Controversy over restoration of Pyramid of Menkaure in Giza

A three-year restoration plan to restore the original granite casing of the Pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest of the three pyramids on the Giza plateau in Egypt, has sparked debate. The pyramid, built around 4,000 years ago for Pharaoh Menkaure of the 4th Dynasty, originally had a granite outer layer that has largely been lost to erosion. The project is a collaboration between the Egyptian government and a team of Japanese archaeologists led by Mostafa Waziri, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt. Waziri defended the plan in a social media video, calling it "significant and crucial." However, Egyptologist Monica Hanna criticized the invasive nature of the restoration, telling Artnews: "The only thing missing was adding tiles to the Pyramid of Menkaure! When will we stop the absurdity in the management of Egyptian heritage?" Other critics sarcastically asked when the Leaning Tower of Pisa would be straightened. The Egyptian government heavily relies on its historical heritage to attract tourists.