Cairo Mural Sparks Controversy Over Pharaohs' Skin Tone

A large mural in Cairo's Tahrir Square, commissioned for Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit, has been painted over following a controversy regarding its depiction of Tutankhamun and Nefertiti with dark skin. The artwork, created by a group of young volunteers, aimed to beautify the city for the high-profile visit.

The mural's portrayal of the ancient Egyptian rulers ignited a debate, with allegations that it revived Afrocentric claims about the pharaohs' origins. Egyptian authorities intervened by removing the artwork, drawing attention to the ongoing discussions surrounding historical interpretations and cultural heritage in the region.