Egypt Demands Return of Nefertiti’s Bust from Berlin Museum

Egyptian archaeologist and former antiquities minister, Zahi Hawass, has launched a campaign to return the head of pharaonic queen Nefertiti from the new Berlin museum to Egypt. Hawass has started a petition on his website to gather support for the cause.

The famous limestone bust of Nefertiti was discovered by a German archaeological mission in 1912 at Tell el-Amarna in Minya Governorate, about 300 kilometers south of Cairo. It was sent to Berlin the following year.

Tell el-Amarna was the capital of Nefertiti’s husband, Akhenaten, an Eighteenth Dynasty pharaoh who ruled until about 1335 BCE. Akhenaten, known as the heretic king, introduced radical changes in Egyptian industry by calling for the worship of the god Aten to the exclusion of other gods in Egypt.

The Return of Nefertiti’s Bust

Hawass is demanding the return of Nefertiti’s head, stating that it left Egypt illegally. He emphasized that this is a national committee, not a government committee, and is calling on people to sign the petition on his website to express their desire to return the bust.

Hawass’ campaign is focused on recovering three main pieces: Nefertiti’s head, the Rosetta Stone, and the Dendera Tower. He believes that these artifacts are an integral part of Egypt’s cultural heritage and should be returned to their country of origin.

The Significance of Nefertiti’s Bust

Nefertiti’s bust is one of the most iconic artifacts of ancient Egypt, and its return would be a significant cultural and historical milestone for the country. The bust is a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian art and is considered one of the greatest works of the Amarna period.

The return of Nefertiti’s bust would not only be a victory for Egypt but also a recognition of the country’s rich cultural heritage and its importance in the history of human civilization.