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Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 16 - 22 November 2000 Issue No.508 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly On-line 16 - 22 November 2000 Issue No.508
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Focus Travel Living Sports Profile People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Lost in obscurity
By Amira El-NoshokatyLong before the modern suburb of Maadi was taken over by Cairo's well-to-do -- some 9,000 years ago, to be exact -- it was inhabited by ancient merchants, who had established a settlement there. The site was excavated by archaeologists over several seasons in the early 20th century, and what is now known as the Maadi museum, a modest one-story structure at the edge of Wadi Digla was originally a 'dig house'; that is to say, it was the resthouse for archaeologists and a repository for artifacts.
Beyond a heavy iron gate, a trail of trees swaying in the breeze leads to a place that encapsulates a time when history was not yet written. I was greeted by Houreya, the guard appointed by Cairo University to watch over the site while the university and the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) bicker over the fate of the worn museum dedicated to the area's prehistorical significance. For now, the museum is closed to the public pending a decision on the future of the site.
Cairo University wants to see the museum left as it is, arguing that it is a historical treasure in it own right. A good paint job, some crucial renovations and secure funding are all the museum needs to be up and running, claims Youssef Fayed, former dean of the geography department at Cairo University and secretary-general of the Egyptian Geographic Organisation. An annex built in similar style to the original structure has been suggested to accommodate some of the objects stored in the museum's basement (see neighbouring story by Jill Kamil).
The SCA, on the other hand, figures it is about time to do away with the present structure altogether and erect a state-of-the-art museum on the site. Few people know of the site, or the museum, and it is argued that nothing short of a big splash will bring any recognition to the foundering establishment. In short, the SCA wants to start from scratch.
Outside the Predynastic Museum in Maadi (above), there is little to indicate the treasures within
Youssef Fayed, secretary-general of the of the Egyptian Geographic Organisation, displays a map of the excavation site
"It would be the first museum on Egyptian prehistory, displaying our rich heritage from sites all over Egypt," said Gaballa Ali Gaballa, secretary-general of the SCA. Today, such objects are divided up between the Cairo Museum and several provincial museums somewhat haphazardly.
There are merits to both proposals, but what is certain is that the longer the debate rages on, the less likely it is that something will come of it. Interest in Egypt's predynastic period has been growing worldwide during the last decade, and there is no doubt Egypt is in need of a well-managed museum devoted to the subject; a place offering a comprehensive understanding of Egypt's complex history before the Pharaohs (see neighbouring story by Gamal Nkrumah).
But Fayed, who is the sole supervisor of the Maadi excavations, maintains that the Maadi site is unique and presents a sound argument for keeping it that way.
"To the east of Maadi lie the valleys and mountains that give access to the Red Sea mountains, which, according to Pharaonic history, were the principal 'eastern gates' of Egypt," Fayed explained. The Maadi site, he says, was a unique settlement and had little in common with the largely rural settlements elsewhere in Egypt.
"Cairo University has full claim to this area, under the supervision of the SCA, of course," Fayed noted. "I told the SCA officials there is no need to spend LE5 million on a new museum. We can make the best out of what we have. All we need is a new brick fence and modest funds for restoration, and the museum could be opened right away. As it is, discussions continue and the site itself remains neglected."
As we drove away, Houreya and her husband stood by the time-worn building, waving. We caught a glimpse of an old placard that read Haffayer Al-Maadi (Maadi excavations). It had fallen to the ground. Another relic from the past.
To visit the museum, contact Youssef Fayed at the Department of Geography, Cairo University; Tel. 567-6370.
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