The Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, are not only marvels of architecture but also of preservation. Discover the methods employed to safeguard these historic treasures.
How Are The Pyramids Of Giza Protected?
The Pyramids of Giza are safeguarded through a range of protective measures. These include the installation of physical barriers like fencing and regular patrols by security personnel and guards. Moreover, there are comprehensive conservation initiatives in place to maintain the integrity of the structures.
These efforts involve monitoring and regulating the humidity and temperature within the pyramids, as well as implementing measures to prevent erosion and mitigate potential damage caused by tourism. To ensure preservation, certain restrictions are imposed on activities within the pyramid complex, such as prohibiting climbing, touching, or causing any harm to the structures.
How can we protect the Great Pyramid of Giza?
1. ENSURE VISITOR SAFETY AND PREVENT HARASSMENT
Experience the magnificent Pyramids of Giza! However, it is essential to address the issue of encountering groups of individuals engaging in harassment, scams, and aggressive behavior outside the Complex. Visitors should be able to enjoy the splendor of the ancient wonders without the disturbance of vendors or other unwanted interactions.
Numerous tourists have shared their accounts of facing such challenges, particularly near the entrance of the Complex, despite the presence of security personnel. Witnesses have reported incidents of individuals forcefully demanding tourists to use horse carriages or engaging in other unacceptable behavior, which is unbecoming of such a historical site.
In a recent incident, an Egyptian citizen came to the aid of two harassed tourists outside the Complex, only to be confronted by one of the offenders who accused him of taking away potential customers. The Egyptian citizen, who rescued the tourists from a potentially negative experience, lodged a complaint with the Tourism Police at the Complex. Surprisingly, he was accused of soliciting tourists without a license instead.
Visitors should feel safe and protected both within and outside the Complex. Measures need to be implemented to prevent harassment from vendors and scams by camel and horse operators. The Ministries of Tourism and Antiquities must prioritize the safety and accessibility of tourism sites nationwide before embarking on expensive promotional campaigns.
2. MAINTAIN CLEAN AND ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES
For years, tourists have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clean and accessible bathrooms in the vicinity of the Pyramids. Although portable toilets were recently installed near the Observatory, they do not meet the standards expected at renowned international sites.
Considering that tourists often spend hours at the Pyramids, engaging in activities such as photography, camel rides, exploring ancient tombs, and fostering a spiritual connection with the surroundings, it is crucial to provide clean and conveniently located restroom facilities for all visitors, including those with disabilities. These facilities should undergo regular cleaning and maintenance, unlike the ones found at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square.
Additionally, designated resting areas equipped with small kiosks offering refreshments and seating should be established throughout the Complex to enhance visitor comfort and convenience.
3. ESTABLISH A COMPREHENSIVE VISITOR’S CENTER
Upon entering the Complex, tourists are greeted by a modest building housing metal detectors and ticket booths. However, this setup fails to convey the grandeur of the Ancient World Wonder and feels more like a desert train station than a historic site.
To ensure that tourists have a comfortable, safe, and well-accommodated experience, the establishment of a spacious visitor’s center is crucial. This center should feature souvenir shops, a selection of cafes offering refreshments and light meals, clean and well-maintained restrooms, a designated “cinema” room showcasing short videos about the Pyramids and Ancient Egypt, and designated meeting points for tour groups. The presence of friendly multilingual staff and security personnel throughout the center would be invaluable in assisting visitors with any inquiries.
4. OFFICIAL GUIDED TOURS
Presently, visitors often find themselves with tour guides who lack expertise in Ancient Egyptian history and may even engage in scams. The Ministries of Antiquities and Tourism should organize official tours led by educated, multilingual guides who can provide visitors with an enriching and educational experience. These tours can be offered as part of the entrance price or as an optional add-on at an additional cost.
5. IMPLEMENT AN OFFICIAL AND REGULATED PRICE LIST
Despite a small sign at the observatory stating that camel and horse rides should cost EGP 5, visitors are frequently coerced into paying exorbitant amounts, sometimes hundreds of Egyptian pounds, for just a few minutes on these animals. The behavior of these vendors, often intimidating and aggressive, persists despite the presence of security personnel within the Complex.
