Aswan

Aswan City is the capital of Aswan Governorate in Egypt and is considered one of the most important cities in southern Egypt. It is located on the east bank of the Nile River and has a population of approximately one million people. Aswan is connected to the capital, Cairo, by railway, as well as by road and waterways. It is also listed by UNESCO for its crafts and arts.

History:

Aswan has been the southern gateway of the country since the Old Kingdom. In ancient times, it served as a military center during the Middle Kingdom and played a significant role in the battle against the Hyksos. The Romans built several Pharaonic temples in the city to get closer to the Egyptians. Among those temples, the Temple of Philae, built on Philae Island, is one of the most important. In the 15th century AD, all these temples were converted into churches when Christianity became the official religion of the country. During the Islamic era, Aswan flourished as an important cultural center and hosted many schools. It also became a starting point for ships sailing to the Hejaz, Yemen, and India.

Climate:

Aswan is one of the hottest cities in Egypt and the world, characterized by a desert climate. The average temperatures during the summer reach around 40 degrees Celsius, and in winter, the temperatures remain higher than their normal averages, staying above 25 degrees Celsius. Aswan enjoys sunny weather throughout the year and in all seasons, with a slight difference in temperatures between the two seasons.

Aswan receives very little rainfall, and there were periods, like 2001 to 2008, when rain didn't fall for nearly seven years. Thus, Aswan is one of the driest and least humid cities in the world.

Famous Places to Visit:

• Temple of Edfu