Dr. Zahi Hawass Launches Petition for Return of Nefertiti Bust

Renowned Egyptian archaeologist and former Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, Dr. Zahi Hawass, announced the launch of a campaign for the return of Egypt's stolen artefacts, including the iconic Nefertiti Bust, as well as an international petition calling for their repatriation.

Dr. Hawass, who recently started the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage to preserve Egyptian heritage, underscored the importance of bringing stolen artefacts back to Egypt and ensuring their preservation at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Among the key artefacts he seeks to repatriate are the Nefertiti Bust, currently housed in the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin after being taken by the Germans in 1913; the Dendera Zodiac, which was forcibly removed by being broken into three pieces, and brought to the Louvre in Paris; and the Rosetta Stone, held in the British Museum since 1802.

In 2023 alone, over 5,300 stolen cultural artefacts were successfully returned to Egypt, marking a significant step toward preserving the nation's heritage and right to reclaim their history.

The link to the petition is available on Dr. Hawass’s website, as well as his Instagram account.