Egypt's Pharaohs' Golden Parade: A Majestic Journey that History Will Forever Record By Angy Essam, Mustafa Marie, and Wael Hussein Egypt Today, April 4, 2020

The moment the royal mummies left the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir placed on specially designed vehicles, April 4, 2021	The mummy of King Ramses II was among those to be transported, April 3, 2021

Egypt mummies pass through Cairo in ancient rulers' parade

By Wael Hussein

BBC News, Cairo, April 4, 2021

Egyptians have been witnessing a historic procession of their country's ancient rulers through the capital, Cairo.

The lavish, multimillion-dollar spectacle saw 22 mummies - 18 kings and four queens - transported from the peach-coloured, neo-classical Egyptian Museum to their new resting place 5km (three miles) away.

With tight security arrangements befitting their royal blood and status as national treasures, the mummies were relocated to the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation in what is called The Pharaohs' Golden Parade.

They were transported with great fanfare in chronological order of their reigns - from the 17th Dynasty ruler, Seqenenre Taa II, to Ramses IX, who reigned in the 12th Century BC.

Egypt experienced a sharp rise in Covid-19 infections a year ago, but following a decline in the number of cases and deaths, restrictions on open-air gatherings were later lifted.

One of the main attractions of Saturday's event is King Ramses II, the most famous pharaoh of the New Kingdom, who ruled for 67 years and is remembered for signing the first known peace treaty.

Another is Queen Hatshepsut, or Foremost of Noble Ladies. She became ruler even though the customs of her time were that women did not become pharaohs.

Each mummy was carried on a decorated vehicle fitted with special shock-absorbers and surrounded by a motorcade, including replica horse-drawn war chariots.

While ancient mummification techniques originally preserved the pharaohs, for the move they have been placed in special nitrogen-filled boxes to help protect them against external conditions. Roads along the route have also been repaved to keep the journey smooth.

"The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has done its best to make sure that the mummies have been stabilised, conserved, and are packed in a climate-controlled environment," said Salima Ikram, professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo.

The mummies were discovered in 1881 and 1898 in two caches in the ruins of Thebes, Egypt's ancient capital - modern day Luxor in Upper Egypt.

"They have already seen a lot of movement in Cairo and before that in Thebes, where they were moved from their own tombs to other sepulchres for safety," Dr Ikram pointed out.

While most of the ancient rulers' remains were brought from Luxor to Cairo via boat on the Nile, a few were transported in the first-class carriage of a train.

They were housed in the iconic Egyptian Museum and visited by tourists from around the world for the past century.

Valley of the Kings

Egypt's authorities are hoping that the new museum, which opens fully this month, will help revitalise tourism - a prime source of foreign currency for the country.

The industry has been battered by political turbulence over the past decade, and more recently by the pandemic.

IMAGE COPYRIGHTREUTERS image captionSome of Cairo's streets were resurfaced to ensure the mummies had a smooth journey

Saturday's move of the mummies will be streamed online for all enthusiasts of ancient Egypt to watch.

The new exhibits will now be housed in the Royal Hall of Mummies and will go on display to the general public from 18 April.

The hall has been designed so that visitors will experience the illusion of being in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

Separately, a new Grand Egyptian Museum which will house the famous Tutankhamun collection is due to open next year, close to the Great Pyramids at Giza.

'Curse of the pharaohs'

While it is being seen as a grand - and even fun - event, Egypt's mummies have historically been associated with superstition and foreboding.

Recently, Egypt has had a string of disasters. Last week alone dozens of people were killed in a train crash in Sohag, Upper Egypt, while at least 18 people died when a building collapsed in Cairo.

Egypt mummies pass through Cairo in ancient rulers' parade - BBC News

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Egypt's Pharaohs' Golden Parade:

A Majestic Journey that History Will Forever Record

By Angy Essam and Mustafa Marie

April 4, 2021

The moment the royal mummies left the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir placed on specially designed vehicles - Egypt Today.
 
CAIRO – 4 April 2021: The highly anticipated Pharaohs’ Golden Parade kicked off from Cairo’s Tahrir Square on April 3, at exactly 6:30 p.m.
 
The Pharaohs’ Golden Parade moved from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir to its final destination in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, arriving at exactly 8:30 p.m. as scheduled. 
 
The number of mummies and coffins transported is 22 royal mummies and 17 royal coffins, dating back to the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. 18 of the mummies are for kings, while 4 belong to queens. 
 
Among the mummies transferred are mummies of King Ramses II; King Seqenenre Tao; King Thutmose III; King Seti I; Queen Hatshepsut; and Queen Meritamen, the wife of King Amenhotep I; and Queen Ahmose Nefertari, the wife of King Ahmose I.  
 
