King Tut's coffins and Khufu's boat: Visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum, peace be upon it
As-salamu alaykum - Thousands of people entered the Grand Egyptian Museum on Tuesday to see almost the entire collection of King Tutankhamun's treasures together for the first time since his tomb was found in 1922. More than 4,500 artefacts were on display, and the public opening came two days after the museum's grand inauguration on Saturday.
Visitors could also admire the Khufu Sun Boat, called one of the oldest and largest wooden objects known to humankind. These cedar and acacia funerary boats, about 4,600 years old, were meant to carry the king into the afterlife.
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi officially opened the billion-dollar museum in a ceremony attended by monarchs, heads of state and other dignitaries. “This museum is not just a place to keep precious antiquities, it is living proof of the genius of the Egyptians who built the pyramids and left their mark on temple walls,” he said.
Japan helped both financially and technically with the construction. The site covers nearly half a million square metres and includes highlights such as a massive statue of Ramses II in the atrium, a hanging obelisk dedicated to him, and a “Journey to Eternity” stairway lined with statues of gods and pharaohs.
Egypt hopes the museum will boost tourism and support the economy. The Egyptian Tourism Minister expects around five million visitors a year, which would put it among the world's most visited museums. Already, daily attendance has been around 5,000–6,000 people.
May Allah bless those working to preserve this heritage and guide visitors to appreciate the history and lessons it holds.
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