So how do we have Dr. Hawasse? Clearly, he likes publicity and ramp lights, until often he makes contradictory statements. Is there more to it? Some observers have noted that Hawass is firmly in control of all archaeological work in Egypt. It is said to be a logical consequence of the development of a country that is desperately trying to stop the shameful plunder of its historical heritage.

The essence of the matter is unfortunately such that recent developments within SCA (Supreme Council for Monuments in Egypt) pointed to widespread corruption, in which senior government officials were involved. They were imprisoned for embezzlement. On October 08.10.2008, 10, former restoration managers in Cairo and two other Egyptian Ministry of Culture officials were jailed for XNUMX years for accepting bribes from contractors. The court in Cairo ordered the perpetrators Ayman Abdel Monem, Hussein Ahmed Hussein and Abdel Hamid Qutb pay a fine ranging from LE 200000 to LE 550000 (Egyptian pound).

Abdel Hamid Qutb he was actually the head of the technical department SCA and answered directly To Zahi Hawass. The disadvantageous contracts were worth millions of dollars and concerned the renovation of some of the most famous monuments in Egypt. At the beginning of his arrest in September 2007, Hawass was ready to defend Qutba a statement that Qutb he was not in a position to conclude contracts. Hawass stated for BBC Arabic Service, that contracts are concluded on the basis of precise procedure a Qutb he had no decision-making power in this matter. The court nevertheless decided otherwise.

Hawass for the BBC, at the time of the arrest Qutb, He said that took immediate action against any employee over whom the slightest shadow of suspicion would hang, even if he turned out to be innocent in the end. Wine until proven otherwise. That's obvious modus operadi within the SCA. No wonder, then Hawass is unpopular in Egypt.

... next week ...

• Dr. Zahi Hawass: Intrigue in the Background of Egyptology (2.): Sphinx Fingers in the Dry
• Dr. Zahi Hawass: Intrigue in the Background of Egyptology (1.)