypt, Dr. Zahi Hawass From:
"Zena Thompson" Hello Dr Hawass I have recently been on a visit to Cairo and loved every minute of my time there. I have always had a love of Egypt and being able to see the pyramids close up was amazing. I even encourage my 6 year old daughter to learn as much as she can about Egypt. She already can name quite a few of the Pharaoh’s and Gods. I have spent the last 9 years in the army and now my Regiment is being disbanded in 2007 myself and another work colleague would love to use our resettlement package doing something that we would both love to do, and that is learn Egyptology. I was hoping that maybe you could offer some advice on how to go about getting started and maybe how we could put our resettlement budget to some good use. Thank you for
taking the time to read this e-mail. Zena Dear
Zena, Thank
you for your wonderful letter. I am always happy to hear from people who
share my passion for Egyptology. I recommend that you read everything you
can and attend courses at university and earn a degree in Egyptology. Good luck, Dr. Zahi Hawass From:
Lmendozae I'm
really interested in Egypt since I read about it, and I want to
know where can i study to be an archeologist, you see, I have 13 and
I'm thinking where to study archeology, and tell me more about Egyptians.
Is there any camp of my age where I can enter to find fossils, see
the magic, and beauty of Egypt? Please let me now 'cause I'm really
interested in the subject. Sincerely,
A
fan, Estefany Valdez
Dear Estefany: Thank
you for your wonderful letter. I am always very happy to hear from an
aspiring young Egyptologist. Egyptology is my passion, my love, and my life! I have had a wonderful career and have discovered many secrets. My discovery of the Valley of the Golden Mummies in Barhariya Oasis is considered the greatest discovery since the tomb of King Tut. We have discovered 250 mummies to date. Each mummy tells a story. In answer to your question - You do not need a lot of money when you are young to study and learn about Egyptology. Every discovery is an adventure! I live for these moments. I can’t describe them, and I think you need to experience them for yourself. Therefore, I recommend that read everything you can on Egyptology, study very hard and when you get ready to go to university go to the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, John Hopkins University, or UCLA and become an Egyptologist. If you come to Egypt make an appointment with my office and I would be happy to meet you. See you in Egypt, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: "D Hurst" Hello Dr. Hawass, May I firstly congratulate you on the fine job you are doing. Your comments are always of interest. I was lucky enough to realise a life long ambition to visit Egypt last November, the Nile cruise was fantastic. By far the best holiday I have had for many years. The Egyptian people are so kind and nothing was too much trouble.....thank you. The question I have for you is why are the monuments and tombs so cheap to visit? I am sure visitors would not think twice about paying 2 or 3 times more to visit the temples monuments and tombs. The extra revenue would surely help toward more efficient conservation. How much would it cost to visit the Tower of London or Buckingham palace?..... Last question......... Will the treasures of Tutankhamun ever come to England again? Kindest regards David Hurst
Dear
David, Thank you for your letter. I am always happy to hear from someone who shares my passion for Egyptology. The problem of balancing tourism with the protection of the monuments is a top priority. Of course your point on the admission fees is valid. One of the things I am most proud of in my career is the site management project in Giza. It has many aspects and I plan to implement them at all the historical sites in Egypt. For example, a rotation system, having one pyramid closed for cleaning and restoration and two pyramids open to the public. Each year a different pyramid would be closed. Also rotate the tombs that are open to the public. When people come to Giza they often just come to visit the Great pyramid, the Valley Temple of Khafre and they only spend about two hours at the site. They are missing so much, there are beautiful and historic tombs that we have opened to the public and are promoting. This will take some of the stress off of the high traffic areas. We have worked on cleaning up the site, keeping the venders at bay. We have restricted the number of people that can enter the Great Pyramid to 150 a day to keep the moister and other eroding factors under control. Also, we have just completed a new entrance to the pyramid area and we are working on stopping all vehicle traffic. We will have an information center and electric cars that transport the tourist. We built a picnic ground. Many tourist come to the pyramids, especially on holidays just to have a picnic under the shadow of the pyramids, by creating a place for them we are controlling the congestion near the monuments. We
are opening new sites. And we have opened more tombs at the most popular
sites We have extended the hours the Egyptian Museum is open. Until
recently it closed at 4:30 and now it is open until 7pm. This will stop
the rush and keep the crowds under control. I have also decided that no
mission will be granted permission for new excavation projects from Giza
to Abu Simbel. Teams will only be granted permission to do survey,
restoration, GIS, and site management work.
