Aswan – A Cultural and Historical Hub in Southern Egypt

Aswan – A Cultural and Historical Hub in Southern Egypt

Introduction to Aswan

Aswan is the capital of Aswan Province and a key city in southern Egypt. In ancient times, it was considered the birthplace of Egyptian civilization. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, about 900 kilometers south of Cairo, it serves as Egypt’s southern gateway and is also the entry point to sub-Saharan Africa, being the only passageway into the continent via the sea. Historically, it was a way station, military camp, and a trading post with neighboring regions to the south. Today, it’s a crucial hub for trade with countries like Sudan and Ethiopia. Its name is said to be a phonetic rendition of the ancient Egyptian word for “trade.”

Nearby, the Nile River hosts a hydroelectric dam, the famous Aswan High Dam, which has become Egypt’s national power base. Aswan is well-connected by rail and road to cities like Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor, and it even has an international airport, making transportation easy. The city boasts modern achievements as well as the grandeur of ancient architecture. One must-visit site in Aswan is the Abu Simbel temples, built by Ramses II. The climate here is hot in summer and mild in winter, making it a popular winter resort and tourist destination in Egypt.

Personal Impressions

Not far from the banks of the Nile lies the desert, with a narrow strip of farmland and oasis dotted with coconut trees and mud-brick houses. You might spot an Egyptian man and his donkey seeking shade under the trees, while kids fearless of the sun splash around in the Nile, waving enthusiastically at us from a distance.

Best Time to Visit

The winter climate in Aswan is mild and sunny, making it a famous winter retreat. From November to March, this popular sunny destination attracts vacationers from Egypt and around the world.

Clothing Guide

Aswan has a tropical desert climate and is one of the driest places on Earth. Even in winter, a sun hat and sunscreen are essential, and sunglasses are a must-have. The midday sun can be extremely intense, so protective gear is crucial to prevent eye damage.

The temperature in the desert varies greatly between day and night, so be sure to pack a light jacket along with your summer clothes (especially if you’re heading to Abu Simbel in the early morning). Additionally, since Egypt is an Arab country with a predominantly Muslim population, visitors should dress modestly. Girls should avoid wearing tank tops and shorts or skirts that are above the knee.

Aswan is a warm and ancient city with a unique African atmosphere. It’s not very large, making it perfect for exploring on foot, and it’s one of the most beautiful and elegant spots along the Nile River, where life moves at a slow and leisurely pace. The Nile winds its way through amber-colored deserts and granite cliffs, meandering past lush islands dotted with palm trees and tropical plants as it flows northward. The white sails billowing on the rushing Nile harmonize beautifully with the city’s natural colors: the yellow of the desert, the green of the foliage, and the blue of the sky, creating a scene that lingers in the memory.

The beauty of Aswan mainly comes from the stunning natural scenery gifted by the Nile and the rich cultural heritage shaped by its history. Visitors can stroll along the wide banks of the Nile, admiring the tall masts of boats gliding through the sky. They can hop on a traditional Egyptian felucca to see the ancient city from a different angle, or step inside temples built thousands of years ago, marveling at the exquisite craftsmanship and boundless wisdom of the ancients. Arriving in this peaceful and beautiful little town offers a perfect escape for the mind and soul.

Elephantine Island

Elephantine Island is a river island and the largest island in this area. There are two theories about the origin of its name: one suggests that the island’s rocks resemble elephants, while the other claims that the island’s residents were among the first Egyptians to see African elephants. The ancient Egyptians referred to the island as “Abu,” meaning “land of elephants.” In ancient times, it served as a fortress to protect the city, and various ancient ruins can be found scattered across the island, which was once home to many people. It is said that this area was one of the oldest settlements in Aswan.

Today, the island is inhabited by Nubians who celebrate a variety of festivals and love to dress in vibrant colors. Known for their hospitality, the Nubians are simple and friendly, living in harmony with nature in a world that feels isolated from modern civilization. Visitors to the island can tour the Nubian homes and experience their natural and unpretentious way of life.

In addition, the island is home to several attractions, including the Aswan Museum, an ancient Nile water level gauge, and the ruins of a Ptolemaic temple. The museum showcases artifacts unearthed in the area, reflecting Aswan’s original character as the capital of Nubia. The ancient water level gauge, created around the first century AD, was used to measure the Nile’s water levels. The temple is dedicated to the guardian of the Nile and was built during the Ptolemaic period. Although it has aged, visitors can still see wall carvings depicting Alexander the Great dressed in pharaonic attire.

Nubia Museum

Located in the heart of Aswan, the Nubia Museum is a significant achievement of the international movement to protect Nubian cultural heritage. The museum showcases the rich history, culture, and art of Nubia across various historical periods, including Prehistoric times, the Pharaonic era, the Greco-Roman period, the Coptic period, and the Islamic era.

