Thousands of rare documents burned in Egypt clash

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the recent violence in Egypt and its impact on cultural heritage, particularly the loss of rare documents and antiquities. Participants express concerns about the preservation of these artifacts amidst ongoing unrest and debate the implications for Egypt's cultural identity and tourism.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express sorrow over the loss of life and irreplaceable antiquities, suggesting that the head of antiquities should take action to protect these items.
  • A participant compares the loss of documents to the historical burning of Galileo's works, emphasizing the cultural significance of the manuscripts.
  • One viewpoint highlights the importance of Egypt's artifacts to national pride and tourism, arguing against the idea of relocating them to foreign museums.
  • Another participant suggests that shipping artifacts out of the country could be seen as an insult, questioning the long-term stability of the region.
  • Some argue that while the loss of artifacts is regrettable, the fight for democracy is a more pressing concern, implying that cultural heritage may be secondary to the struggle for freedom.
  • There is a suggestion that safe storage options, such as underground vaults or bank vaults, could be viable alternatives to relocating artifacts abroad.
  • A humorous remark is made about the security of the pyramids, likening them to military-grade bunkers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the best course of action regarding the preservation of artifacts, with no clear consensus on whether relocation is advisable or if they should remain in Egypt. The discussion reflects multiple competing views on the balance between cultural preservation and the ongoing fight for democracy.

Contextual Notes

Participants' views are influenced by the current political climate in Egypt, and there are unresolved questions about the safety and security of artifacts during periods of unrest. The discussion does not resolve the complexities surrounding the preservation of cultural heritage in the context of political upheaval.

Evo
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The continued violence in Egypt is a bad sign of things to come, IMO. The loss of life is tragic. And added to the tragedy is the loss of irreplaceable antiquities. This should be a heads up to Egypt's head of antiquities to move these irreplaceable items out of harm's way. There was theft and damage at the main museum during the initial revolt. Until things stabilize, if that's even possible in the near future, it makes no sense not to move them.

The violence erupted in Cairo Friday, when military forces guarding the Cabinet building, near the institute, cracked down on a 3-week-old sit-in to demand the country's ruling generals hand power to a civilian authority. At least 14 people have been killed.

Zein Abdel-Hady, who runs the country's main library, is leading the effort to try and save what's left of the charred manuscripts.

"This is equal to the burning of Galileo's books," Abdel-Hady said, referring to the Italian scientist whose work proposing that the Earth revolved around the sun was believed to have been burned in protest in the 17th century.

http://news.yahoo.com/thousands-rare-documents-burned-egypt-clash-192412805.html
 
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Democracy at its finest. Viva la revolucion!
 
I know how they must feel. I can't find my notebook.
 
One thing to remember, however, is the pride that Egypt takes in possessing it's own artifacts. After the 'sacking' (for lack of a better term) of greater Egypt by colonial powers over a few hundred years, having their artifacts 'home' carry great weight. For all of Mubarak's faults, he definitely knew that tourism and the thousands of years of history were important to his country.

If a British or French museum offered to store cultural artifacts in the interim I think there is potential for the gesture to be seen as an insult. How long until the region stabalizes? Years? Decades? If there is any hope of a rebuilt republican Egypt they would probably need tourism to restart in full force and gain international trust as a relatively safe place to visit. Shipping their valubles/breakables to other countries does not help that cause IMO.
 
mege said:
Shipping their valubles/breakables to other countries does not help that cause IMO.
No one said anything about shipping their treasures out of country, but it would be the smartest option. Surely if they don't trust other countries, they have safe underground vaults somewhere? Or even bank vaults? Or a less volatile part of the country?
 
Egypt has lost many of its antiques that tell of its great civilization. However, in the process of fighting for democracy, these might be unnecessary concerns. These people are fighting for their freedom. Although it is really a waste, then I think they can rebuild some of these.
 
Evo said:
No one said anything about shipping their treasures out of country, but it would be the smartest option. Surely if they don't trust other countries, they have safe underground vaults somewhere? Or even bank vaults? Or a less volatile part of the country?

Well, they have pyramids! These must be as secure as military grade bunkers. :wink: