Why Don’t You Go Cry About It?
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
9 comments
While Jordanians are rallying around the idea that Petra could end up being one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Egypt is crying foul, claiming that it demeans the greatness of the Pyramids of Giza.
The Pyramids are the only surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. According to the head of Egypt’s department of antiquities, Zahi Hawass, "It's ridiculous, they don't need to be put to a vote." Egyptian Culture Minister Faruq Hosni described the project as "absurd" and its creator, Swiss-Canadian Bernard Weber, as a man "concerned primarily with self-promotion".
Weber visited Jordan in mid-January as a part of the New 7 Wonders tour, and was met with royal reception by Her Majesty, Queen Rania. Weber's blog describes his 3-day visit in detail, adding that his was a "wonder-filled…delightful stay in Jordan."
Weber's visit to Egypt, on the other hand, was less than cordial. At the last minute, the hotel conference room where Weber was due to hold a press conference was closed down at the last minute "for maintenance" and a TV crew was prevented from filming "for security reasons".
Al Sayed Al Naggar, an editorialist in a leading state-owned daily newspaper, wrote, "This is probably a conspiracy against Egypt, its civilization and monuments."
That’s right, pal. The whole world is conspiring against Egypt and its blessed Pyramids. Jeez, talk about a bunch of selfish babies.
Source: Egypt fumes over fresh seven wonders competition for pyramids
The Pyramids are the only surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. According to the head of Egypt’s department of antiquities, Zahi Hawass, "It's ridiculous, they don't need to be put to a vote." Egyptian Culture Minister Faruq Hosni described the project as "absurd" and its creator, Swiss-Canadian Bernard Weber, as a man "concerned primarily with self-promotion".
Weber visited Jordan in mid-January as a part of the New 7 Wonders tour, and was met with royal reception by Her Majesty, Queen Rania. Weber's blog describes his 3-day visit in detail, adding that his was a "wonder-filled…delightful stay in Jordan."
Weber's visit to Egypt, on the other hand, was less than cordial. At the last minute, the hotel conference room where Weber was due to hold a press conference was closed down at the last minute "for maintenance" and a TV crew was prevented from filming "for security reasons".
Al Sayed Al Naggar, an editorialist in a leading state-owned daily newspaper, wrote, "This is probably a conspiracy against Egypt, its civilization and monuments."
That’s right, pal. The whole world is conspiring against Egypt and its blessed Pyramids. Jeez, talk about a bunch of selfish babies.
Source: Egypt fumes over fresh seven wonders competition for pyramids
posted by Dave at 2:52 PM
9 Comments:
But, you know Dave, they do make some sense, I mean, lets suppose the pyramids don't get voted and the Eiffel tower does, I mean, sure the Eiffel tower is an impressive construction but its not really a human feat that is as remarkable as the pyramids all things considered, the same goes for Petra.
I personally would love if it Petra makes it, but if it doesn't it won't bother me, because Petra is indeed a wondrous human achievement no matter what any poll says, Actually come to think of it, its all a propaganda game, I bet if Petra was in the U.S it'd be so remarkably sold through the meida that it'd be taken for granted as a Wonder,its the Jordanian goverments fault that petra is under appreciated world wide, know what I'm sayin?
Bakkouz,
As you said, this is just a propaganda game, which is why I believe Egypt is overreacting. The results wont nullify the importance of the Pyramids as a major (or ancient) World wonder.
I agree that some of the "wonders" on the list probably shouldn't be there. The Eiffel Tower? The Sydney Opera House? Sure they're cool structures and wonders in their own right, but they're simply modern marvels of engineering. The Statue of Christ the Redeemer? Come on, amazing statues have been created for centuries. This one is nothing new.
I based my voting criteria on the achievements that are truly amazing and awe-inspiring, created without the assistance of modern technology or without the motivation of international recognition. I place Petra, Stonehenge and the Easter Island Statues in that category.
Lets not foget that as impressive the pyramids are, and as grand of a structure they are , they are not as unique as petra.I am not trying to underestimate the pyramids or the civilization that built them but everyone knows that pyramids that are just as grand existed in other places, the south american pyramids and the ancient babylonian ziggurates are just as impressive, while there is nothing I know of that is remotely similar to petra, a city carved completely in the stone in such a size and sahpe, I might be mistaken so if anyone knows of a similar thing I would like to know.Besides, Egypt does not need such exposure, the enigma and exotic appeal that it has all over the world is unbeatable, while Petra and Jordan, well we could use such exposure.
"talk about a bunch of selfish babies . . . Lol, especially after reading through your blog. No wonder Yanks have a bad name as tourists / itinerants, you lot must be the most pampered and self centred race in history. Grow up.
Anon,
I don't know why supporting the inclusion of a veritable world wonder in a competition, while pointing out another country's unsportsmanlike conduct, is selfish and pampered.
Apparently sense is not required when making cowardly, anonymous cracks at another.
Egypt... grow up!
Isn't there room for both? I seriously doubt anyone is going to forget about the pyramids. It seems to me that Jordan is only getting started with tourism and Egypt has had the strong hold for hundreds of years.
Fairydust,
That's exactly the point! Both locations are in the running, and both have ample opportunity for votes. This seems to be a case where Egypt is just upset because other "wonders" are hogging their glory, so to speak.
I think it's a shameless publicity stunt. Wonders of the World should justify their own importance, not be determined by a global SMS vote.
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