Step into Tutankhamun’s Golden World - As-Salaam ‘Alaykum from the Grand Egyptian Museum
As-Salaam ‘Alaykum - Even if Tutankhamun wasn’t the mightiest of Egypt’s rulers, his legacy certainly shines on. While many might struggle to recall the deeds of a powerful warrior king like Ramesses, King Tut’s name still stands for the splendour of ancient Egypt. Over 3,200 years after his death as a teenager, the find of his nearly intact tomb in 1922 started a global fascination with ancient Egyptian treasures - and judging by the crowds who came to see his belongings at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza this week, that interest hasn’t faded.
The museum’s opening brings almost the entire collection from Tutankhamun’s tomb together for the first time since it was found. There are more than 4,500 items on display - alabaster vessels and jugs, finely carved furniture, surprisingly well-preserved sandals and linen socks, and many beautiful artworks.
People are especially drawn to his solid gold burial mask, which now has a dedicated space as the highlight of the Tutankhamun Galleries. On the museum’s first public day there was a steady stream of visitors taking photos, while security gently kept them at a respectful distance. If you’ve seen crowds around a famous painting in another big museum, you’ll know the scene.
The atmosphere felt exciting as people from around the world queued for their moment with the iconic piece. An influencer posed for angles in a stylish dress, a young Egyptian man wore his country’s flag proudly, and an older British woman told her husband she’d waited decades for this visit.
Having lived in Cairo for several years, I’ve watched the Grand Egyptian Museum come together. The Tutankhamun Galleries are certainly its crown jewel. One early guided tour was led by a young Egyptologist, Shrouk Mamdouh, whose enthusiasm was contagious as she showed about 40 people some standout pieces.
Four gilded wooden shrines stand out for their size and richness. The outer shrine bears gold and turquoise symbols of Isis, the goddess associated with magic and care, while other shrines display numerous gods in fine detail.
You also see the three golden coffins, including the 110 kg solid-gold one that once held Tutankhamun’s mummy. The coffin now stands empty - the mummy remains in its original resting place in the Valley of the Kings, considered too fragile to move.
Tut’s decorated chariots, once cutting-edge technology, and his gem-studded golden ceremonial throne are on show as well. The throne’s back depicts his wife, Queen Ankhesenamun, pouring perfumed oil on his shoulder as the sun god Aten looks down - a wonderfully well-preserved scene whose colours still glow after more than three millennia.
Sometimes the small things speak volumes. A display of hundreds of tiny shabti figurines - placed in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife - invites you to imagine them coming to life to tend to the king’s needs for eternity. The care people took in preparing for the afterlife shows how important those beliefs were.
Overall, it’s a moving experience that combines history, faith in the hereafter, and the incredible skill of ancient artisans. May visits like this inspire appreciation for our shared human heritage.
https://www.thenationalnews.co