On Occasion of Dr. Hawass Birthday, Discover His Greatest Archaeological Achievements

Ali Abu Dashish

Doctor Zahi Hawass was born on May 28, 1947 in the village of "Al-Ubaidiya". He received his BA in Greek-Roman Archeology from the Faculty of Arts, Alexandria University in 1967, and a postgraduate diploma in Egyptian Archeology from the Faculty of Archeology, Cairo University in 1979.

After receiving a grant from Fulbright Foundation in 1980, He traveled to the United States to study Egyptian archeology at the University of Pennsylvania in 1983 where he obtained a master's degree in Egyptian archaeology in addition to studying the history of Syria and Palestine.

In 1987 he received his PhD in Egyptian Archaeology from the same university in an integrated topic on the hierarchical groups(Pyramids) on the Giza hill (Khufu-Khafra-Mankawra).

Hawass started his journey as a small archaeological inspector in 1968 until he became the first Minister of Antiquities in Egypt in 2011.

The archaeologist enjoys a prestigious scientific status and an unprecedented international fame in all fields of archaeological work in Egypt and abroad.

He contributed a lot to his country, and was praised by most of the world's celebrities, and is known as the Egyptian Pharaoh abroad. The National Geographic channel produced a film about his life and work in the field of Egyptian monuments and his many discoveries.

He received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement for his achievements in archaeology. He was also awarded the First Class Medal of the President Egypt in 1998 and the Honorary Doctorate from the American University in Cairo in 2005. He collected 6 other honorary doctorates as well as the Arts Medal from French Academy of Natural Sciences in 2001.

He gained an honorary membership in the Russian natural sciences Academy in 2001, He grabbed a silver medal from the same academy in addition to being named as the sponsor of arts in Russia.

Hawass was also awarded the Golden Shield of the American Academy of Achievement among 30 international personalities in 2000.

One of the most important research efforts led by Dr. Hawass is the Egyptian Mummy Project, which used modern forensic techniques such as DNA analysis to answer questions about royal mummies, uncovering the family of King Tutankhamen, and solving the mystery of the killing of Ramses III.

The famous archaeologist also appeared on numerous documentaries on the BBC, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Hystère, and others, and was selected by the BBC to get a glimpse of Egypt in the new millennium.

In addition, he has written several books in different languages including: The Miracle of the Great Pyramid, Women in Pharaonic Egypt; Hidden Treasures in Ancient Egypt; Secrets of Sand, Tutankhamen and the Golden Age of the Pharaos; Tutankhamen – Treasures of the Grave, Royal Egyptian Graves, Valley of the Golden Mummies, Life on Heaven a book on his great discoveries in the oases. Lastly he was recently chosen as the United Nations Ambassador for World Heritage.

The archaeological Professor presented more than 120 articles. He also presented a book in different languages on the Egyptian antiquities, two books on the pyramids, and an important book in English on Egyptian women which was translated into Arabic, a book on the effects of Abu Simbel and another on the golden mummies printed by five Languages.

Hawass has given seminars in all the countries of the world, and in many international museums, in front of many kings, including the Queen of Denmark upon request, as well as the King of Sweden and others. He also participated in many international conferences.

Zahi Hawass with President Obama

Hawass taught Egyptian archaeology at Los Angeles University in California, the American University in Cairo and the Faculty of Arts, Cairo University.

"Hawass" met many kings and heads of state around the world, most notably former US President Obama and Clinton, Princess Diana and the King of Belgium and many worldwide celebrities, such as Will Smith, Shakira, Messi and Beyonce

Hawass was able to retrieve 6000 pieces of antiquities to Egypt and led several campaigns. The last of these was the retrieval of Ras Nefertiti and Rosetta Stone to Egypt.

He will remain the official spokesperson for the Egyptian pyramids and antiquities, as well as his famous hat, which has become a symbol of his contribution to the construction of museums such as the Children's Museum which transfers it’s earnings to 57357 for hospital for children.