The world of archaeology has long been a male-dominated field, especially in the Arab world, where historical preservation and research are often intertwined with politics and bureaucracy. But one woman has shattered expectations and dedicated her life to defending Egypt’s priceless heritage – Wafaa El-Saddik. As the first female director of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, she not only fought for the return of stolen artefacts, but also took a fearless stand against corruption. El-Saddik’s legacy is not just about the treasures of Egypt’s past – it is about paving the way for women in archaeology and standing up for what is right, no matter the cost.

From Journalist to Egyptologist

Born in the Nile Delta in 1950, Wafaa El-Saddik grew up in politically turbulent times. Her family was forced to flee to Cairo during the Suez crisis, and she witnessed the turmoil of the Six-Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War (1973). These experiences initially drew her towards journalism, which she studied for six semesters at Cairo University. However, a life-changing visit to the Karnak temple complex in Luxor changed her destiny. Standing in awe of the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient civilisation, she felt an overwhelming calling to archaeology. She changed her major and never looked back.

Unlike many Egyptian archaeologists, Wafaa refused to be merely an assistant to foreign excavation teams working in Egypt. “That was unacceptable to me. I fought to become part of their team” she recalled. She understood that by leading excavations herself, she could contribute far more – after all, this was her own heritage. Her determination paid off and in 1976, she became the first Egyptian woman to lead an excavation at Karnak.

Breaking Barriers at the Egyptian Museum

El-Saddik’s biggest milestone came in 2004 when she was appointed director of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, making history as the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Her appointment was groundbreaking in the Arab world, where leadership roles in academia and heritage institutions have been overwhelmingly male. With over 120,000 artefacts, including the world-famous collection of Tutankhamen, the Egyptian Museum is one of the most important museums in the world. Leading such an institution required resilience, vision and the ability to navigate deep-rooted political complexities.

Unfortunately, her tenure was anything but peaceful. Corruption was rampant, and powerful individuals saw Egypt’s artefacts as a source of personal profit rather than national pride. El-Saddik was not afraid to tackle these issues head on, even if it meant facing a fierce backlash. She openly criticised the way artefacts were mishandled, the way high-ranking officials allowed looting to take place, and the failure to pursue the return of stolen treasures vigorously enough. “The people who have worked for so long for a different Egypt – decent, hard-working people of integrity – must finally be given a chance” she declared.

Standing Against Corruption and Fighting for Egypt’s Treasures

Wafaa El-Saddik’s career was marked by bold decisions and fearless resistance against corruption. As she recounts in her book Protecting Pharaoh’s Treasures, one of her most controversial battles involved a high-profile exhibition in Rome, where she uncovered serious financial misconduct. Powerful figures attempted to manipulate Egypt’s heritage for profit, and when she opposed them, she faced relentless accusations of mismanagement and disloyalty. Instead of retreating, she met every challenge head-on, determined to protect the integrity of Egypt’s antiquities.

Her defiance wasn’t limited to financial disputes. According to interviews she gave later in her career, she also stood firm against direct orders that she believed would harm Egypt’s cultural heritage. One of the most striking examples occurred when President Anwar Sadat ordered archaeologists to clean the upper portion of Khufu’s pyramid to make it match the lower part.“How dare you order such nonsense?” she reportedly told the chief inspector. The restoration was eventually called off, demonstrating the importance of expertise over political directives.

El-Saddik’s fight for Egypt’s cultural legacy went beyond museum politics. She actively campaigned for the return of looted artefacts from European and American collections, speaking out in academic circles and media interviews. She was particularly vocal about the lack of transparency in how foreign institutions acquired and displayed Egyptian antiquities. Her unwavering stance made her both a respected figure and a target for criticism, but she remained committed to ensuring that Egypt’s history was protected for future generations.

A Legacy for the Future

Wafaa El-Saddik’s work has had a lasting impact not only on Egyptology, but also on future generations of female archaeologists. In a field where women have often been relegated to support roles, she proved that leadership, expertise and courage could break through centuries of prejudice.

She detailed her journey in her book Protecting Pharaoh’s Treasures, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the world of Egyptian archaeology – its challenges, its victories, and the relentless fight against corruption. Through her work, she shed light on the complexities of preserving Egypt’s heritage, often at great personal cost.

El-Saddik’s story is a powerful reminder that defending history requires more than knowledge – it demands courage, integrity, and the determination to stand against powerful interests. In her relentless pursuit of justice for Egypt’s art, she became a symbol of resistance and perseverance. Her legacy continues to inspire women around the world, proving that real change is possible, even in the most male-d ominated fields.