Turki Al-Sheikh gifts the original copies of the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb to Egypt

In a scene that embodies the depth of cultural and historical relations between brothers, and under the shade of a civilizational edifice that is considered the largest of its kind in the world, the Grand Egyptian Museum witnessed an exceptional event that links Egypt’s ancient past with its dazzling present. Counselor Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced a high-level cultural initiative, represented by donating to the Grand Egyptian Museum the original and rare copies of films and photographs that documented the first historical moments of the discovery and opening of the tomb of the Golden King “Tutankhamun” in 1922.

This announcement came to add new luster to the story of the most important archaeological discovery of the twentieth century, bringing to mind those defining moments that took the world’s breath away more than a century ago.

A documentary treasure from the Valley of the Kings…the story of the gifted artifacts

The background of these photos and documentaries goes back to the year 1922, specifically in the “Valley of the Kings” in the charming city of Luxor, when the famous British archaeologist Howard Carter, with funding from Lord Carnarvon, was able to find the only royal tomb that had escaped the hands of thieves throughout the ages. Tomb of the young king Tutankhamun (Tomb No. KV62).

The donated items are not just archival materials, but rather living documents recorded:

• The first moments of removing the royal seals from the cemetery door.
• The first look of amazement on the faces of Howard Carter and his team when they saw the shine of gold inside the dark rooms.
• The transfer of archaeological treasures and the utmost precision in dealing with the golden mask and the royal coffin.

“The original goes back to its real location.”

In a touching statement that reflects the value of these materials and the extent of his appreciation for Egypt, Counselor Turki Al-Sheikh said:

“I have been keeping these original copies for 27 years, and they are very dear to me. I will hand them over to the Grand Egyptian Museum because they belong to this place… This is a simple thing, as the original must be returned to its real place, in appreciation of Egypt and its great status.”

Dazzle in front of the golden mask and the warm reception

This historic announcement came during a special visit by the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where he received a warm reception with an atmosphere of appreciation and warm welcome from Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum Authority, and archaeological leaders.

Al-Sheikh wandered through the museum’s corridors, contemplating the engineering and archaeological miracle that had become the talk of the world, all the way to the Young King’s Hall. In front of the golden mask of King Tutankhamun – the most prominent icon of ancient Egyptian civilization – the advisor did not hide his extreme astonishment, saying in decisive words:

“I now stand in front of the most important artifact in history.”

The Grand Egyptian Museum: an incubator of world civilizations

This valuable gift joins the unique archaeological collections housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is classified today as one of the most beautiful and largest museums in the world.

The museum, which receives thousands of visitors daily from different nationalities and regions of the world, is not just a building for displaying antiquities, but rather an integrated global scientific and cultural institution. Perhaps its most important feature is that it will include – for the first time in history – the entire collection of King Tutankhamun’s antiquities (which exceed 5,000 artifacts) gathered in one place. By joining the original films and photos of the discovery, the historical narration will be complete for the visitor, to experience an integrated visual journey that begins from the moment the treasure emerges from the ground until it is displayed behind the modern glass windows.

Conclusion

Donating the original copies of photos and films of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb to the Grand Egyptian Museum represents a new chapter of loyalty to history. While the Golden King continues to dazzle the world from his new shrine, this initiative will remain a shining sign confirming that Egypt’s treasures not only attract hearts and minds, but also always return – thanks to its lovers – to its good Nile land to remain a witness to the greatness of a nation that made history.

Special coverage from the Nile Cruisen team