As part of Egypt’s annual October Victory Month celebrations, museums across Alexandria have announced the winning artifacts in the public-led “You Decide” campaign — with the selected pieces earning the title “October Crown 2025.” These historically significant items will be on free public display throughout October, offering Egyptians and tourists alike a chance to reconnect with Egypt’s enduring legacy of resistance, sovereignty, and pride.
Public History Initiative Engages Citizens
In a push to make Egypt’s cultural heritage more accessible, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities launched the “You Decide” initiative, inviting museum visitors and online users to vote for their favorite historical artifacts each month.
This October, the initiative takes on greater meaning as it aligns with the anniversary of Egypt’s landmark 1973 victory over Israeli occupation — a moment that restored full control over the Suez Canal and reclaimed vast territories in Sinai, cementing national pride and military strength.
Royal Weapon Wins “October Crown” at Royal Jewelry Museum
The Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria revealed that the winning artifact for October is a rare Mauser pistol once owned by King Fuad I. The piece, selected for its symbolic weight and intricate craftsmanship, features:
- A mother-of-pearl-inlaid handle
- Movable safety mechanism
- Arabic inscriptions on the side
- Accompanied by five original bullets
“This isn’t just a royal firearm — it’s a symbol of national strength and prestige,” said Riham Shaaban, Director of the Royal Jewelry Museum. “We chose it because October is not only about military victory; it’s about the restoration of dignity and sovereignty. This piece embodies that spirit.”
National Museum Highlights Egypt’s Historic Resistance
Over at the Alexandria National Museum, Director Ashraf El-Qadi echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the continuity of Egypt’s resistance across millennia — from ancient battles as far back as 3425 BCE, to modern triumphs like October 1973, and even the military modernization initiated by Mohamed Ali Pasha in the 19th century.
Free Public Access Throughout October
Both the Royal Jewelry Museum and the Alexandria National Museum will waive entry fees for visitors wishing to view the “October Crown 2025” artifacts, ensuring wide access during a month rich in patriotic meaning.
The campaign not only celebrates Egypt’s military and political victories, but also encourages public engagement with museum collections, many of which hold untapped stories of resistance, leadership, and cultural pride.
“You Decide” Campaign
The “You Decide” monthly poll has become a growing attraction, drawing in thousands of voters both online and on-site. The campaign is part of a broader initiative by Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities to reinvigorate public interest in museums, particularly among younger generations.
With each month focusing on a new theme, October remains especially poignant — a month when Egypt celebrates its strategic and psychological victory in the Yom Kippur War, recognized nationally as a turning point in Egyptian and regional history.
