Egypt Calls for Destruction of Shijiazhuang Sphinx Replica

Egypt Calls for Destruction of Shijiazhuang Sphinx Replica
Apr 06, 2016 By eChinacities.com

A Chinese replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza in Shijiazhuang has been dismantled following protests from the Egyptian government. The Sphinx was constructed by Hebei Great Wall Studios and was torn down on April 2. The film studio did not get permission to build the replica and the Egyptian government filed a complaint to UNESCO to demolish the statue.

The chairman of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities Mohammad Ibrahim said, “We have complained to UNESCO. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry will contact the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the two sides will carry out the necessary procedures to solve the issue. Egypt will seek compensation from China or China will dismantle their replica.”

A spokesperson from the film studio said that the Sphinx was constructed for a movie shoot and was only temporary. The film studio was not trying to collect fees from tourists who wanted to see the Sphinx and respects the stature’s cultural heritage. The studio apologized to the Egyptian government for the misunderstanding.

Hebei’s Sphinx replica was created to be the exact same size as the real Sphinx.

This is not the only Sphinx replica in China. Replicas can be found in Beijing World Park, Shenzhen Windows of the World, Shenzhen’s Splendid China. There was also one at Guangzhou Grand World Scenic Park which closed in 2009. None of these parks have received complaints about their Sphinx replicas, most likely because the reconstructions are on a smaller scale.

Source: thepaper.cn

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Keywords: Shijiazhuang sphinx Sphinx replica China sphinx

3 Comments

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JohnathonSteel

good filthy fucking nongs need to be taught a lesson about stealing from other cultures

Apr 08, 2016 09:10 Report Abuse

Englteachted

5000 years of history but we must copy others historical feats.

Apr 06, 2016 13:20 Report Abuse

RandomGuy

The same reason why some Chinese take great pleasure at damaging other countries' artifacts when abroad (like that guy in Egypt or some tourists in Thailand, among others), they destroyed most of their own history and relics, most of the 'old towns' and 'temples' today in China have been rebuilt in the last 30 years or so. As a result, they feel incredibly jealous at other countries that managed to preserve their own identity and history despite wars and disasters. As always with Chinese, they will put great efforts to bring down others to their level. Now if the same amount of efforts would be put at improving themselves, China would most likely be a much better place and Chinese a much better people, but that's too much asking, because the Chinese culture is one of mediocrity.

Apr 07, 2016 08:28 Report Abuse