Latest news with #ZahiHawass
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Zahi Hawass: Global Icon Amid Social Media Turmoil
Hatem Dwidar-Hassanain Tayea In recent days, renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass has found himself at the center of intense social media backlash following his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience. The controversy has ignited an online firestorm, revealing the growing gap between traditional media's role in shaping informed discourse and the unchecked chaos of social media commentary. In an age where trending topics override truth, Hawass—a scholar with decades of achievements—is being targeted by individuals with little to no understanding of Egyptology or the Arabic language. These unqualified voices have taken it upon themselves to 'correct' a world expert, not out of academic interest, but for viral attention. This wave of misinformed outrage exemplifies the danger of unregulated digital platforms, where credibility is easily drowned out by clout-chasing and misinformation. The interview itself was not a casual or opportunistic event. Joe Rogan pursued Hawass for over a year. The delay was not due to hesitation, but because Hawass is a globally in-demand figure with ongoing responsibilities. The very fact that one of the world's most influential media personalities worked so hard to secure the interview speaks volumes. Zahi Hawass doesn't seek fame—fame seeks him. Beyond the fabricated errors highlighted online, there is a deeper subtext in the backlash: a broader attempt to undermine the authenticity of ancient Egyptian civilization. Criticism wasn't merely directed at Hawass personally; it was aimed at the legacy he represents—Egypt's documented, peer-reviewed, and globally respected heritage. Agree or disagree with his views, Zahi Hawass remains a towering figure in global archaeology. He is perhaps the most internationally recognized Egyptian voice today. His career has brought Egypt's history to millions, elevated the global status of its monuments, and contributed to the protection and promotion of its cultural identity. That legacy doesn't need defending—it speaks for itself. As discourse becomes increasingly driven by algorithm rather than accuracy, we must be cautious. Judgments made in haste, based on half-truths and social media soundbites, risk diminishing not only individuals but the credibility of entire fields. Zahi Hawass's life's work stands on solid ground. The world knows it. And Egypt should remember it. read more Analysis- Turkey Has 0 Regional Allies... Why? Analysis: Russia, Turkey... Libya in Return For Syria? Analysis: Who Will Gain Trump's Peace Plan Fruits? Analysis: Will Turkey's Erdogan Resort to Snap Election? Analysis: What Are Turkey's Aspirations in Iraq? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Mercenaries In Libya... Who Should Be Blamed? Opinion & Analysis Analysis- How 'Libya Nightmare' Takes Erdogan to Algiers Opinion & Analysis Analysis: What Happens After Brexit? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Strategic Significance of Libya's Sirte, Jufra! News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
The National
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass hits back at criticism over Joe Rogan interview
Renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass has hit back at criticism from Egyptians on social media over his controversial interview with Joe Rogan and accused the US media personality of focusing his questions on topics he had long dismissed as pseudoscience. The nearly two-hour interview, which was released on podcast platforms and on YouTube on May 14, touched on Mr Hawass's extensive career and his work at the pyramids and other pharaonic sites at the Giza Plateau on the outskirts of Cairo. However, the conversation quickly became contentious, leading many viewers to criticise Mr Hawass for his combative demeanour and refusal to engage in meaningful discussions about his research. A week after its release, Rogan described the episode as 'the worst podcast I have ever done" but also "maybe a good one, too', during an interview with NFL superstar Aaron Rodgers. Rogan's remarks, including his characterisation of Mr Hawass as 'a closed-minded fellow' who was 'gatekeeping all the knowledge', have caused a stir on Egyptian social media. Many online comments criticised Mr Hawass interrupting Rogan's questions and his dismissal of attempts to explore alternative theories about the pyramids and the Sphinx. According to one viewer who spoke to The National, Mr Hawass exhibited a 'severe and sometimes aggressive' unwillingness to entertain doubts or alternative perspectives