The royal mummies were transferred to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in a large march, in-line with the inauguration of the museum and the opening of three halls that include the Central Exhibition Hall and the Mummies Hall. 

Aerial view
 
The Golden Pharaohs’ Parade was preceded in an earlier date by the transferring of 17 sarcophagi of the greatest kings of Egypt, dating back to the era of the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties, to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, in preparation for displaying them with their mummies respectively.
 
“With all pride and joy, I highly anticipate the Pharaohs' Golden Parade,” commented Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on his official Twitter account minutes before the launch of the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade. 

President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi - Screenshot from Live TV
 
“This majestic scene is evidence of the greatness of the Egyptian people; the guardians of this unique civilization extending deep into the depths of history,” continued El-Sisi in a separate tweet describing the parade. 
 
“I invite all Egyptians and the whole world to follow this unique event, inspired by the spirit of the great ancestors, who preserved the nation and created a civilization in which all humankind are proud, to continue our path that we started: The path of construction and humanity,” concluded Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. 
 
Also, Egypt’s first lady Entissar El-Sisi commented on Twitter saying, “Egypt will witness today an exceptional event that will dazzle the entire world.”
Egypt's First Lady Entissar el-Sisi. 
 
Egypt’s first lady described the event by commenting: “The event is a reflection of the grandiose ancient Egyptian civilization that offered the world a unique legacy and heritage.
 
As the countdown of the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade was counting, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism & Antiquities Khaled el-Enany took President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in a quick tour around the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in which the latter inaugurated minutes before the parade embarked from Tahrir Square.
The Tourism & Antiquities Minister gave the President a brief tour around the museum, explaining what it will house and the numerous halls it consists of. 
 
Enany explained that The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is one of the most important national projects adopted by the state, as it is one of the largest international museums, as well as the only museum of its kind in Egypt, the Arab world, the Middle East and Africa, as it includes all the manifestations of the richness and diversity enjoyed by the Egyptian civilization during various eras starting from pre-eras  to the present time. 
 
Enany also explained that the museum will house several antiquities belonging to various different civilizations, such as the Islamic, Coptic, Roman, Greek and of course, the Egyptian civilization. 
 
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism & Antiquities explained that the royal mummies transported in the Pharaoh’s Golden Parade will be housed in a new hall in the NMEC labelled Royal Mummies Hall, stressing that the museum, with all its details, will be a highly interesting destination for all visitors, whether locally or internationally, which in turn increases the importance of the museum and its tourism and economic return, and will contribute to making the place more lively and attractive.
 
Moreover, Enany explained that the artifacts in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat expresses all the manifestations of the richness and diversity that the Egyptian civilization enjoyed during the various eras, starting from prehistoric times to the present day, and it will contain among its flanks very rare monuments. 
 
Pharaohs' Golden Parade - ET 
 
When speaking about the new halls inaugurated in the NMEC inline of the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade, Enanyexplained that the Central Exhibition Hall includes the main display of the museum. The visitor can get an integrated idea of ​​the Egyptian civilization and its most important achievements throughout its different eras, starting from prehistoric times through the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras and up to the modern and contemporary ages, in addition to what the Egyptians inherited from the traditional culture or what is known as the popular heritage. 
 
He also stated that the Royal Mummies Hall, which was specially designed to display the mummies of the kings and queens of Pharaonic Egypt, takes the visitor to the atmosphere of the Valley of the Kings, where these mummies were found, in a manner befitting their high status, and preceded by an introductory presentation explaining how the Egyptians practiced the science of mummification and their superiority in it. 
 
Enany also stated that the Glass Pyramid Hall, called the Capital Museum, displays the history of the  present-day Greater Cairo. It is located in the glass pyramid that rises above the central display area. Through it, using modern technological methods, the visitor can see all the landmarks of ancient and modern Cairo.
 
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is one of the most important projects carried out by Egypt in cooperation with UNESCO and is one of the largest museums of civilization in the world.
 
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism & Antiquities Khaled el-Enanyagreed to grant a 5o percent discount on NMEC’s entry tickets for Egyptians and foreigners from April 4-17, to visit the Central Exhibition Hall (Main Exhibition). 
 
Pharaohs' Golden Parade - ET 
 
Preceding the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism & Antiquities Khaled el-Enany and Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) Zurab Pololikashviliinspected the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Egypt’s first Islamic capital, Al-Fustat, to which the mummies were moved at the end of the parade.
 
In a different context, Chairman of the "Kenouz Egypt for Archaeological Replicas" Hisham Shaarawy indicated that a 20 percent reduction will be granted on all of the company's products up to May 5, 2021 in celebration of the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade.
 
At the beginning of the parade, famed Egyptian TV presenter Jasmine Zaki appeared wearing a very elegant dress matching the pharaonic style with a vibrant color. Her dress was highly appraised by all the viewers of the parade and users of the various social media platforms.
Jazmine Zaki, presenter of the Pharaohs' Golden Parade from in front of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, along with Nardine Farag. 
 
