The ancient city was also famous for its granite quarries . Thousands of Egyptian statues, obelisks, shrines and even pyramids are constructed out of the granite mined in Aswan. The strategic city of Aswan was also a crucial military base of the ancient Egypt.
Why do tourists visit Aswan?
Due to its location below to the northern-most cataract on the Nile, Aswan marked the traditional southern frontier of Egypt with rival Nubia . ... Today it is still a must-see tourist destination in Egypt, famous for beautiful scenery along the Nile and the Nubian culture that is still a strong influence in southern Egypt.
What are two facts about Aswan?
Facts About Aswan
It is the ancient city of “Swenett” , a name that derived from an ancient goddess, who was identified later as Eileithyia by the Greeks. Swenett was the southernmost town in Egypt, it was also important as a military station as under every dynasty, it was a garrison town.
What does Aswan have?
Peppered with palm tree plantations and sloping villages of colorful mud-brick houses, Elephantine Island is Aswan’s major tourist attraction. At its southern end are Aswan Museum and the Ruins of Abu, Aswan’s most ancient settlement, which contains the Old Kingdom Temple of Khnum and the Temple of Satet.
Does Aswan have pyramids?
the 4th pyramids in aswan – Aswan High Dam.
Is Aswan worth visiting?
With its great market , connection to Nubian people and culture, its easy cross Nile ferry trip and a great place to stay, Aswan is a much more enjoyable place than Luxor. ... Beit el-Kerem Hotel is THE place to stay.
Why is the Aswan Dam bad?
Problems with the Aswan Dam. ... The Aswan High Dam provides about a half of Egypt’s power supply and has improved navigation along the river by keeping the water flow consistent. Following completion of the dam there have been extensive problems, ironically caused in part because the annual flood no longer occurs.
Is Aswan beautiful?
Attractions of Aswan: Beauty to Explore
Today it is still a must-see tourist destination in Egypt, famous for beautiful scenery along the Nile and the Nubian culture that is still a strong influence in southern Egypt.
Is Aswan better than Luxor?
There is much more in Luxor to cater for foreign tastes, especially with the food. Aswan does have the great Chef Khalil fish restaurant in the souk, unmissable! The river itself is much prettier in Aswan and dont miss the Nubian Museum off your list of things to see.
Why should I visit Luxor?
Situated in the Nile Valley in Upper Egypt, Luxor is an essential component of any Egyptian itinerary. Known as ‘the world’s largest open-air museum’, it harbours many of the country’s most astonishing monuments and is the starting point of the majority of river cruises.
What do Nubians wear?
The garments that Nubians wear often have wide sleeves and collarless necks , perhaps it’s more suitable for the hot and humid weather that they have to deal with in the desert. Woman of Aswan wear wide abayas and dresses, with pretty shapes and lines woven into the colourful fabric.
Is Aswan Egypt safe?
In general, Aswan is considered a safe place in Egypt to visit for tourism . Street theft and pickpocketing are not common in Aswan, Nevertheless, travelers are advised to exercise the same caution as when visiting other foreign cities. Some tips to ensure safety in Aswan include: Be vigilant in crowded areas.
How many Nubians are in Egypt?
The Nubians were counted in an Egyptian census only once, shortly before they were uprooted. Back then there were 100,000; today, though estimates vary, advocacy groups say they may number as many as 3 million of Egypt’s 90 million population.
Can you swim in the Nile River?
The Nile River is the life blood of Egypt. It is the longest river in the world, flowing over 6,600 kilometres throughout Africa. ... We loved travelling along the Nile but would not recommend swimming in it (like we did) or you may get infected with a parasite called schistosomiasis.
What language is spoken in Aswan?
In southern Egypt, Saidi Arabic is the main spoken language for most people. In the Upper Nile Valley,around Kom Ombo and Aswan, there are about 300,000 speakers of Nubian languages , mainly Nobiin, but also Kenuzi-Dongola.
Are there pyramids at Luxor?
Luxor , along with its Theban sites, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. While the Pyramids get all the glory (and are a fantastic sight in their own right), I found the ruins of Thebes left a much deeper impression.