On the first floor, visitors can find ancient Nubian sarcophagi and statues, while the second floor primarily features photographs that illustrate Nubian culture and the remarkable civilization they created. The museum also recounts the efforts of the international community to rescue Nubian antiquities during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Additionally, the museum features a reconstruction of a Nubian village and houses a collection of local handicrafts, providing a deeper insight into the everyday life and traditions of the Nubian people.

Plantation Island

Plantation Island, also known as Kitchener Island, is located in the midstream of the Nile River and is named after Prince Kitchener, who was honored in the late 19th century for his contributions to the Egyptian army’s victory over the Sudan. A devoted botanist, Prince Kitchener introduced a variety of exotic plants to the small island, planting numerous species from around the world, including large palm trees that serve as habitats for birds. The island has become a true water-based botanical garden, hence its name, Plantation Island.

Today, it is one of the most enchanting spots along the banks of the Nile in Aswan and serves as a fantastic place to relax. Visitors can take local feluccas (traditional sailboats) to reach the island and enjoy a peaceful respite in its lush surroundings.

Aswan Dam

If the pyramids and temples are the wonders of ancient Egypt, then the Aswan Dam stands as the pride of modern Egypt. Constructed by the British between 1898 and 1902, the original dam was built for irrigation and power generation. However, by the 1960s, it no longer met the growing demands for land irrigation and electricity supply. In response, the Egyptian government began constructing the Aswan High Dam in 1961 with assistance from the Soviet Union.

Located 12 kilometers south of Aswan, the High Dam is one of the seven largest dams in the world. It stretches 3,830 meters long, stands 111 meters high, is 40 meters wide at the top, and 980 meters wide at the base. Completed in 1970, the project cost over a billion dollars and utilized 43 million cubic meters of building materials—equivalent to 17 times the amount used to build the Great Pyramid—making it a massive integrated water resource management project.

The dam regulates floods and stores enough surplus water to last for several years. During the severe drought in the Nile River basin in the 1980s, which caused famines in Sudan and Ethiopia, Egypt was spared from disaster thanks to the dam. The eastern end of the dam features a viewing platform where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the dam and the waters it holds.

Temple of Philae

The Temple of Philae is one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples from the Ptolemaic period, dedicated to the goddess Isis, who was associated with fertility and reproduction in ancient Egyptian mythology. When the Aswan Low Dam intercepted the Nile River’s waters in 1902, part of the temple was submerged. In the 1960s, after the construction of the High Dam south of Philae Island, the temple was almost entirely underwater. To protect these invaluable artifacts from damage, the Egyptian government began constructing a dam around the temple in 1972, draining the water within the barrier. The temple complex was then dismantled into over 45,000 stone blocks and more than 100 sculpted columns, and in August 1979, it was reassembled on Agilkia Island, 500 meters to the north.

The temple also honored Osiris, Isis’s husband. Osiris was depicted as a semi-divine Egyptian king, described as a figure of immense virtue and wisdom. He united nomadic tribes, teaching them agriculture and mining techniques. After fulfilling his mission, he left his throne to Isis and traveled to Mesopotamia to educate other nations. Along the way, he was murdered by his brother Set, who usurped his throne, dismembered his body, and buried the pieces throughout Egypt. Guided by divine revelation, Isis found all of her husband’s remains and reassembled them. With Isis’s tears nurturing the pieces, Osiris was resurrected and became the god of the underworld.

In ancient times, this site was strictly off-limits to ordinary people; only priests held the privilege of entering.

Temple of Ramses II

The Temple of Ramses II is not just a mere pile of massive stones; it is a magnificent structure meticulously carved from the pink sandstone cliffs on the western bank of the Nile River. Standing 30 meters high, 36 meters wide, and 60 meters deep, the temple is fronted by four colossal statues of Ramses II, each nearly 20 meters (65 feet) tall and weighing over 1,200 tons. Flanking the statues are intricately carved smaller figures representing his mother, wife, and children, all depicted in lifelike detail. Despite enduring over three millennia of weathering, these statues have remarkably retained their original appearance, showcasing the durability of the stone and the craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians.

Upon entering the temple, you are greeted by eight statues of Ramses II, each 10 meters tall and designed to resemble the god Osiris, creating an overwhelming sense of grandeur. The walls on either side are adorned with exquisite carvings that narrate the remarkable achievements of Ramses II, including the famous Battle of Kadesh, which depicts the spectacular clash between Ramses II and the Hittites.

Passing through the third stone door of the temple, you find yourself in a small stone chamber at the end of the hall, which serves as the innermost sanctuary. Inside this sacred space, there are four statues arranged side by side: from left to right, they represent the gods Ptah, Amun-Ra, the deified Ramses II, and Ra-Harakhty. In ancient times, this small chamber was accessible only to priests and the pharaoh, adding to its mystique and sanctity.

