Aswan, Egypt’s sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town located about 899 km south from Cairo.Located on the Nile River’s eastern bank, Aswan is the third-largest and southernmost city in Egypt. More African than Middle Eastern, Aswan’s history is intertwined with that of the ancient Nubian civilization, which once flourished south of the city in the region now submerged beneath Lake Nasser, the largest man-made lake in the world. Aswan, the first City of Crafts and Folk Art appointed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2005, has been a winter getaway destination since the early 19th century.
Aswan is a strategic location which currently houses a garrison of the Egyptian army, but which has also seen ancient Egyptian garrisons, as well as that of General Kitchener, Turkish troops of the Ottoman empire and the Romans.In Aswan the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. Explore the souk, full of the scent and color of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets.
Every night Nubian dancers and musicians perform in the Cultural Center, just off the Corniche. Folklore troupes recreate scenes from village life and perform the famous Nubian mock stick-fight dances.Aswan is a major stop for most the cruises. as most of the Nile cruise sail from luxor to Aswan and vice versa.
The population of Aswan is around 3 million and mostly consists of Nubians and local tribes of Kenzo. the city became very important after the construction of the high dam and the worldwide rescue campaign of the Nubian monuments during the construction of the high dam.Because of the location of Aswan to the south of Egypt , the city enjoys a very hot climate though the year, it is must that you have to cover your head during your daily visit in Aswan and and drinks water constantly.The local market of Aswan is a very good place to do you holiday shopping especially here you will find the best types of fresh species.
Aswan is driven from the ancient Egyptian word Swan which means the market, Aswan was the the located on the main trading route between Egypt and the southern lands, where gold, slaves and ivory passed into Egypt, the governors of the 6th dynasty sent many expedition to explore the many African countries located to the south for Aswan, and most of these expeditions started from Aswan!The city of Aswan was also the major source f granite, sandstone quartzite. God khoum was the major god of the city since the earliest times of history, on the later period goddess Isis, goddess of major and m maternity was the main patron god , where temple where built for her in Philai.
Islands, most prominently Elephantine and Kitchener’s, are part of Aswan and accessible by boat. The former is the largest, where you can see the Nilometer, which was used to measure the height of the Nile waters. Many artifacts from the island are housed in the Elephantine Museum. The ruins of the Temple of Khnum and the Temple of Satet also are found on the island. The main attraction on Kitchener’s Island, named after British general Horatio Kitchener, are the gardens that Kitchener planted.The Philae Temple complex was constructed during the 3rd century BC. Once located on Philae Island, it was threatened by flooding when the High Dam was built. With international donor assistance, the temples were moved and reconstructed on Agilka Island, where they can be viewed today. This beautiful temple complex, and the main temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Aswan High Dam, the world famous was an engineering miracle built in the 1960’s. The dam is 11,811 feet long, 3,215 feet wide and 364 feet high. It provides irrigation and electricity for the entire country of Egypt along with the old Aswan Dam. The High Dam created a 30% increase in the agricultural land in Egypt. The electricity producing capability of the dam doubled Egypt ‘s supply.The Aga Khan Mausoleum, this pink granite mausoleum in Aswan was built for the spiritual leader of the Ismailis, a Shiite in 1950.The Aga Khan was educated in Europe and succeeded his father in 1885 to become the 48th Imam. His son succeeded him upon his death in 1957, and then by his grandson, Karim, Aga Khan IV. Members of this sect consider themselves to be the direct spiritual descendants of the Fatimids.
The Granite Quarries provided much of the red granite used for ancient temples and colossi. Located in the Northern Quarry, The Unfinished Obelisk (42 meters/138 feet in length) lies in the same place it was discarded thousands of years ago, when a crack was discovered as it was being carved.Most of the granite used in the ancient Egyptian tombs, temples and obelisks came from the quarries in the Aswan area. Around these quarries are many inscriptions, many of which describe successful quarrying projects. Of particular interest is the Unfinished Obelisk located in the Northern Quarry.