CLEAN : With tourists scarce, Egypt struggles to maintain heritage

The Ministry of Antiquities, once a wealthy supreme council, now faces financial challenges due to a decline in tourism since January 2011. Efforts are underway to repatriate artifacts illegally taken from Egypt, with recent successes in retrieving items from the US, Switzerland, and the UAE. The Ministry is also focused on restoring and reopening museums damaged by terrorism, such as the Malawi Museum and the Museum of Islamic Art. Future projects aim to attract more visitors, including partial openings of the Egyptian Civilization Museum and the Grand Museum.

What was the status of the Ministry of Antiquities before the 2011 revolution?

• It was a self-financing ministry.

• It was a Supreme Council of Antiquities.

• It was a part of the tourism ministry.

• It was a newly established entity.

What has been a major consequence of the decline in tourism since 2011?

• Increased funding for monuments.

• Improved state of Egyptian monuments.

• Significant reduction in revenue.

• Expansion of the Ministry of Antiquities.

Which countries have recently returned artifacts to Egypt?

• Brazil, Argentina, and Chile

• China, Japan, and South Korea

• France, Germany, and Italy

• United States, Switzerland, and UAE

What was the fate of the Malawi Museum three years ago?

• It was merged with another museum.

• It was expanded.

• It was sacked by terrorists.

• It was relocated.

What is the purpose of the museum restoration projects in Egypt?

• To close down old museums.

• To convert museums into hotels.

• To sell artifacts to other countries.

• To increase the number of tourists.