Temple of Hathor

Located about 50 meters from the grand Temple of Ramses II is the smaller Temple of Hathor, built by Ramses II for his beloved wife, Nefertari. This temple, like many in the area, is carved into the sloping cliffs.

Ramses II expressed his profound love for Nefertari with these words: “My love for her is unique, unmatched by anyone, for she is the most beautiful of all. As I passed by her, she stole my heart.” Not only did he build this temple adjacent to his own, but he also had this declaration of love inscribed on its walls. This timeless message has endured through the ages, symbolizing their eternal bond.

The facade of the temple features six towering statues, each approximately 10 meters tall. Four of these statues represent Ramses II, while the other two depict Nefertari, accompanied by small figures of their children. Remarkably, Nefertari’s statues are the same height as her husband’s, a rarity in history where most wives are depicted at a much smaller scale, often only reaching their husband’s knees. This equality in stature highlights her esteemed position and the deep affection Ramses II had for her.

Temple of Kom Ombo

This temple is unique as it is a double temple dedicated to two deities: the falcon god Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. A central axis divides the structure into two symmetrical halves, each honoring one of the gods. It features two grand entrances, one specifically built for Horus, and the other for Sobek. As you walk through the entrance, you’ll notice that the architecture and carvings on the left and right sides are distinct and independent of each other.

Throughout the Temple of Kom Ombo, you’ll find numerous murals depicting both the falcon-headed god and the crocodile god. The ancient Egyptians believed that crocodiles were living embodiments of Sobek, who wielded significant power and was a symbol of the Pharaoh’s authority. In Egyptian mythology, crocodiles had a dual nature: they were seen as fierce and dangerous yet also as benevolent protectors.

When a Pharaoh passed away, priests would create crocodile mummies to guide him before the god Osiris in the afterlife. The number of crocodile mummies in ancient Egypt was estimated to be in the millions.

Accommodation Guide

Most visitors to Aswan opt to spend the night on a cruise ship, but there are plenty of hotel options available as well. You can find accommodations on the river islands, along the Nile, and within the city itself.

Hotels along the Nile are quite abundant, often surrounded by many cruise ships since Aswan serves as a starting point for Nile River cruises. The accommodation on these cruise ships is generally quite comfortable, typically rated four or five stars.

Food Guide

Egypt, being an Islamic country, does not permit the consumption of pork or alcohol. However, its culinary culture remains rich and diverse, influenced by neighboring countries. Local dining establishments primarily fall into three categories:

  1. Western Restaurants: These mostly serve French cuisine.
  2. Middle Eastern Restaurants: These offer a variety of dishes ranging from Egyptian to Levantine cuisine, which is a mix of Egyptian, Turkish, French, and other influences.
  3. Specialty Restaurants: These feature Greek, Chinese, or dishes inspired by ancient Egyptian cuisine.

Trying different dishes should definitely be an essential part of your journey!

Specialty Dishes

Fava Beans (Ful Medames)
Beans are an essential food item on the Egyptian table, with various preparation methods. They can be served as a side dish or made into dips. One of the most beloved dishes is Ful Medames, a thick and flavorful fava bean paste often enjoyed for breakfast, typically accompanied by pita bread. It’s popular among both the wealthy and the poor—affordable yet delicious.

Kofta and Kebab
For main dishes, Kofta (ground meat shaped into patties) and Kebab (skewered meat) are quite common. Both are grilled to perfection and served alongside rice and vegetables, making for a hearty meal.

Bird Tongue Soup (Shorbat Lisan al-Asfar)
A must-try in Aswan is Bird Tongue Soup. Despite its name, this soup is not made from actual bird tongues; rather, it features a type of noodle shaped like bird tongues, cooked with tender chicken breast and seasoned broth. The noodles are exceptionally smooth, while the broth is rich and flavorful.

Roasted Pigeon (Hamam Mahshi)
Roasting meat is highly popular in Egypt, with various options like chicken, beef, and lamb. Among them, Roasted Pigeon is a traditional favorite. The pigeon is stuffed with a mixture of wheat, rice, spices, and sometimes minced lamb liver, then grilled over charcoal. The result is tender and crispy, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

When in Aswan, don’t miss the chance to savor these local specialties, especially the fresh fish from the Nile!

Itinerary Guide:

Local 2-Day Tour

Two days is just the right amount of time to explore Aswan. On your arrival day, you can check out the Unfinished Obelisk, the Aswan Dam, and the Temple of Philae. Then, on the second day, head out to Abu Simbel. After returning to the city around noon, take some time to wander through the local market, and then hop on a sailboat to visit Elephantine Island.

If you sign up for a longer tour to Abu Simbel, your first day will be spent exploring the city, while the second day will include visits to Abu Simbel, the Aswan Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Temple of Philae.