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Young World
In Nubian country
D.B.N. MURTHY
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Visiting Aswan and neighbouring Abu Sibel could be an enthralling experience.
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It took many years and great courage by ancient pharaohs to unify Lower Egypt with the Upper Egypt. Aswan, is the gateway to the Nubian country, which forms Lower Egypt and borders Sudan. Nubians are of a different stock, dark skinned, curly haired and tall.
Aswan lies on the east bank of the Nile. A leisurely ride on a felucca, a traditional sailboat, on the river is an exciting experience. The one-hour ride takes the visitor to places of interest such as the mausoleum of the Aga Khan, tombs of the Nobles cut into the high cliffs, Kitchener’s island, with its exotic botanical gardens and the rocky Elephantine island.
Sights to see
A walk on the banks gives you a view of the cruise ships which are anchored all along ferrying visitors from Aswan to Luxor and vice versa. Watching luxury cruise ships, boats and barges is an interesting experience.
South of Aswan, lies the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the Greek god Isis, built during the Ptolemaic period. This is a reconstructed temple above the Aswan low dam. It is located on an island. A light and sound show is on every night.
Further south of Aswan is the Aswan High Dam, which forms the Lake Nasser. It is 3.6 km long and 111 metre deep. This has saved Egypt from floods. The hydroelectric power station is one of the biggest in the world.
Abu Simbel is a three hour drive from Aswan. Thanks to international efforts the temples of Abu Simbel have been saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. They have been relocated high on an artificial cliff with a concrete dome protecting the precious temples.
Ramses II, one of the greatest pharaohs, built these temples during his long reign, 1279-1212 B.C. He dedicated the main temple to gods Ra-Harakhty, Amun and Ptah and the defied pharaoh himself. He built a smaller temple in honour of his wife Queen Nefertari and goddess Hathor.
The temple has beautiful bas-relief and statues, the statues of Rameses II at the entrance dominates the front pylon.
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