However, I will give permission for new excavation in the Delta and
the desert. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi HawassFrom:
"Elizabeth Hintz" Hi! My name is Sarah Marsteller, and I am eleven years old. I go to Eastern Middle School and I am in the sixth grade. I have a few questions to ask you. For school, my friends and I are doing a research project on Ancient Egypt. Part of the assignment is to write a diary of someone who lives in Ancient Egypt. We have collected all our info and done all our research, and we basically know what we're going to write, but if you have any tips/hints that you could tell me that would be great. Thanks! --- Sarah Dear Sarah, Thank you for your wonderful letter. It sounds like a very interesting project. I would love to read your work. Please email me a copy of your diary entry. Good luck with your studies, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: "Marianne"
I do not have a question. Please accept my 'thank you.' Thank you for allowing your beautiful Egypt to be filmed and photographed for the world to see. My heart is filled with love for your country and I hope to visit at least once in my lifetime. I was a student at UC Berkeley, earning a degree in Anthropology. I focused on Mesoamerica, but my heart has always belonged to Egypt. When I was a little 7-year old girl in elementary school here in my home in Northern California, unhappy from my brother's death, I did not want to play with the other children. Instead I stayed in the school library. One day I was wandering through the library and found a picture book of Egypt. The photos were mostly of antiquities from King Tut. Needless to say I was struck and amazed by something that touched my heart so deeply; I shall never forget that moment. My tears of sadness turned into joy at my first great discovery! Dr. Hawass, I am now 48-years old and still have that dream to become an archaeologist, and Egyptologist! You have rekindled that spirit within me. While I may never see this dream come to fruition, thank you for keeping my dream alive. I thank you very much for the passion you show in your work, and the dedication to your cultural roots and the archaeological community. Please know I support your cause in having all of Egypt's wonderful antiquities returned to their rightful homeland. You are an amazing man and I hope when I do make my trek to Egypt that I will have the pleasure of meeting you so I may give my thanks to you in person. With deep admiration, Marianne Martinez Dear Marianne, Thank you for your wonderful letter. I love hearing from people who share my passion for Egyptology. Never give up your dream to become an archaeologist. This field needs passion and dedication. I hope that you will come to Egypt soon and see the magic and mystery for yourself. Good luck with your studies, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: Bbluzman Dr.
Hawass, Charles
Dear
Charles, Thank
you for your letter. I am glad that you enjoyed my response on the show.
The discovery of the tombs of the pyramid builders in Giza prove that the
pyramids were built by Egyptians, not slaves, aliens or people of a lost
civilization. I hope you come to Egypt soon to see the magic and mystery for yourself… Dr. Zahi Hawass From: "Paul Misner" Subject:
You have been drafted as an honorary Grandfather. Dr. Hawass: My soon to be six year old has become an expert Egyptologist. We had found out when he was 4 that he taught himself to read. He reads adult level books on Egypt and we listened to the Teaching Company lectures on ancient Egypt by Bob Brier. His knowledge and recall are unbelievable. We enjoy watching a number of shows on ancient Egypt, and you're in most of the good ones. He loves you. He says "that Dr. Hawass knows more about Ancient Egypt than me even." One night I was joking with Nathan. I said, "Would you like Dr. Hawass to be your honorary grandfather". His face lit up like it was Christmas morning. "Oh yes!", he said, and he was almost shaking. So I'm drafting you. You are now in service as a Grandpop to an amazing beautiful young man. Congratulations. Sir, part of the reason I'm writing you is for him, but also part of the reason is for me. I was wondering if you could do me the favor of sending Nathan an autographed picture of yourself, with something like "Nathan, keep up the good work. We need more Egyptologists"? I'll compensate you for any charges involved. But I also could use any advice on how to channel this love. Right now he's looking at the British Museum's Ancient Egypt collection online. He's read all of the kids level books in the library, and I have him going in the adult collection now. His teacher tested him at reading past a sixth grade level. Thank you for all the knowledge and joy you've brought us. Your passion for what you do is evident whenever I see you. God bless you Dr. Hawass. Paul Misner
Dear
Paul, WOW!!!!
