Charles Univ., Min. of Tourism and Antiques Honor Hawass

The Charles University in Prague and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiques honored the world-famed Egyptologist, Dr. Zahi Hawass, at the Egyptian Museum at Al Tahrir.

The celebration was attended by the Minister of Tourism and Antiques Dr. Khaled El Enani, the head of the Czech Institute of Egyptology Dr. Miroslav Barta, a number of ambassadors and officials.

In addition, MP and businessman Mohamed Abu El Enein and Sada El Balad network supervisor Elham Abolfateh attended as well.

The celebration began with a breathtaking photo show about Hawass' career followed by a word by Ambassador Jan Fulík delivered by one of Hawass best students Dr. Mohamed Mogahed who is now a faculty member at The Charles University in Prague.

The ambassador, in his word, presented his deep appreciation to Hawass and his role in the world of Egyptology. In addition, he praised the strong friendship among each other.

Next, Professor Barta delivered a warm speech about his relationship with the Egyptian antiques and his memories with the Czech archaeological missions alongside his personal memories with Hawass.

After that, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina director Dr. Mostafa El Feki delivered a speech reviewing Hawass' wide contributions in the history of Egyptology study and archaeology naming him as part of Egyptian history.

Shortly a wonderful short film about Hawass history in the archaeological work featured award-winning actor Omar El Sherif, and former the first lady of Egypt Gihan El Sadat.

Next, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiques Dr. Mostafa Waziri delivered a short speech about the spiritual and inspirational impact of Hawass on his students and rising archaeologists.

Waziri called him the spiritual father and the godfather of the Egyptian archaeologists.

On his part, Dr.El Enani delivered a speech in which he greeted Hawass and stressed his role in constructing and protecting the Egyptian Museum, especially during the 25th Jan. Revolution.

El Enani asserted: "I remember well when Hawass camped before the Egyptian Museum protecting it by his soul and body against any sort of robbery or destruction, during January 2011 events. So, this place is the best one to witness his honoring especially, he is sensitive towards his honoring celebrations presented from Egypt."

Then, he handed a 3 volume book of scholarly articles and research about Hawass contributions and works to Hawass followed by a warm speech by Hawass about his career.

Hawass initiated his word by talking about the early beginning of his career and his shift to archaeology after being involved in an excavation mission when he uncovered his first statue of Aphrodite. At this moment, he repeated a certain word which is "passion," "everyone should search for his passion, when you find passion, your small dream will be big."

Finally, Hawass decided to honor Dr. El Enani for his outstanding performance and impressive efforts especially when he opened three major museums in one day.

Hawass commented: "Every project I started, El Enani beautifully continued and turned it into true, so we should honor and greet him."

Finally, Hawass gifted El Enani with a copy of his most significant book about the history of Ancient Egypt.

Contributed by Ali Abu Dashish