Nora Shawki is a National Geographic Explorer and Egyptian archaeologist who has been excavating ancient sites in the Nile Delta & Sudan for over a decade. Nora has served as a field archaeologist on foreign missions in areas including Tell Timai (Thmuis), Sa El Hagar (Sais) and Tell Mutubis in Egypt, as well as Tombos and El Kurru in northern Sudan. Her main project focus is currently at the Pyramids of Giza with the AERA (Ancient Egypt Research Associates) team. Nora’s focal point is the settlement area of Heit El Ghurab, which is where the Pyramid builders themselves had resided during the Pyramid’s construction.

Nora received her undergraduate degree in archaeology at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, followed by her master’s in archaeology at England’s Durham University. Nora is studying settlement archaeology – a subfield focused on the daily lives of ancient communities living in non-elite settlements. Nora was a 2015 National Geographic Young Explorer Grantee and part of the 2017 Young Explorer Leadership and Development Program.

As the principal investigator, Nora will be carrying WINGS FLAG #44 on her expedition, The Unfinished Obelisk Graffiti Project. Nora will conduct a comprehensive survey and documentation using GPS mapping and high-resolution photography techniques to record the location and condition of graffiti found at the unfinished obelisk quarry site in Aswan, Egypt. This site, known for its historical significance and archaeological potential, offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of nature, ancient craftsmanship, trade, and modern tourism. The project will focus on known graffiti as well as record any new markings found on site, especially in restricted areas not available to visitors.

Along with a Local Ministry of Antiquities Inspector, assigned by the Ministry, Nora will  

collaborate with local historians and archaeologists to interpret the significance of the graffiti within the broader scope of ancient Egyptian culture and modern tourism to address the impact that tourism has on both the man-made and natural treasures of Egypt. A detailed digital archive of the graffiti from the unfinished obelisk quarry will be created and accessible for future research and educational purposes. This data will develop a comprehensive report on the environmental impact of tourism at the site, including recommendations for sustainable practices to protect the historical significance of the unfinished obelisk and its role in ancient Egyptian society.

As a steward of both the environment and cultural heritage, Nora aims to conduct her research with the utmost respect for the local community and the surrounding environment. For Nora, the WINGS Flag resonates with her commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring that our work benefits not only our understanding of history but also the well-being of the site and its people.