Who speaks for Egypt?

Egypt was once spoken about, not spoken with. From the era of Maspero and Petrie to today’s Egyptian mission directors, spokespeople, and media pioneers, there has long been a struggle over representation and the politics of who gets to speak for the ancient dead.

Drawing from historical research and his experiences running the Luxor Times, working with government ministries in Egypt, and global institutions, Mela Melad traces the transformation from foreign-led narratives to Egyptian-led framing of archaeology, museums, and cultural heritage to illustrate how archaeology has not only removed artifacts but reshaped identity and power dynamics inside Egypt.

This talk explores how colonial-era digs, museum policies, and foreign media influenced Egyptian consciousness, from school books to public pride to political rhetoric. It connects the Tutankhamun frenzy, Napoleonic legacy, Omar Makram’s resistance, and modern Egyptian discourse about who owns history both intellectually and spiritually.