Aswan

Aswan established the conventional southern border between Egypt and its rival Nubia due to its location beneath the northernmost cataract on the Nile. As the Egyptian pharaohs’ power fluctuated throughout ancient history, the Nubians and Egyptians fought for control of territory and influence; Aswan, however, remained their mutually exclusive border.

The city prospered as a trading post and gateway between Egypt and the rest of Africa because it was not only a political boundary but also a natural economic intersection. Elephant and camel caravans carrying valuable goods from the south converged here to load their cargo onto boats travelling north Egypt and beyond because the river is navigable north of Aswan all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.

Attractions in Aswan: Explore the Beauty

Even today, Aswan’s history has been influenced by its location at the cataract. Aswan served as a staging area for Anglo-Egyptian forces travelling south to put an end to unrest in Sudan during Egypt’s colonial era. Following this at the end of the 19th century, Aswan developed into a popular tourist destination as a result of European visitors looking to escape the chilly weather in their home countries.

It is still a must-visit tourist destination in Egypt today, known for the picturesque Nile Valley and the Nubian culture, which has a significant presence in southern Egypt. When the contentious The High Dam

was built in 1964, it forced nearly 100,000 Nubians who lived along the river’s banks to leave their homes.

Many of these individuals now reside in and around Aswan and earn a living from tourism by producing and offering traditional Nubian goods for sale or participating in other forms of cultural exhibits.

Given the hectic pace of Cairo and the crowds of tourists gathered around Luxor’s numerous pharaonic monuments, Aswan offers a much more tranquil experience. It is the smallest of Egypt’s main tourist destinations, but it also embodies the more laid-back Nubian culture. Aswan is a must-see for anyone interested in pharaonic history because of the magnificent Philae Temple, which is close by and is situated on an island behind the former Aswan High Dam, and the renowned Abu Simbel Temples, which are located several hours south along the banks of Lake Nasser.

Many of the granite pieces used in ancient construction projects came from Aswan, and some of the quarries are still open to visitors today; the Unfinished Obelisk is one of the highlights. Despite all of this, the beauty of the river and the Nubian people remain Aswan’s true highlights. A highlight of any trip is undoubtedly sailing on the Nile’s churning, translucent blue waters to one of the city’s nearby island villages.

you can visit Aswan during Nile Cruise tour between Luxor and Aswan with Al Sahel Travel