In a powerful tribute to a national treasure, Egypt&rsquo;s Minister of Culture, Dr Ahmed Fouad Hano, held a special ceremony at the Cairo Opera House to honour world-renowned heart surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub. The event marked the announcement of a new public statue titled The Doctor of Hearts &ndash; a monument designed by sculptor Dr Essam Darwish to immortalise Yacoub&rsquo;s life of medical innovation and humanitarian service.
Dr Hano welcomed Dr Yacoub during the celebration, stating, "Among the greatest blessings to Egypt are those who dedicated their lives to others &ndash; not only through science but through compassion. Sir Magdi Yacoub is more than a pioneering surgeon; he is a human being in every sense of the word." He added, "The statue will serve as a symbol of noble values and an enduring source of inspiration for generations."
Yacoub: Culture, Like Medicine, Builds Nations
Deeply moved, Dr Yacoub responded: "I love Egypt as I love my work. I also love art and culture. Like medicine, they are essential pillars in building human beings and society." He added, "This recognition is not for me alone &ndash; it is for science and for everyone working for the good of humanity. Culture gives meaning to life and is inseparable from science, health, and service to society."
Dr Yacoub expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the project, especially the Ministry of Culture and the artist behind the monument. "I hope this inspires every young Egyptian to leave a mark in service to others," he concluded.
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Minister of Health: &ldquo;Yacoub Is a Symbol of Humanitarian Greatness&rdquo;
Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, described Dr Yacoub as "a global icon of Egyptian origin and a symbol of dedication, compassion, and national pride." He praised Yacoub&rsquo;s groundbreaking efforts, particularly in Upper Egypt, and his commitment to mentoring young doctors. "This statue is a visionary step and a message for future generations: true greatness lies in those who serve humanity."
Celebration Highlights: Uniting Art, Medicine, and National Gratitude
The event, hosted by media figure Jasmine Taha Zaki, began with the national anthem and a presentation by Eng Mohamed Abu Saada, head of the National Organisation for Urban Harmony. His presentation, titled "Together for Elevating Beauty in Egypt," detailed the statue&rsquo;s symbolism and chosen location &ndash; Kit Kat Square in Imbaba, near the National Heart Institute. The site was selected for its significance, as thousands of patients visit the area daily, making it a natural and symbolic space for honouring the legacy of Dr Yacoub.
Sculpting a Legacy: Statue Details and Artistic Vision
Dr Essam Darwish, the artist commissioned to create the statue, revealed that the monument will be constructed from granite and bronze, reaching 14 metres high including its base. It will also include a mural capturing Dr Yacoub&rsquo;s humanitarian legacy and his special relationship with students and patients. The project is expected to be completed within eight months.
Giza Governor: A National Symbol in a Vital Square
Giza Governor Eng Adel El-Naggar confirmed the significance of placing the statue in Kit Kat Square, which sits beside the National Heart Institute. He emphasised that the project is part of a larger plan to enhance the area&rsquo;s infrastructure &ndash; including pedestrian paths, traffic flow, and the overall aesthetic environment. He praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the Giza Governorate in executing the statue through a formal cooperation protocol: the Ministry oversees the artistic and technical aspects, while the Governorate handles site preparation and funding.
A Broader Vision: Celebrating Role Models Across Egypt
Minister Hano emphasised the project is part of a broader cultural mission: "Youth need authentic role models &ndash; people who embody the values that build nations. Honouring figures like Dr Yacoub through statues in public spaces ensures their impact remains alive in the nation&rsquo;s collective memory." He also extended thanks to Minister Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Local Development Dr Manal Awad, and Governor Adel El-Naggar for their support in realising this national tribute.
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Yacoub Heart Foundation in Sheikh Zayed: A Global Hub
Dr Abdel Ghaffar also spotlighted the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation in Sheikh Zayed City, calling it "an unparalleled medical institution that reduced the need for international treatment." He credited Dr Yacoub&rsquo;s leadership and training of young medical talent for creating a world-class Egyptian healthcare model.
Aswan Governor Honours Dr Yacoub with Key to the City
In a separate tribute held last Wednesday, Aswan Governor Dr Ismail Kamal honoured Sir Magdi Yacoub with the "Key to the City" during a visit to the Magdi Yacoub Heart Centre in Aswan. According to the Middle East News Agency (MENA), the award recognises Yacoub&rsquo;s lifelong contributions to science, research, and medicine.
Governor Kamal also announced coordination with Prime Minister Dr Mostafa Madbouly and Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir to name a major bridge and road &ndash; intended to replace the Old Aswan Dam crossing &ndash; after Sir Yacoub. The initiative, he said, reflects "deep national gratitude for a man whose life&rsquo;s mission has offered free, world-class medical care with compassion and dignity." Dr Yacoub expressed heartfelt thanks for the governor&rsquo;s visit and continued support for the Heart Centre&rsquo;s humanitarian work.
A Nation&rsquo;s Heart Beats in Tribute
From Cairo to Aswan, Egypt is honouring one of its most beloved sons not only with tributes and titles but by carving his values &ndash; service, science, compassion &ndash; into the heart of public life. As Dr Yacoub&rsquo;s statue rises, so too does the legacy of a man whose heart healed a nation.
Photo Credit: Egyptian Ministry of Culture's official page&nbsp;

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