Your son sounds amazing! I am honored that he would want me to be his
honorary grandfather. Please tell your son that I would love to meet him
and if you come to Egypt let me know and I will arrange a meeting in my
office. I will send him a letter and autographed photo. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi HawassFrom: Nancy Underwood Dear Dr. Hawass, This is not to ask a question but only to thank you for protecting the interests of Egypt (old and new). I agree with so many of your views. You are correct ( in my view) for not allowing the movie about Moses and Akhenaten. I read the book and spent much of my journey as I read the book going...huh?? I also agree with your decision concerning Dr Fletcher. I know many view your decisions as "hard nosed". But to protect Egypt, its treasures, history and the Egyptian peoples birth right. One must take a stand.
I am traveling to Egypt in March 2006 for a little over three weeks ( my
first time in Egypt) for a mixture of business and pleasure and am
bringing my 12 year old daughter with me. She is a walking Egyptian
encyclopedia and hopes to be an Egyptologist some day. Perhaps we may
cross paths in our journey. But even if we don't, know that this American
thanks you from the bottom of her heart for all that you do for Egypt and
its people. With respect, Nancy Underwood PS The Rosetta stone should be back in Egypt where it belongs!
Dear Nancy, Thank you for your wonderful letter. I always love hearing from people who share my passion for Egyptology. I hope you enjoy your visit to Egypt. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass
hello Dr Zahi i want to tell you something i am a student in the faculty of arts, department of archaeology , i adore archaeology and excavations. i really want to be someone like Mariet , lebsiuos, Betri and so on......... i read a lot of books that talking about archaeology for both egyptions and foriegners...iam also taking courses in german and i wll take english later.. i will dedicate my life to archaeology like you exactly.. who knows, may be i will meet you in the future and tell you my suggestions about our great monuments.. thank you Dr. zahi bye..........
Thank you for your letter! I always love hearing from aspiring young Egyptologists. Good luck with your studies, Dr. Zahi Hawass From:
"Front Desk" Dear
Dr. Hawass, I
just wanted to thank you for having the courage to request the museums of
the world to return the Egyptian antiquities they have in their
collections. For
years I’ve wondered why it was that Egypt never demanded the return of
her stolen cultural treasures –why it is that the Rosetta Stone lies in
the hands of the British Museum; why the temple of Dendur resides in The
Met; why “Cleopatra’s Needles” reside in London and New York, etc. Anyway,
thank you again for all you’ve done for Egyptology. Sincerely, Leslie
Moore
Dear
Leslie: I
was very happy to receive your email. It is always nice to hear from
people who share my passion for ancient Egypt. When I became the Secretary
General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities we established
a new department to track stolen artifacts through Interlope. This
department is working with law institutions world wide to track down
artifacts in museums and in private collections and make sure that they
are safely returned. Thanks
for your concern, Dr.
