The Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) in Borg El Arab hosted renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass for a major cultural seminar titled “Secrets of the Pharaohs.” The event was moderated by media figure Mostafa El-Menshawy and drew distinguished academic leaders as well as Japanese and African representatives, in an atmosphere marked by enthusiasm for Egypt’s ancient heritage.

Prof. Amr Adly, President of E-JUST, emphasized that hosting Dr. Hawass aligns with the university’s vision of reinforcing cultural awareness and connecting students with their historical identity. He noted that Egyptian civilization is not merely a distant past, but a source of soft power that continues to shape national consciousness. Inviting leading figures in science and heritage, he added, opens new horizons of knowledge for students and reaffirms that Egypt has always been and will remain a beacon of human civilization.

In a candid and inspiring talk, Dr. Hawass shared personal reflections on his journey, revealing that he initially aspired to become a lawyer. Fate, however, led him into the world of archaeology, what he described as a lifelong love affair with Egypt’s soil and its hidden treasures. He stressed that working in archaeology requires deep passion that goes far beyond a profession.

Dr. Hawass highlighted some of Egypt’s most significant recent archaeological discoveries, including the “Lost Golden City” in Luxor—considered the largest residential, administrative, and industrial city from the Egyptian Empire era. He explained how the discovery has provided unprecedented insight into the daily lives of ancient Egyptians.

He also discussed remarkable findings in Saqqara, including burial shafts, vividly painted coffins, and mummies dating back thousands of years evidence, he said, that Egypt’s soil still holds countless secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Speaking about the Grand Egyptian Museum, Dr. Hawass described it as the greatest cultural project of the 21st century. He affirmed that King Tutankhamun is the true “star” of the museum, which will display his treasures together for the first time in history.

He also recounted the monumental relocation of the statue of Ramesses II, emphasizing that the museum’s opening sends a clear message to the world that Egypt is safe, stable, and proud of its heritage.

Dr. Hawass addressed ongoing efforts to recover looted Egyptian antiquities from abroad, highlighting campaigns to reclaim iconic artifacts such as the Rosetta Stone, the Dendera Zodiac, and the bust of Nefertiti. He stressed that Egypt will never relinquish its rightful claim to artifacts that left the country through illegitimate means.

In his trademark direct style, Dr. Hawass firmly dismissed widespread myths, asserting that there is no scientific basis for claims about “red mercury,” the “curse of the pharaohs,” so-called “prophets’ mummies,” or the existence of a “second Valley of the Kings.” He emphasized that archaeology must be guided by scientific evidence rather than sensational narratives.

The seminar was attended by Prof. HASHIMOTO Shuji, First Vice President for Regional and International Affairs; Prof. Ahmed El-Sabbagh, Vice President for Academic and Educational Affairs; Dr. Tsunoda, Director of the JICA Office at the university; archaeologists Ahmed Abdel Fattah and Ibrahim Darwish; Mr. Ali Abu Deshish, Director of the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage; and Dr. Mohamed Hassan, Director of Public Relations at the foundation.

The event also welcomed deans, faculty members, and a large gathering of students and researchers from both the Japanese and African communities at E-JUST.

At the conclusion of the seminar, Prof. Amr Adly presented the University Shield to Dr. Zahi Hawass in recognition of his national and international efforts in safeguarding Egypt’s antiquities and enriching global understanding of Egypt’s ancient civilization.