“Egypt’s guests, welcome to Egypt! Welcome to Egypt the land of art and culture.” said Zaki.
 
“Egyptian people are always determined to fulfill their ambitions. This is not a dream, this event is a beautiful reality. The Royal Pharaohs' Parade can only be described as "Legendary". The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir was first opened in 1902. It housed the royal mummies for many decades. More than 400 international media outlets are covering the event. Such an event can only be seen in Egypt.” 
 
“The secrets of the ancient Egyptian civilization and mummies will always be a source of astonishment for the world. The mummies were previously hidden in Der el-Bahari and Valley of the Kings.”
 
“Seqenenre Taa dubbed “The Brave”, ruled southern Egypt during the Hyksos occupation that seized the delta in northern Egypt for a century (1650-1550 BC). His mummy was discovered in the Deir el-Bahari cache in 1881. It was examined for the first time at the time, and was examined by X-ray in the 1960s. Queen Hatshepsut's Temple is an engineering miracle. Thutmose III is one of the most important Kings that ruled Egypt, thanks to his military expertise. Thutmose IV documented his achievements in a stone panel located near the Sphinx. Seti I's tomb is one of the most beautiful ancient tombs of ancient Egypt. Ramses II and Ramses III are one of the most significant Kings of Egypt. Ramses II ruled Egypt for over 6 decades. Ramses III signed the first peace treaty in history. Ramses III protected Egypt from many invasions. Egypt's history is the source of our strength and power,” concluded Zaki. 
 
The royal mummies arrived safely to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat at exactly 8:30 p.m. It was received by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and where saluted with 21 canon shots upon their arrival. 

21 canon shots were fired saluting the arrival of the Royal Mummies to NMEC
 
Many beautiful ladies humbly stood in front of the special vehicles that carried the royal mummies, holding a tribute in their hands. 
 
The Pharaohs’ Golden Parade came out to light after months of extensive and endless efforts were exerted, to come out with an event that befits the grandeur of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
 
The Local Egyptian channels broadcasted the event live in the following languages: 
 
Channel 1: International
 
Channel 2: International 
 
Channel 3: English 
 
Channel 4: French
 
The royal mummies were displayed in the NMEC according to the latest scientific methods for all the world to enjoy.
 
It was our duty to protect our history that still and will always continue to dazzle the world.
 
 
“ The whole world is passionate about the Egyptian Civilization” Nardine Farag said.
 
Nardine Farag added that Egypt is building new museums such as NEMIC.
 
” I am honored to be here with you to present the highly anticipated event of the Pharaohs' Golden Parade” Farag recounted.
 
Farag added that the  mummies will rest in their final permanent resting place in  NMEC.
 
Farag praised the huge efforts that  were exerted by the Egyptian state to make this event that great.
 
“ The 22 Royal mummies will do a Golden tour to finally arrive at NEMIC” Farag added.
 
“Ancient Egyptians were unique, powerful and very advanced people” El Nabawy said.
 
Nabawy added in the promotional film “ Come To Egypt” that after a 6 years-halt, the Djoser Pyramid was finally restored.
 
 “ The tomb of Wahty was cut in the rock before Djoser Pyramid” Nabawy added.
 
Nabawy added that Kom El-Shoqafa is one of the most important archeological  areas  in Alexandria.
 
“Jewish Sinagogue was built in Alexandria in the 14th century. It was restored and reopened in 2020” Nabawy added. 
 
Khaled El Nabawy added that the virgin Mary Church or the hanging church was named that name because it was built over two Babylon forts. 
 
“ On this land every day people are free to exercise their beliefs” said Nabawy. 
 
The Cave Church (Abu Serga) is one of the most important churches in Egypt on the path of the Holy Family.
 
The church was recently fully restored and was reopened in 2016.
 
“ The church was fully restored in modern era and Al Azhar mosque was inaugurated in 972” Nabawy recounted. 
 
Khaled El Nabawy added that the museum of Islamic art was subject to terrorist attack and was restored and reopened in 2017.
 
Baron Empain Palace is a unique architectural masterpiece in Heliopolis, Cairo. It was recently restored by the Egyptian State” Nabawy added.
 
Nabawy added that Baron Palace is one of the unique modern palaces.
 
Efforts of restoring and beautifying neglected Egyptian landmarks and museums are made by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who is keen to convert Egypt into a modern state.
 
Khaled el-Nabawy explained that the Pyramids archeological area. have been fully restored in the preparation of opening the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2021.
 
Khaled El Nabawy added that NEMIC narrates the history of all the previous eras.
 
“Our country is great and our history is very rich” Farag added.
 
