Egyptian authorities remove murals of famed Pharaohs over dark features, promoting "Afrocentric" narrative
Murals depicting Queen Nefertiti and King Tutankhamun with dark features near Cairo's Egyptian Museum sparked public backlash with critics accusing the artwork of promoting an "Afrocentric" narrative
Pharaonic murals painted on a wall in Tahrir Square, near the Egyptian Museum, drew widespread criticism after images depicting Nefertiti and Tutankhamun with dark skin tones spread across social media, according to Al Arabiya. The drawings quickly became a major topic of online debate, with many accusing those responsible of pushing an Afrocentric agenda, a theory that holds ancient Egyptian civilization originated from Black African peoples.
Critics argued that preserving Egyptian identity is a responsibility that should not be neglected, particularly given the global spread of Afrocentric narratives in recent years. Others objected specifically to the murals' prominent location, steps from the Egyptian Museum in one of Cairo's most significant public squares.
They argued the artwork should have been reviewed by antiquities and history specialists to ensure an accurate portrayal of Egyptian identity for both citizens and tourists.
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Following the public outcry, Cairo Governorate authorities moved quickly to erase the murals, with plans to restore them in what officials described as an artistically and historically accurate manner. Images showing the murals before and after their removal circulated widely online, with the decision drawing praise from many social media users.
Afrocentrism remains a highly sensitive topic in Egypt, where many view claims that ancient Egyptian civilization was entirely African, and that modern Egyptians are not its rightful heirs, as a threat to national identity and historical heritage.