To address this issue and create a more comfortable atmosphere for visitors, the Egyptian government should introduce an official and regulated price list. This measure would effectively curb harassment and scams, providing visitors with a transparent and fair pricing structure for various goods and services within the Complex, such as bottled water and horse rentals.
6. MAINTAIN A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT FOR THE COMPLEX AND SURROUNDING AREA
In 2010, Karl Pilkington from An Idiot Abroad highlighted the pollution at the Pyramids, describing a scene where even bricks from council houses were scattered among the ancient ruins. While significant improvements have been made since then, pollution remains an issue. The lack of garbage bins results in litter being strewn throughout the Complex.
The situation is even worse outside the Pyramids, with a stream filled with garbage instead of water and roads marred by bumps and litter. This negligence contradicts the significance of the Ancient World Wonder and the Nile River, both of which should be treated with respect. The Egyptian government must take action to clean both the Complex and its surroundings.
7. ESTABLISH A SMALL MUSEUM
Despite an abundance of ancient Egyptian antiquities, the Pyramids Complex lacks a dedicated museum. A small museum would serve as a valuable complement to the educational information provided by official tour guides and could encourage tourists to explore other museums across the country. Additionally, the museum could provide a resting place for travelers seeking respite from the scorching summer heat.
8. CREATE A GRAND BAZAAR
To address the issue of vendor harassment while still offering opportunities for vendors to earn a living, the government should establish a dedicated area designed to welcome tourists. Similar to the visitor’s center, this “Grand Bazaar” could feature various amenities, including clean and accessible bathrooms, a selection of cafes, and a diverse range of souvenir stalls. As an added benefit, the government could provide free hospitality training and language courses to participating vendors, fostering a safe and friendly environment that aligns with Egypt’s reputation for hospitality.
9. ORGANIZE NIGHT EVENTS AT THE COMPLEX
Why should nighttime visits to the Pyramids be limited to attending the Sound and Light Show? Despite potential security concerns, the Ministries of Antiquities and Tourism should arrange night events, including guided tours and late-night horse and camel riding, at the Pyramids. This initiative would provide visitors with unique experiences and a chance to appreciate the magnificence of the Pyramids under the enchanting night sky.
Who protects the pyramids?
The preservation and protection of the Great Pyramid of Giza is of utmost importance due to its historical significance, remarkable architecture, and the insight it provides into ancient Egyptian culture.
As one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Giza holds immense historical value. It serves as a testament to the civilization of ancient Egypt, offering valuable insights into their beliefs, practices, and the life of Pharaoh Khufu. Recognizing the achievements and contributions of those who built this wonder centuries ago is crucial in understanding Egypt’s rich heritage.
The architectural brilliance of the Great Pyramid of Giza is widely acknowledged. The construction required meticulous planning, extensive resources, and skilled craftsmanship. With its multiple burial chambers and intricate design, the pyramid stands as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering prowess of its builders. Although it is currently showing signs of deterioration, efforts to reconstruct and preserve its individual parts are essential to restore its original splendor.
Moreover, the Great Pyramid of Giza offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the ancient Egyptian culture. Archaeologists meticulously study the resources, materials, and tools used during that era, unveiling mysteries and shedding light on the daily lives and traditions of the Egyptian people. Preserving this wonder allows future generations to gain a comprehensive understanding of their history and cultural heritage.
Various measures are in place to safeguard the Pyramids of Giza. Security personnel, surveillance systems, restricted access, and conservation initiatives all contribute to protecting these invaluable treasures. By implementing these measures and continuing preservation efforts, we can ensure that the Great Pyramid of Giza endures as a symbol of Egypt’s extraordinary past for generations to come.
Preserving the Great Pyramid of Giza is a worthwhile endeavor that honors its historical significance, architectural marvel, and profound insights into ancient Egypt. It is a testament to human ingenuity and a gateway to unraveling the mysteries of our past.
