Zahi Hawass, who was promoted to become minister of antiquities in a cabinet shake-up as the revolution got underway, was among the first people to make his way to the Egyptian museum as protests broke out in Tahrir Square.
But fast forward almost two years, and Mr. Hawass, who has been replaced as minister, has spent months as the target of an investigation into corruption allegations that he has denied.
“The most important thing Egypt doesn’t have is a strategy,” Mr. Hawass said in an interview in his Cairo office, lined with glossy Egyptology books, several of which he has written himself.
Mr. Hawass, whose normally bright white hair was dyed with a purple tinge, appeared emotional at times, with his voice breaking and eyes tearing up.
“I’m not a politician, I’m an archaeologist for everyone. What is more important, above anything else, is not me or the people, it’s the monuments,” he said.
Mr. Hawass, who often likens himself to Indiana Jones, was one of Egypt’s top archaeologists while also earning himself a celebrity reputation through his often flamboyant behavior. Since the revolution, he has come under attack because of his closeness to the former regime and allegations that he profited from deals relating to his archaeological work.
Dismissing those attacks, he said Egypt’s heritage was better protected under his watch than now.
“I had the passion and the determination,” he said. “ I’m not sure the people who are doing the job now have it.”
Revolution Brings Hard Times for Egypt's Treasures - NYTimes.com
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