After the theft last month of Van Gogh’s famous "Poppy Flowers" painting–valued at US$55 million–from Cairo's Mahmoud Khalil Museum, concerns have arisen about the relative safety of the country’s precious artworks and antiquities. Al-Masry Al-Youm hit the streets of the capital to ask: Should the retrieval of Egyptian antiquities be a government priority?
Saad Razaq, lawyer: "Reclaiming antiquities is a very important step, which should have been taken years ago. Our monuments constitute our heritage, so the government should exert more effort to protect them. I feel sorry when I travel abroad and see how our monuments are appreciated by foreigners, while here in Egypt we don’t pay much attention to their historical value."
Mona al-Adly, secretary: "I totally support retrieving our stolen antiquities, and even those that were given as gifts. We have the right to restore them to the country. If we gave up some of our treasures in the past, that doesn't mean they do not belong to Egypt. Besides, I don't support the idea of sending our antiquities abroad to be displayed in museums and exhibitions, because this makes them vulnerable to damage or theft. Whoever wants to see our ancient relics should visit Egypt."
Samir Abdel-Mohsen, advertising company employee: "I think Egypt has recently exerted great efforts to retrieve its ancient treasures from abroad. I appreciate [Supreme Council for Antiquities head) Zahi Hawass, who has teamed up with many countries to call for Egypt’s right to reclaim some of its precious artifacts, like the bust of Queen Nefertiti and the Rosetta Stone. Hawass has proven his efficiency and has already succeeded in some cases. France consented to return one of our ancient artifacts after he threatened to break official ties with the Louvre Museum in Paris."
Rehab Adel, pharmacist: "Before calling for the repatriation of antiquities from outside the country, we must learn how to control smuggling. Museums must be equipped with cameras and hi-tech alarm systems to combat theft. The disappearance of the Van Gogh painting confirmed the government’s inability to safeguard its relics. This was not the first time for a precious art piece to be stolen as a result of negligence. Strict measures and harsh punishments should be implemented against art thieves and smugglers."
Mohamed Wadah, engineer: "Egypt has made good headway in both preserving and reclaiming its antiquities. Last year, Interpol, along with the SCA, succeeded in arresting an antiquities smuggler and returning 1,000 ancient treasures to Egypt. What's more, the holding of the first international conference on the restoration of stolen Egyptian artifacts by Zahi Hawass was a very bold step, which conveyed the message that Egypt won't stand idly by and allow its heritage to be lost."
Saber Safwat, teacher's assistant: "Tourism is one of the major sources of income for the Egyptian economy. Therefore, the SCA should work harder on preserving and protecting Egyptian antiquities, because the restoration of our stolen antiquities will help boost tourism revenue. Official touring exhibitions, which are held in different countries, is another way to generate revenue. By sending the treasures of Tutankhamun abroad, Egypt can make millions of dollars, which the country is in dire need of."