Zahi Hawass From: Steven Bistransky Dear Dr. Hawass: Is there any hope that the pyramid of Khafre contains additional chambers or hallways? I know that there was a survey some ten or more years ago using state of the art science. Today that science has been surpassed. What are your thoughts about this matter? Also, will there be additional exploration in the West Valley adjacent to the Valley of the Kings and what may be found there Doctor, I have visited Egypt five times since 1996. I plan to travel to your homeland again in April, 2006. I will be there for five weeks. Is there any chance I might visit the Tomb of Seti I? I have made friends in both Cairo and Luxor because I have spent a total of four months in your country. I am fifty-eight years old and Egypt has been a subject of study for me since I was seven years old when I first saw the Hollywood epic "The Egyptian" at the movie theater. If you can provide any consideration during my new trip, I will be in your debt for the rest of my life. Thank you for your attention. One of your admirers, Steven Bistransky
Dear
Steven: Thank you for your letter. Concerning getting a permission to visit tombs: you need to send a formal request with the dates, times and exactly what you want to see. Please email my email with all the details. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: Nidhi Shekar respected sir, my name is Nidhi C.Shekar. i'm living in india and i'm 13 years old. i'm very much interested in egypt. in fact, i have senn all the movies on egypt, all the websites giving information on egypt. i'm very much interested in Hieroglypics. In fact, i have ordered some books on 'how to learn hieroglypics' and also a book of yours-'beyond the sand'. my question to you is:- as you have come across many curses on tombs.stones.etc. DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE CURSES?WHAT MAKES YOU TO BELIEVE THEM? PLEASE SIR, inform me about yr answer. your contributions to egypt is great and i can make out that whenever u discover something, they'll be a shine on your face. -yours sincerely, -nidhi
Dear
Nidhi, Thank
you for your wonderful letter. To learn about the curse and my opinion you
need to read my book "Curse of the Pharoahs". Best wishes, Dr. Zahi HawassDear Dr. Hawass: I am attaching a digital
photo of a rather unusual faience scarab which I inherited many years ago.
It was originally purchased by my fraternal Grandmother in Egypt in the
1920's.
Dear
Brain, Thank
you for your letter. It is a beautiful ring. As for the second scarab, it
is part of a name written in hieroglyphs. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi HawassFrom: "Firedog One" Is
there any way in borrowing a small model of a Pyramid? Is
there any way you could visit my class? Our class is studying
Ancient Egypt; 6th grade, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Thanks! Jose St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands Dear
Jose, Thank
you for your letter. I do not have any plans to visit St. Croix anytime
soon. However, if you come to Egypt I would love to meet you! Best wishes, Dr. Zahi HawassFrom: "Elisabeth" Can you tell me who is the man or the woman of Saqqara of this May 2005? Thank you very much. ELISABETH Dear
Elisabeth, Thank
you for your letter. I think you are asking me about the mummy that we recently
discovered in Saqqara. You can read all about this beautiful painted
mummy on my website and also see the photos. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: "Lisa LeBlanc" Dear Dr. Hawass My name is Dylan LeBlanc. I am 14 years old and a resident of South Bend Indiana in the United States. I am writing to you to ask a brief question. My goal in life is to become an Egyptologist, for Egypt has fascinated me since I could talk. The question I would like to ask you is on the topic of the ancient Egyptian religion. Throughout all of my reading of Egyptian religious literature and commentary, I have seen immense bias toward the subject of state religion and the beliefs of the learned. But what I was wondering is how much knowledge did the everyday people (peasants, farmers, etc.) have of the formal religion, the religion practiced by the pharaoh and his attendants? If you could shed some light of the matter for me, I would be most grateful. Also, as I enter high school this year, it will be time to begin thinking about college and where I can obtain my Ph.D in Egyptology. The college I am currently looking into is Brown University. If you could possibly share your thoughts on their program I would appreciate it. Thank You. Sincerely, Dylan LeBlanc
Dear
Dylan, Thank you for your letter. I always love to hear from aspiring young Egyptologists. I
always say that the history of Egypt is our shared heritage. It marks the
beginning of civilization and therefore it is part of everyone’s past.
