A New Paradigm for Heritage Justice
The Civilization Rights Institute (CRI) is proud to announce the launch of a pivotal initiative led by its founder, Dr. Ahmed Yahya Rashed. This groundbreaking endeavor advocates for the return of looted Egyptian artifacts to their original environmental contexts, not merely as an act of repatriation, but as a fundamental pillar for sustainable development and cultural justice.
Dr. Rashed, a distinguished Professor at the British University in Egypt’s Faculty of Engineering, presented this initiative to Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Ahmed Issa, with the strategic aim of integrating it into discussions at the upcoming COP27 Climate Change Conference in Sharm El Sheikh.
The Essence of Civilization Rights
At its core, the initiative asserts the inherent rights of human civilizations to benefit from their heritage—materially, morally, and ethically—within their original contexts. This concept extends beyond mere ownership, embracing the profound connection between cultural artifacts, their discovery sites, and the communities that safeguard them.
“Our objective is to illuminate how these fundamental rights can drive sustainable development within heritage environments, safeguarding them from the threats of disappearance and ensuring their vitality for future generations,” states Dr. Rashed.
The Rosetta Stone: A Beacon for Change
A Legacy Under Threat
The Rosetta Stone serves as the inaugural and emblematic case study for CRI’s initiative. Two centuries ago, its decipherment unlocked the secrets of ancient Egyptian language, birthing the field of Egyptology. Yet, its original discovery site in Borj Rashid village faces an existential threat from climate change, risking submersion and irreparable loss.
The initiative seeks to highlight this urgent environmental vulnerability at COP27, positioning the return of the Rosetta Stone as a model project aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Community Empowerment through Heritage
CRI believes that the return of such artifacts must be coupled with comprehensive plans for the development and empowerment of the original communities. This includes:
- Preparing and improving the physical environment of heritage sites.
- Fostering local awareness and engagement in heritage preservation.
- Developing “Civilization Rights Tourism” as a new model for sustainable human and spatial development, connecting the rich narratives of sites like Borj Rashid and Qaitbay Citadel.
- Ensuring that the economic benefits, such as the production of souvenirs and handicrafts, directly uplift local populations, including women and artisans.
Global Collaboration for a Shared Future
Achieving this vision necessitates robust partnership and unwavering support from all stakeholders, both local and international. Institutions currently housing these artifacts, such as the British Museum, are encouraged to engage, recognizing that their collaboration can foster scientific exchange, elevate their public profile, and contribute to a global legacy of cultural stewardship.
Dr. Rashed calls for an annual global celebration on July 19th—the anniversary of the Rosetta Stone’s discovery—to commemorate its return and symbolize a renewed commitment to heritage justice.
Join the Movement
The Civilization Rights Institute has launched a critical opinion survey to gather global perspectives on the return of looted artifacts and specifically, the Rosetta Stone to Borj Rashid. We invite you to lend your voice and contribute to this vital discussion.
Participate in the Survey (Arabic)
The journey towards full civilization rights extends beyond mere physical return; it encompasses the sustainable flourishing of original sites and their communities, ensuring that human heritage benefits all of humanity, where it truly belongs.