Nardine Farag said that Egypt's government is keen to preserve Egypt and its history and monuments.
 
“The Egyptian state exerts huge efforts to preserve our history” Farag said.
 
Nardine Farag welcomes Min. of Tourism & Antiquities Khaled El-Enany to deliver his speech.
 
Nardine Farag: Now is the time. The historical, artistic and cultural event of the world of 2021 is about to begin.
 
Nardine Farag: the artists, musicians and dancers all did their maximum effort.
 
Nardine Farag: Months of great efforts were exerted to make this event come to light.
 
Nardine Farag: Let’s Start the Pharaohs Golden Parade.
 
Mohamed Mounir sings his song “ Ana el Masry” ( I am the Egyptian)
 
Egypt’s Maestro Nader Abbassi conducted the United Philharmonic Orchestra with 120 musicians and 100 singers for a monumental new composition by Egyptian composer Hesham Nazih at the Pharaohs Golden Parade.
“ The miracle of ancient Egyptians is that they were great” Yousra said.
 
Yousra added that ancient  Egyptians were the greatest.
“The Ancient Egyptian Civilization never cease to amaze” Yousra added.
 
Yousra said that Egypt is the land of magic, history and beauty.
 
“Egypt is the Mother of the World and the mother of all the lands” Yousra added.
 
Pharaohs’ Golden Parade is the largest promotion for Egypt’s tourism worldwide: Egyptian archeologist Zahi Hawass Said to Elhekaya talk show.
 
“Khufu Pyramid is one of the seven wonders” Ahmed was added.

Nelly Karim said that El Deir el Bahary Temple is a dazzling place that  was built by Queen Hatshepsut over 3,500 years ago.
 
“Queen Hatshepsut was one of a kind woman” Karim added.
 
Ahmed Helmy said that Egypt is the first land to ever witness prosperity in the world.
 
Ahmed Helmy: one of the most important discoveries is Tutankhamun Tomb.
 
Ahmed Helmy admitted that one of the most important discoveries is the discovery of Tutankhamun tomb.
 
“ The discovery of  Tutankhamun's tomb was an international event when it was first discovered in 1922 and still is a source of amusement to the entire world today.
 
Ahmed Helmy added that  Tut tomb houses more than 5000 artifacts.
 
“ An entire section is designated for King Tut and all his belongings in the Grand Egyptian Museum” Helmy.
 
“ People didn’t understand how ancient Egyptians build their civilization” Karim Abdel Aziz added.
 
Karim Abdel Aziz said that the solar alignment phenomenons in Egypt is evidence to the ingenuity of the Ancient Egyptians.
 
“ The secret of ancient Egyptians lies in their hearts” Abdel Aziz added.
 
Abdel Aziz said that the ancient Egyptians had a very powerful faith, which was a catalyst for all his achievements.
 
“ Ancient Egyptians believe in Love,justice and peace” Abdel Aziz added.
 
Hend Sabry said that ancient Egyptians understood the soul and its purity.
 
“All the attributes of the ancient Egyptian history and its secrets was derived from their belief in the soul” Sabry added.
 
Sabry said that ancient Egyptians believed in spirits and how the soul is immortal.
 
Ahmed El-Sakka said that the belief of ancient Egyptians and their faith is what pushed them to strive for more achievements.
 
Sakka added that the creativity and imagination developed the gifts of ancient Egyptians.
 
“The ancient Egyptians gifted us with monuments and artifacts that still amaze the world today” Sakka Said.
“The faith of the ancient Egyptian is what built the unique ancient Egyptian Civilization” Mona Zaki said.
 
Zaki explained that the  faith of ancient Egyptians build their civilization.
 
“Ancient Egyptians had one of the strongest armies of the world and their civilization is recounted through history” Zaki added.
 
Mona Zaki added that the ancient Egyptian history is the source of all inspiration.
 

 
Musical bands wearing pharaonic customers moved in front of Egyptian Museum in Tahrir/
The military musical troupe provided a dazzling performance taking the 22 Royal mummies to NEMIC
 
Horse carts roam the area in front of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir.
 
Ancient Egyptian music is played in a mystical atmosphere.
 
The brave Egyptian knights are moving with proud in the breath taking Pharaohs Golden Parade.
 
The 22 Royal mummies started their  last magical journey roaming Cairo streets
 
The special ancient Egyptian vehicles carrying the royal mummies proceed to their way to NMEC.
 
The Pharaohs' Golden Parade kicked off to move 22 ancient Egyptian royal mummies, including 18 kings and four queens, to roam the streets of Cairo to their new resting place at the Egyptian Museum of Egyptian civilization.
 
Cairo was shining embracing the 22 Royal mummies with joy and pride.

Egypt’s Pharaohs' Golden Parade: A majestic journey that history will forever record - EgyptToday

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