Young people are our future and it will be in their hands that we leave
the important monuments of ancient Egypt. Therefore, we must equip them
with the tools needed to protect Egypt’s rich history. We have started
field schools to teach our Inspectors of Antiquities the new conservation
and restoration methods. We have also started many programs in Egypt to
educate the young people such as a new children’s school at the Egyptian
Museum and new programs are being established in the Egyptian school
system that will have models of 25 masterpieces from the Egyptian Museums. I
always tell young people that working hard is not enough that they have to
have passion for their work. I recommend that they read everything they
can on Egyptology, study very hard and when then go to university they
should go to the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, John
Hopkins University, or UCLA and become an Egyptologist. Good
luck with your studies…. Brown
is a great university and I hope that you continue to pursue your dream of
being an Egyptologist! Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: "Killen, Lori" Dear Doctor Hawass, I have admired your work
for many years and referred my students to your documentaries and
publications with utmost confidence. I am a teacher of
Ancient History at an Adult Educational Institution in NSW
Australia. I specialise in 18th and
19th Dynasty history for my Matriculation Classes. My Husband and I will be
in Egypt from 28 December 2005 until January 9 2006. Are you able recommend
any activities in Egypt which would be beneficial to my teaching
practice (apart from regular tourist activities). I am particularly
interested in the 18th Dynasty. I await your reply with
great anticipation. Kindest Regards,
Dear
Lori, Thank
you for your letter. I am sorry that I did not get back to you sooner. I
hope that you and your husband had a great time in Egypt. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi HawassFrom:
Maria Sarri Dear Dr Zahi Hawass, I am a graduate student of Tufts University at Boston and I am working on a project regarding Repatriation of Antiquities. I have read about your country's case (especially about your demand from British museum) and, if you are willing, I would like you to inform me about your actions and your arguments. Have you also asked for the return of Egyptian items from Museum of Fine Arts of Boston? I would be grateful if
you could also let me know about any past interviews of yours relating to
this issue. Thank you in advance Maria Sarri Dear Maria, Thank you for your letter. I have asked the head of the department for the return of stolen antiquities to send you the information that you requested. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi HawassFrom: "Clayton Adams" Dr. Hawass, This might sound a bit off the wall to you, but I like to think outside of the box, or pyramid if you will. I'm going to tell you exactly what is inside the chamber you recently opened in the Great Pyramid. Bear in mind that I am not a religious person by any stretch of the imagination. The Great Pyramid is the tomb, or perhaps prison if you prefer, of the being we call God. You did a great service to the world in opening that chamber. Something got out when you drilled that hole, and I don't think it was a bad thing. I sat there and watched it happen, and something happened to me. My life hasn't been the same since. I want you to take the Great Pyramid apart block by block in the greatest archaeological event in the history of mankind. Think of what that would mean to the world.It could very possibly be the unifying event we've all been waiting for... I want you to recapture the wonder of a child who encounters a stack of blocks. I want you to knock it down and, if you want, put it back together again. That's the only way we'll ever know what's really inside. Peace. Clay Dear
Clay, Thank
you for your letter. We cannot dismantle the Great pyramid block by block.
The Great Pyramid is an accomplishment of mankind and if we destroy our
past we will have no future! Dr. Zahi Hawass From: "Janice Thomas" Dr. Hawass I am a 6th grade Social
Studies teacher and was wondering if you had some fun, fascinating stories
I could pass on to my students about ancient Egyptian children. They
are familiar with mummies but I was wondering if you had other stories to
tell that might not be in their text books. Thank you, Mrs. Janice Thomas
Dear
Janice, Thank
you for your letter. I wrote a book, "Curse of the Pharaohs"
that is geared towards children of that age and is filled with stories. I
think your students would enjoy it Best wishes, Dr. Zahi HawassFrom:
Kubala August Dear Sir Excuse me for disturb you. My name is August Paul Kubala and I am 69 year old and more then 40 years working on very big building sites. Now I am 9 years pensioner and have time to think on the big Pyramid and the tomb from the great king Chufu. I had very often visit the libraries from different universities and my knowledge to enlarge. Now I have following find out, After to study a unfortunately plan from a book, have I calculated a possibility passage, where the entry to the tomb can be. Now my request. I need really a orderly plan with measuring dates and what is for me very important, all materials from the corridors in the pyramide. For example the gallery, Left side limesandstone, right side also limesandstone (or other?). Different materials from left and right side is for me especially from interest. Please be so kind and give me the dates or a internet adresse where I can find it myself. Only on a good plan I can find a proof for my hypothese. Self evident get you all the results. With best regards A.P. Kubala Ps. Please excuse my poor english and tolerate faults. Thank you very much Dear Mr. Kabala, Thank
