Archaeologists ready for return to a changed Egypt

A team of archaeologists from Charles University is growing impatient as they await permission from Egyptian officials to return to a dig site raided during the recent unrest that preceded the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarek.

The site of Abusir, a necropolis of the Old Kingdom, situated in Cairo, is where the team, led by Miroslav Bárta, had been working. But the ancient pharaohs' tomb is currently surrounded by Egyptian military troops, and Bárta's crew is unable to continue its work and - most importantly - assess the potential damage caused by rioters and looters.

During the several days of protests, vandals reportedly looted Cairo Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, stealing or damaging a number of historical artifacts including the famous statues of pharaohs Tutankhamen, Nefertiti and Akhenaton. Amid fears that looters might begin targeting the pyramids and other historical sites of great importance, troops have been sent to guard the monuments and artifacts.

"From the shreds of information we have received from Egypt, a break-in took place at our expedition depot, where less valuable findings, such as skeletal remains and ceramics, are stored," Bárta told The Prague Post. "So far, we have no information about thefts, and we worry that our findings have been mixed up, which would be very unfortunate as valuable information may be lost."

Czech archeologists have been in Abusir since the Czechoslovak Egyptology Institute was founded in 1958. Bárta took over the lead of the mission, which is now part of the Faculty of Philosophy and Arts of Charles University, after having achieved some valuable discoveries, including the untouched tomb of ruler Raneferef.

Bárta said he fears artifacts of "immeasurable value" found by his team have been destroyed or damaged.

He added that Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities, which is currently monitoring the site, has on several occasions given the team a specific date that the expedition will be able to resume, only to later delay the team's return.

"Right now, relics are simply not as important as the fate of the Egyptian people and their demand for a solution to the problems in their society," Bárta said.

"The time for foreign expeditions to continue exploring will come afterward."

The newly created Ministry of Antiquities, set up Jan. 31, seeks to provide more transparent funding and protection to the country's wealth of ancient historical artifacts.

Once Bárta is given clearance to return to the site, it won't be nearly as difficult to travel to Egypt as it was just days ago, as airlines were set to resume flights to Egypt Feb. 19; however, the Foreign Ministry recommends traveling to Egypt only in necessary cases.

According to Deputy Ambassador Jiří Slavík, in Cairo, Egypt is now on the threshold of a transformation process, but the participation of democratic powers in the process is vital.

"The consolidation of security and return of the police force will be very important," he said. "Political realignment can be expected, as well as the emergence of new political parties with the aim of ensuring participation in the upcoming elections."

Foreign ministers of European Union countries, including the Czech Republic, are meeting this week to discuss concrete steps in assisting Egypt.

Klára Jiřičná can be reached at
kjiricna@praguepost.com