Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Shanghai International Studies University in China. This prestigious degree is only the second to be awarded to an international figure in the university's nearly 75-year history. The first was awarded to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The honorary doctorate comes as Egypt and China celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations.
The awarding of honorary doctorates in China is subject to strict academic standards. Only 10 honorary degrees are granted annually across more than 300 Chinese universities. Hawass's nomination went through several stages, including securing explicit international approval and consensus. Four leading Egyptologists and specialists from four different countries submitted academic reports supporting his nomination.
The nomination was followed by approval from the Shanghai University Council and official endorsement by China's Ministry of Education. The ceremony was attended by professors, deans, and students in the university's main hall. The university's president welcomed Hawass in his honorary academic robes amid a large reception and applause.
In his speech, the university president said the honorary doctorate recognised Hawass's international standing as an archaeologist and his contributions through books, research, and academic studies. Hawass expressed his happiness at receiving the honour, noting that it is his 13th honorary doctorate from 13 different countries.
Hawass said the degree holds particular significance for him because of its rarity and the strict academic traditions governing its award. On the sidelines of the ceremony, Hawass donated five academic publications from his work to the Shanghai University library. The publications include two books focusing on his discoveries and the activities of Egyptian archaeological missions in the Valley of the Kings.
The event concluded with a one-hour academic lecture by Hawass, during which he discussed recent archaeological discoveries in the Valley of the Kings and addressed historical theories and questions. The lecture was followed by an open discussion with Chinese students and academics, who presented him with flowers and commemorative shields.
The university president later hosted an official dinner in his honour, attended by leaders from educational and cultural institutions. The honorary doctorate is a testament to Hawass's contributions to the field of archaeology and his international reputation.
Key points
- Zahi Hawass receives 13th honorary doctorate from Shanghai University.
- The honorary doctorate is a rare award, with only 10 granted annually across China.
- Hawass's contributions to archaeology have been recognised internationally.