you for your letter. It is always nice to hear from someone who shares my
passion for Egyptology. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi HawassRespected, Dr. Zahi Hawass My name is Dhaval Pandya, from Gujarat, India. My elder brother Malav Pandya & me are the big fan of yours. (I am working with an International Company in Baroda, Gujarat-India and My brother is a Social Activist working with a reputed group of Gujarat-India). We have witnessed most of your programs on National Geographic about the excavation time by time. The Egyptian culture ever hits our mind and attracts us to know more about it. Because we believe that Egyptian culture is one of the oldest on the earth. We are having keen interest in history and that too more about that, which has ever been in news and unrevealed. But the task you have undertaken to open the kept secret of Egyptian history that no one knows ever before is just an extra ordinary. My brother and me ever appreciate the achievements that you had, having and those that you will surely have in future. You are a true guardian of the Egyptian culture in a real manner. We have been thinking to write you a letter from a long back, hopefully today it is going to take place. Wish every country would have a true guardian of their cultures, that put the real picture of his country's history in front of the world in a best possible way that you have did and doing. One word is coming out of the depth of our heart that THE EGYPTIAN HISTORY IS IN SAFE HANDS. And my brother is saying that Dr. Zahi Hawass is "THE INCARNATION FOR UNREVEALED EGYPTIAN HISTORY" If this mail would be replied, we'll be glad to have it. Yours Fan Dhaval & Malav Pandya. (Gujarat-INDIA.) Dear
Dhaval and Malav, Thank
you for your wonderful letter. It is always nice to hear from people who
share my passion for Egyptology. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: "Sheroy Tata" Dear Dr. Zahi Hawass, We are a family from Mumbai , India, traveling to Egypt from 2nd November to 11th November 2005. We will be in Cairo on 10th & 11th November 2005. All of us- my children aged 16 & 11 years, my husband & I watch your programs on National Geographic Channel. If it is possible, we would like to meet you when we are in Cairo. Could you please reply and let me know if it would be possible for you to meet us on 10th or 11th November 2005. You could send me an Email at sheroytata@hotmail.com I also wish to thank you on behalf of all of us for bringing Egypt into our drawing room through your extremely interesting programs on the National Geographic Channel. Regards and Best Wishes, Farida Tata
Dear
Farida, Thank
you for your letter. I am sorry that I did not reply sooner. I hope that
you enjoyed your trip to Egypt. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass From: "Amber Blevins" Dear Dr. Hawass, Hello. My name is Amber Blevins and I am 15 and in my second year of High School. I want to let you know I have always had a fascination with Ancient Egypt and have sort of made it my hobby. A few months ago I went to the King Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharohs exhibit in Los Angeles, and it was like a dream come true! I bought the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharohs reference book, written by yourself, and had some questions and suggestions about King Tut, and his tomb. Now, about the
tomb, you know how people have always said that it looked like Tuts burial
was "rushed" and "hurried", and you said that it
wasn't. Well, what if he was buried, and his treasures were buried with
the utmost care and respect. My theory is this. Maybe it was earthquakes
that created the "hurried" and "rushed" look of
Tutankhamuns treasures in his tomb. because if you look at pottery and
things in other tombs, they are mostly broken. But that is my thinking,
what is yours? And another thing, if Tutankhamun was not murdered, then
why was there an unusually large amount of resin associated with Tuts body
and tomb, if they were not trying to hide something? Now, I am not going
against your judgment, considering you have seen the body and tomb
yourself and have done CT scans upon the body, and I have not. I would appreciate a reply and thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Sincerely, Dear
Amber, Thank you for your letter. I always love to hear from aspiring young Egyptologists. I always say that the history of Egypt is our shared heritage. It marks the beginning of civilization and therefore it is part of everyone’s past. Young people are our future and it will be in their hands that we leave the important monuments of ancient Egypt. Therefore, we must equip them with the tools needed to protect Egypt’s rich history. To be an Egyptologist, working hard is not enough you need to have passion. From your letter I can see that you have a love for Egyptology. I recommend that you read everything they can on Egyptology, study very hard and when then go to university they should go to the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, John Hopkins University, or UCLA and become an Egyptologist. Best wishes, Dr. Zahi Hawass MORE ANSWERS WILL BE ADDED SHORTLY CHECK BACK OFTEN!!
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