Row erupts over Cairo mural depicting Tutankhamun and Nefertiti with dark skin
A mural in Cairo depicting Pharaohs with dark skin was painted over by authorities following public backlash and accusations of promoting Afrocentric historical claims. The artwork, created with the assistance of AI, was removed shortly before a state visit by the Chinese president.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intersection of AI-generated art, national identity, and the sensitive political discourse surrounding the historical representation of ancient Egyptian figures.
The mural in Tahrir Square was designed by volunteer youth group Rasmet Basma with the help of AI. Photograph: Rasmet Basma The mural in Tahrir Square was designed by volunteer youth group Rasmet Basma with the help of AI. Photograph: Rasmet Basma Global development Row erupts over Cairo mural depicting Tutankhamun and Nefertiti with dark skin Artwork created in Tahrir Square for Chinese president’s state visit to Egypt is painted over amid allegations it revived Afrocentric claims about Pharaohs’ origins
About this content Hanaa Hammad in Cairo Fri 2 Oct 2026 04.55 EDT Last modified on Fri 2 Oct 2026 04.58 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google On the eve of Chinese president Xi Jinping’s state visit to Cairo last month, the city authorities were busy removing a 66-metre-long mural from the esteemed guest’s line of sight.
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