Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Zahi Hawass draws historic crowds in Taipei
Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass drew an unprecedented public response in Taiwan as more than 1,000 people packed into a Taipei auditorium for a four‑hour lecture on ancient Egypt, organisers said on Sunday.
Hawass, Egypt’s former minister of antiquities, arrived in Taipei at the invitation of global media group MediaSphere to deliver an extensive talk on the secrets of ancient Egyptian civilisation and recent archaeological discoveries.
His visit triggered exceptional media interest, with more than 20 television and print interviews conducted within hours of his arrival. Taiwanese journalists pressed him on topics ranging from the so‑called “Curse of the Pharaohs” and the story behind his signature hat to updates on the Grand Egyptian Museum and his campaign to repatriate the Rosetta Stone, the bust of Nefertiti and the Dendera Zodiac.
Hawass repeatedly used the media spotlight to encourage Taiwanese travellers to visit Egypt, stressing that the country is “a safe haven” open to visitors from around the world.
Broadcaster ABC aired a prime‑time interview with Hawass that drew more than 10 million viewers, according to the network.
Later that evening, the veteran archaeologist delivered his headline lecture in front of a capacity crowd of over 1,000 attendees. Tickets sold out immediately, leaving large numbers gathered outside unable to enter, organisers said. The event ran for four hours, including a 90‑minute question‑and‑answer session and a full hour dedicated to book signings of his works translated into Chinese, as audience members queued eagerly for photos.
MediaSphere’s chairman said the turnout eclipsed anything the company had experienced in its history of hosting high‑profile speakers, calling the public interest “historic and unprecedented”.
The enthusiasm reflects Taiwan’s growing fascination with ancient Egypt. Taipei is currently hosting an exhibition of 200 artefacts from the British Museum that has already drawn half a million visitors. Another exhibition featuring mummies from Florence is set to open next month, alongside strong demand for the VR experience “Horizon of Khufu”, which continues to attract large crowds.
Organisers say the surge underlines the deepening influence of Egyptian cultural heritage across East Asia.