Statue for Sir Magdi Yacoub

Watani

28-06-2025

'I love Egypt and I love my work. I also love art and culture. I believe that medicine and culture are what give value to life.' The words were said by world renown Egyptian British heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub during a celebration held in Cairo in his honour by the Ministry of Culture.
Hosted at the Small Theatre of the Cairo Opera House, the event was held to commemorate Sir Magdi's humanitarian and scientific career, and announce the details of a project for a statue of him.
The celebration was attended by Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population; Ahmed Fouad Hano, Minister of Culture; Adel al-Naggar, Governor of Giza; sculptor Essam Darwish, the statue's designer; high ranking officials from the Ministry of Culture; and a host of public figures and national icons.
'I am grateful to my beloved country, Egypt, and to everyone who contributed to this project, which I see not only as a tribute to me personally, but also as a recognition of the value of science and humanitarian work in general,' Sir Magdi said, showing his deep appreciation for this national recognition.
He then elaborated on the significance of culture to the growth of peoples. 'The civilisation and growth of peoples depend primarily on culture, which includes honouring community service, science and scientific research, as well as art, because science and health are incomplete without art. Culture, with all its elements, is what gives life its true meaning.' He stressed his deep belief in the value of culture and the arts as pillars of human development, just as science and health are foundations for advancing societies.
Sir Magdi said he hoped that this honour would work as a source of inspiration for every young Egyptian who aspires to leave a mark, serving humanity.
For his part, Minister of Culture Dr Hano talked about what he saw as God's greatest blessings to Egypt which is 'the men who have devoted their lives to serving humanity, not only with their knowledge, but also with their hearts, and with the hope they have instilled in the lives of others. Foremost among them is Sir Magdi Yacoub, a devoted son of Egypt, who was not just a gifted physician and world-class surgeon, but a humane person in every sense of the word. He believed that medicine is not just a profession, but a message of mercy and love, and that healing comes not from knowledge alone, but also from the heart.
'We are happy to announce the project to build a statue that embodies this inspiring journey, to serve as a symbol of the values embodied by the 'King of Hearts', [a title that Egyptians have fondly bestowed on Sir Magdi] and a renewed message of inspiration for generations.'
The statue of Sir Magdi has been designed by Egyptian sculptor Essam Darwish; it is part of a broader project sponsored by the Ministry of Culture to honour Egyptian icons who left a profound impact on people's hearts and contributed to building the nation.
'Young people need true role models to inspire them and guide them towards the values upon which nations are built,' the Minister of Culture stressed. 'We are thus keen to embody these figures in our cultural arenas and institutions, so that they remain present in society's memory and a living witness to what dedication and hard work can achieve.'
Dr Hano concluded by extending his gratitude and appreciation to Dr Abdel-Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population; Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development; Dr Naggar, Governor of Giza, for their sincere support and cooperation in bringing this project to fruition. He also specifically thanked Sir Magdi Yacoub for the knowledge and good he has provided—and continues to provide—to the people.
Dr Abdel-Ghaffar, said that Sir Magdi is a global Egyptian figure and a symbol of dedication and humanity. The projects and services he provides, especially in southern Egypt, reflect a true love for his country and its people. He also makes great efforts to support and train young doctors, ensuring the continuation of his noble career, Dr Abdel-Ghaffar said.
Mohamed Abu Saada, Chairman of the National Organisation of Urban Harmony reviewed the project's details, the statue's location, and its symbolic significance.
He explained that the statue will stand in Kit Kat Square in the populous Giza district of Imbaba, near the Heart [cardiac] Institute busted by thousands of patients daily, giving the statue a symbolic significance linked to Sir Magdi's life work.
Artist and sculptor Essam Darwish, beaming with pride, explained that the statue will be made of bronze, 6 meters tall, and will stand on an 8-meter-high pedestal. It is expected to be completed in eight months.
According to Dr Naggar, Giza Governor, the Ministry of Culture will assume the technical aspect and provide full supervision of the implementation of the statue, while the governorate of Giza will provide the necessary funding and prepare the site to host the artwork.
He said the governorate planned to implement, in cooperation with the National Authority for Urban Harmony, a comprehensive development project in the area, including upgraded sidewalks, vegetation, and traffic routes.
A few days ago, on 18 June, the city of Aswan which is home to the famous Magdi Yacoub Heart Center, presented Sir Magdi with the key of Aswan, in recognition of his outstanding medical and humanitarian contributions.
Aswan hands its key to Sir Magdi Yacoub
Watani International
23 June 2025 Comments
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