Aswan city
Aswan is one of the important tourist destinations in Egypt. It has its magic and style. Aswan “the city of Nubia” because of its location on the river Nile has beautiful views because of its pure Nile and Nubian atmosphere and also historical places.
It is in the south of Egypt, in Upper Egypt, at the end of the Nile Valley on the eastern bank of the Nile. It has more than 300 thousand inhabitants. It is a thousand km from Cairo and 230 km from Luxor. It is the best destination in the winter.
Aswan is famous for the village of Nubia, the excursion to its streets, see the colorful houses, and enjoy the beauty of the village. Aswan received many names throughout its history.
The Origin of Name
In ancient Egypt, it was called “Sono” which means the great market. In the Ptolemaic dynasty, it became “Sein,” and then in the Coptic period it was “Suan.” Because of the arrival of the Arabs to Egypt, it was called “Aswan“.
The History of Aswan
- In the Ancient Kingdom in the 30th century B.C. its importance began because it was the entire southern part of the country.
- In the Middle Kingdom, it became a bastion of the Egyptian army because the kings wanted to extend their domains to the south.
- It was also very important during the battles between the Egyptians and the Hyksos.
- In the Ptolemaic dynasty, Philae Island was the worship center of the goddess Isis.
- In Christianity, in the 5th century A.D., Pharaonic temples became churches.
- When Arabs arrived in Egypt, Aswan flourished in the seventh century A.D. because it was a passage for caravans.
- In 1837 A.D. Muhammad Ali founded the first military academy in Aswan.
The Attractions of Aswan
Aswan is one of the best tourist places that attract many tourists. It contains historical attractions and you can also enjoy the pure Nile and magical landscapes. It also contains bazaars to buy gifts of Pharaonic and Nubian characters.
It is a temple preserved in Egypt. The Temple of Philae was dedicated to the goddess Isis, goddess of the Island. It was built by the Ptolemaic and Roman kings until the third century A.D. It is not in its original place because it was submerged. It was moved to another island called Agilkia in 1972.
It is a complex of two temples, one dedicated to King Ramses II and the other to Nefertari’s wife. Its construction began in 1284 BC until 1264 BC. The Temple of Abu Simbel was moved from its place not to disappear under water between the years 1964 and 1968 a. c. The famous is Abu Simbel Festival on February 22nd and October 22nd.
The Unfinished Obelisk was built by order of Queen Hatshepsut in the XVIIIth Dynasty. It is considered the longest obelisk in ancient Egypt. It is 40 meters long and 1200 tons. It is made of red granite that highlights Aswan. It is 42 meters and 1200 tons.
4- The High Dam
It was built by the order of President Gamal Abd El-Naser between the 1960s and 1970s. The High Dam is very important for controlling the flooding of the Nile and producing electricity.
5- Creek on the Nile
The cruise on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan allows you to visit more temples like the Temple of Kom Ombo (dedicated to the god Horus and the god Sobek) and the Temple of Edfu (dedicated to the god Horus and best-preserved) and enjoy the beauty of pure Nile.
Discover the Cradle of Civilization with Jakada Tours Egypt
Visit the attractive places in Aswan and Luxor on a cruise on the Nile to explore the temples and tombs, check out our Egypt travel packages, and choose the vacation you prefer.
