Zahi Hawass is a renowned Egyptian archaeologist, Egyptologist, and former Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, serving twice. He has made many discoveries and contributions to the field of ancient Egyptian history and culture, and has become a popular figure in the media and the public eye. But what do we know about his family and personal life? In this article, we will explore the Zahi Hawass family, and how they have supported and influenced his career and achievements.
Early Life and Education
Zahi Hawass was born on May 28, 1947, in a small village near Damietta, Egypt. He was the eldest of five children, and his father was a lawyer who worked for the government. Hawass grew up in a modest but comfortable household, and developed an interest in archaeology and history from a young age. He used to read books and magazines about ancient Egypt, and dreamed of becoming an explorer
Hawass obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Greek and Roman Archaeology from Alexandria University in 1967. In 1979, he earned a diploma in Egyptology from Cairo University. He then worked as an inspector and administrator at various archaeological sites in Egypt, including the Great Pyramids of Giza
In 1980, Hawass was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to attend the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where he studied Egyptology and Syro-Palestinian Archaeology. He received his Master of Arts degree in 1983, and his PhD in 1987, focusing on the funerary establishments of the Old Kingdom pharaohs Khufu, Khafra, and Menkaura
Marriage and Children
Hawass is married to Fekhira, a gynecologist who works at a hospital in Cairo. They met in 1974, when Hawass was working at the Abu Simbel temples, and Fekhira was visiting the site as a tourist. They fell in love and got married in 1975, and have been together ever since
Hawass and Fekhira have two sons, Sherief and Ashraf. Sherief is a physician who specializes in cardiology, and Ashraf is a restaurateur who owns a chain of Italian restaurants in Cairo. Both of them are married and have children of their own
Hawass has said that his family is his greatest source of happiness and support, and that they share his passion and curiosity for ancient Egypt. He often takes them to his excavations and lectures, and involves them in his projects and publications. He has also dedicated some of his books to his wife and sons, and thanked them for their love and encouragement
Career and Achievements
Hawass has had a long and distinguished career as an archaeologist, Egyptologist, and cultural heritage official. He has excavated and restored many ancient sites and monuments in Egypt, such as the Valley of the Golden Mummies, the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Pyramid of Khufu, the Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings, and the Bahariya Oasis. He has also discovered and identified many mummies and artifacts, such as the mummy of Queen Hatshepsut, the mummy of Ramesses the Great, the Solar Boat of Khufu, and the treasures of Tanis
Hawass has also been involved in the management and protection of Egypt’s antiquities and museums. He served as the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities from 2002 to 2011, and as the Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs in 2011. He oversaw the development and renovation of many museums and exhibitions, such as the Grand Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and the King Tutankhamun exhibition. He also advocated for the repatriation of stolen and looted artifacts, and the preservation of endangered sites and monuments
Hawass has also been a prolific writer and speaker, publishing more than 40 books and hundreds of articles on various topics related to ancient Egypt. He has also appeared in many documentaries and TV shows, such as Discovery Channel’s Chasing Mummies, History Channel’s Ancient Aliens, and National Geographic’s Secrets of the Pyramids. He has also lectured and taught at many universities and institutions around the world, such as the American University in Cairo, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the British Museum. He has also received many awards and honors, such as the Order of Arts and Letters from France, the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement, and the First Class Decoration of Arts and Sciences from Egypt
Conclusion
Zahi Hawass is one of the most influential and respected figures in the field of archaeology and Egyptology. He has dedicated his life to the exploration and conservation of Egypt’s ancient heritage, and has shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with millions of people around the world. He has also been blessed with a loving and supportive family, who have accompanied him on his journey and inspired him to pursue his dreams. The Zahi Hawass family is a remarkable example of how passion, dedication, and love can create a lasting legacy for generations to come.