Aswan, Egypt
Aswan is an important place for tourists to visit in Egypt. It has its own style and magic. Aswan is called “the city of Nubia” because it is on the Nile and has a pure Nile and Nubian atmosphere. It also has many historical sites.
It is in the south of Egypt, in Upper Egypt, at the end of the Nile Valley on the eastern side of the Nile. It is home to more than 300 thousand people. From Cairo, it is 1000 km, and from Luxor, it is 230 km. In the winter, it is the best place to go.
Aswan is known for the Nubian village, where you can take a tour to see the colourful houses and enjoy the village’s beauty. Throughout its history, Aswan has been known by many names.
How Names Came to Be
It was called “Sono” in ancient Egypt, which means “the great market.” During the time of the Ptolemies, it was called “Sein,” and during the time of the Copts, it was called “Suan.” When the Arabs came to Egypt, they gave it the name “Aswan.”
About Aswan’s past
- In the 30th century B.C., when it was part of the Ancient Kingdom, it was important because it was the whole southern part of the country.
- During the Middle Kingdom, it became a stronghold for the Egyptian army because the kings wanted to control more land to the south.
- During the fights between the Egyptians and the Hyksos, it was also very important.
- During the Ptolemaic dynasty, Isis was worshipped on Philae Island.
- In the 5th century A.D., Pharaoh’s temples were turned into churches.
- When Arabs came to Egypt in the seventh century A.D., Aswan grew because caravans went through it.
- Muhammad Ali opened the first military school in Aswan in the year 1837 A.D.
What to See and Do in Aswan
Aswan is one of the best places to visit, and many people go there. It has places of historical interest, and you can also enjoy the clean Nile and the beautiful scenery. It also has bazaars where you can buy gifts with Pharaohs and Nubians on them.
1- Temple of Philae
It is a temple in Egypt that is still there. Isis, the goddess of the island, was honoured at the Temple of Philae. Until the third century A.D., it was built by Ptolemaic and Roman kings. It is not where it used to be because it was moved by water. In 1972, it was moved to a different island called Agilkia.
2- The Abu Simbel Temple
It is a group of two temples, one for King Ramses II and the other for Nefertari’s wife. It was put together from 1284 BC to 1264 BC. Between 1964 and 1968 a.c., the Temple of Abu Simbel was moved so it wouldn’t be destroyed by water. The Abu Simbel Festival on February 22 and October 22 is the most well-known.
3- The Obelisk That Isn’t Done
During the XVIIIth Dynasty, Queen Hatshepsut ordered the building of the Unfinished Obelisk. It is thought to be the longest obelisk ever built in Egypt. It is 1200 tonnes and 40 metres long. It is made out of red granite, which makes Aswan stand out. It is 1200 tonnes and 42 metres long.
4- The Dam
It was built between the 1960s and 1970s at the request of President Gamal Abd El-Naser. The High Dam is a very important way to stop the Nile from flooding and make electricity.
5- A creek on the Nile
The cruise on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan lets you see more temples, such as the Temple of Kom Ombo, which was built for the gods Horus and Sobek, and the Temple of Edfu, which was built for the god Horus and is the best preserved. You can also enjoy the beauty of the Nile.
Egypt via travel will show you the Cradle of Civilization.
Check out our Egypt vacation packages, take a cruise down the Nile to see the temples and tombs in Aswan and Luxor, and choose the trip that suits you best.
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