Egyptian archeologist calls for Germany to return bust of Nefertiti

Renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass has launched a petition urging the return of Queen Nefertiti's bust from Berlin's Neues Museum to Egypt, according to Reuters. The iconic limestone bust was discovered at Tell el-Amarna, around 300 km south of Cairo, in 1912 by a German archaeological team and was transported to Berlin the following year. 

Nefertiti's husband's, the Pharaoh Akhenaten, ruled until about 1335 B.C. He established Amarna as his short-lived capital and promoted the exclusive worship of the god Aten. He also led a dramatic reshaping of Egyptian art. 

Hawass, Egypt’s former antiquities minister, claims the bust was removed illegally and is calling for its return through a national online petition, emphasizing this is not a government-led effort. Hawass said he is not calling for the repatriation of objects taken out of Egypt legally. His campaign focuses on reclaiming three key artefacts: the Nefertiti bust, the Rosetta Stone, and the Dendera Zodiac.