about his work. "Throughout the interview, Mr Hawass repeatedly interrupted Rogan, deflected detailed questions about his work, and emphasised his authority and legacy rather than addressing the topics at hand," said one viewer, who asked to remain anonymous. Critics on YouTube and social media also accused Mr Hawass of arrogance. One commenter noted that rather than engaging with Rogan's questions, Mr Hawass repeatedly insisted his word as the 'foremost expert on ancient Egypt' should suffice. Mr Hawass, who is on a lecture tour in the US, was not immediately available for comment but his media liaison Ali Abou Dsheish told The National he was "very upset" by the criticism. The former Minister of Antiquities appeared on an Egyptian talk show on Tuesday night to defend himself. 'How can this man, Joe Rogan, not read my book before I arrived?' Mr Hawass asked angrily, referring to Giza and the Pyramids, a 1,000-page study co-written with American archaeologist Mark Lehner. 'The only book in the world written about Giza with the utmost skill. How can he not have read it?' Mr Hawass went on to question criticism of his interview. 'Why are they attacking me? Because I held my own against Joe Rogan? Because I was confident? Why would my confidence offend him? Did they even understand what our conversation was about? Did they even understand what this man was really saying?' He reiterated that his decades of research had definitively proven how the pyramids were built, a subject that continues to baffle many archaeologists. During the Rogan interview, he repeatedly referred to his book as the definitive source on the topic. However, viewers noted he failed to provide detailed answers to some of Rogan's more technical questions, particularly about construction techniques. On the talk show, Mr Hawass suggested Rogan's line of questioning was influenced by an agenda to undermine his credibility. He claimed the interview, arranged a year ago by alternative historian Graham Hancock, with whom Mr Hawass recently resolved a 25-year dispute, was unfairly skewed towards topics "like Atlantis and aliens", subjects he has long dismissed as pseudoscience. 'I spent 25 years holding debates against people like Graham Hancock, Robert Bauval and John Anthony West, who argued that the pyramids and the Sphinx were built 15,000 years ago by people from Atlantis,' Mr Hawass said. 'Thank God I stood up against their ideas, not just in Egyptian newspapers but internationally as well. I told Rogan I have nothing to do with these matters.' One of the most heated moments during the Rogan interview occurred when he brought up a recent study by Italian researchers Filippo Biondi and Corrado Malanga. The study, which used tomography technology, suggested the existence of hidden shafts, tunnels and passages beneath the Giza Plateau. Mr Hawass told Rogan the study was 'completely false' and that, not being a radar expert himself, he had consulted with the best imaging experts he knew and they had categorically discredited it. While the Italian researchers have gained credibility in recent months, their work remains controversial and has yet to be widely accepted by the archaeological community.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Joe Rogan Says This Guest Was His Worst
After hosting over 1,800 guests on The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan has finally named his least favorite: Dr. Zahi Hawass, the former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities. In a recent episode featuring Aaron Rodgers, Rogan opened up about his disappointing experience with Hawass, calling him 'a close-minded fellow who's been in charge of gatekeeping all the knowledge.' Rogan's comments came during a wide-ranging discussion with Rodgers that touched on everything from Elon Musk and P-Diddy to COVID-19 and ancient Egypt. 'That might have been the worst podcast I've ever done,' Rogan admitted, though he added, 'maybe a good one too.' The episode with Hawass, which ran for nearly two hours, centered on the history of the Egyptian pyramids. Many viewers noted that Rogan seemed visibly disinterested throughout the conversation. When Rodgers asked whether Rogan would consider visiting Egypt with Hawass as his guide, Rogan shrugged off the idea. 'Yeah, meh, mmm,' he said, adding, 'If I'm going, I'm going with Graham Hancock.' Hawass and Hancock have a famously rocky history, clashing publicly in 2015 over debates about ancient Egypt's past. However, the two have since reconciled, with Hancock even sharing a photo last year showing the pair enjoying a dinner in the supposed patch-up, Rogan's episode with Hawass didn't leave a good impression. He accused the archaeologist of refusing to 'entertain' alternative theories about Egypt's history and implied Hawass was too rigid in his thinking. For Rogan's loyal listeners, the revelation adds an interesting footnote to his ever-expanding podcast history. While he's known for hosting guests with a wide range of views, from comedians to athletes to conspiracy theorists, it's clear that Hawass left a lasting mark... for all the wrong reasons. Joe Rogan Says This Guest Was His Worst first appeared on Men's Journal on May 25, 2025
