Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

ASWAN

Aswan is the ancient city of Swenet, which was in antiquity the frontier town of southern Egypt. It was located on the main trading route between Egypt and the southern lands, where gold. slaves and ivory passed into Egypt. It lies at the first of the seven lrlile cataracts which are created by exposed granite.

This makes the river impassabie to boats above Aswan, and thus the town became a thriving trade centre. From this frontier town to Alexandria in the north, the Nile flows for more than 1200 km (750 mi) without obstruction.
The quarries at Aswan were celebrated for their stone, especially for the granitie rock called Syenite. This rock was used to create the colossal statues, obelisks and temples found throughout Egypt.

Today Aswan is the third largest town in trgypt, and one of the largest in lJpper Egypt. It has a bustling outdoor market, Sharia el- Souq, full of the bright colours and aromas of spices, jewellery textiles and tourist souvenirs. Aswan is one of the driest inhabited places in the world. Due to its laid-back atmosphere, the tovrn became popular as a winter resort with Europeans attracted by its picturesque riverside setting and the rumours that the dry heat provided a cure for various ailments.

A Nileside Corniche was created for the visitors, providing moorings for steamers. This is the most attractive waterfront boulevard in trgypt and has been compared to the F rench Riviera. Hire a felucca and float on the river, admiring the gorgeous views of palm-covered islands and sandy white hills. At the southern end of the Corniche is the Old Cataract Hotel - built in 1899 and famous as one of the grand locations for the film Deatlt on the nile.

The ancient temple of Kom Ombo stands on the east bank of the Nile just outside Aswan. The temple was mainly dedicated to the god Sobek, the crocodile god, together with his wife. It is of Greco-Roman structure, dating back to the year 119 BC when Ptolemy VI built it out of limestone. Philae Island was a rocky island in the middle of the Nile, just south of Aswan. The Ancient Egyptians built a rnagnificent temple on this island for the goddess Isis, but it was submerged after the first Aswan dam was built in 1906. The temple has, however, been moved to a new island and is well worth a visit.

POPUTATION: ASWAN

1,116,000 (2001) WHEN TO GO: Between October and April.

DON'T MISS: ASWAN

A felucca trip on the Nile - these traditional sailing boats offer a great way to see the Nile. Be sure to check exactly what you're paying for before boarding. Sharia el-Souq market. Nubian dancers at the Cultural Centre.
The temple of Kom Ombo. The Aswan Museum. Elephantine lsland - this beautiful island is the largest in the Aswan area and is full of fascinating ruins dating back to predynastic times.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: ASWAN

Abu Simbel, the stunning temple of Ramses ll, can be reached from Aswan.