Egypt Independent
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Egypt Independent
Archaeologist Zahi Hawass set to discuss 12 mysteries during tours of US and Canada
Egyptian Archaeologist Zahi Hawass is set to continue his grand lecture tour in the US and Canada, which runs from May to August. Titled 'Discover the Greatest Secrets of the Land of the Pharaohs,' Hawass will discuss several amazing ancient mysteries that have been buried beneath Egypt's sands for thousands of years. The archaeologist said on his official website: 'For decades, I have shared Egypt's history with the world, but now I present to you discoveries no one has yet heard of! We are in a golden age of exploration and revelation, and now is the time to uncover the deepest secrets.' During these lectures, Hawass will discuss 12 of the most mysterious archaeological discoveries: New Pyramid Discovered in Egypt Lost Golden City's Next Chapter The Hunt for Royal Tombs The Mystery of the Unknown Queen Valley of the Kings Breakthroughs New Discoveries at Saqqara Inside Ramses II's Tomb DNA Unlocked Secrets of the Great Pyramid Mysteries of the Sphinx Cleopatra and Mark Antony's Lost Tomb King Tut's Final Mystery Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
After 16 years, Joe Rogan reveals the worst guest he's ever had on his podcast
Podcast host Joe Rogan has revealed the worst guest he's ever had on his show, The Joe Rogan Experience. In an episode that aired on Wednesday, Rogan spoke with NFL Star Aaron Rodgers, 41, about a host of topics, from Elon Musk to COVID-19, P-Diddy, and Egyptian history. The latter gave the comedian a segue to discuss his least favorite visitor. 'That might have been the worst podcast I've ever done, but maybe a good one too,' he said. Rogan has interviewed over 1,800 people on his podcast since he began it in 2009. Rogan was referencing his recent interview with archaeologist and Egyptian government minister Dr. Zahi Hawass. The pair discussed the history of the Egyptian pyramids for almost two hours. Many viewers commented that Rogan seemed disinterested throughout the entire discussion. In the conversation with Rodgers, Rogan mocked the former Minister of Antiquities and shrugged off his invitation to visit Egypt's archaeological sites with Hawass as a guide. Rogan explained that he brought Hawass on the show after the archaeologist had supposedly patched up a feud with British author Graham Hancock. 'That was one of the reasons why Zahi came on because Graham talked to Zahi and was like 'Zahi wants to do this, we're friends now', so I was like 'Bring him in, let's go bring him in, I'll talk to him.''. However, when Rodgers asked Rogan about the invitation to Egypt, Rogan shrugged: 'Yeah, meh, mmm, if I'm going, I'm going with Graham.' 'This is the guy. This is this close-minded fellow who's been in charge of gatekeeping all the knowledge,' Rogan said. The quarterback then revealed that he had asked Hancock to take him to Egypt 'a few years ago'. Hancock, who rose to fame as a British journalist, has written dozens of books on ancient civilizations. He later came under fire for inconsistencies while claiming he had telepathic tendencies. Rodgers claimed during his visit to Egypt that he had seen 'a spaceship, a helicopter, and a submarine' on an ancient hieroglyph. When the duo discussed ancient civilizations, Rogan simply said, 'There's a bunch of weird images.' Hawass and Hancock feuded in 2015 over a fiery debate about ancient Egypt. In a clip that circulated online, Hawass is heard shouting at Hancock, stating: 'Don't talk to me. Please go away. Shame on you.' Hancock revealed that the pair have since reconciled despite their conflicting positions on ancient history and scientific artefacts. 'Last week in Cairo, Dr Zahi Hawass graciously accepted my apology for my unkind words to him at a public event in 2015. We still disagree about many things, but our disagreements in future will be friendly, respectful, and constructive. The attached after-dinner photo says it all,' he wrote on X in June last year. Rogan continued to berate Hawass as someone who would not 'entertain' pseudoscience myths on Egypt.
