Aswan Governorate

Aswan Governorate is one of the Egyptian governorates located in Upper Egypt. This governorate lies in the far south of the country in Upper Egypt, its capital is Aswan. This Governorate borders Luxor to the north, Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar (Red Sea) Governorate to the east, New Valley Governorate to the west and Sudan’s Northern states to the south.

History of Aswan

Aswan is one of the 27 governorates of Upper Egypt. This governorate has a deep-rooted history and heritage as all the governorates, located in the Nile Valley. The history of Aswan extends long back to the very early civilization in Egypt. We can get a lot about the history of that governorate through the Ancient Egyptian monuments that still survives in Aswan City and Abu Simbel. Besides, the history of the governorate appears in the many Greco-roman monuments it has in Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the middle area in this governorate.

The capital of this governorate is the city of Aswan. It is the ancient city of Swenett, which was the frontier town of Ancient Egypt facing the south.

The ancient Egyptian used the place to serve different purposes. Among these purposes is the use of its quarries. These quarries were famous for their stone, and; especially, for the granitic rock called Syenite. The Ancient Egyptians used the stone of these quarries to furnish the colossal statues, obelisks and monolithic shrines that spread throughout Egypt, including the pyramids. For fortune, the traces of the quarry-men, who worked in these quarries 3,000 years ago, are still visible in the native rock. That quarries lie on both banks of the Nile. Also, a road of six and a half km in length connected the quarries of Syene to Philae.

The ancient Egyptian used the place as a garrison, as well. This military station was operating until recently.

Administrative divisions of Aswan Governorate

The governorate has the following administrative:

1. Abu Simbel.
2. Aswan.
3. Daraw.
4. Edfu.
5. Kom Ombo.
6. New Aswan.
7. New Tushka.
8. Also, Nasser City.

Attractions in Aswan Governorate

Temples of Abu Simbel

The Temples of Abu Simbel – the most famous rock-cut temple in Egypt. These temples exist near the modern village of Abu Simbel, at the Second Nile Cataract. In other words, it lies at the border between Lower Nubia and Upper Nubia. There are two of them: The Great Temple belongs to Ramses II, while he dedicated the Small Temple to his wife, Queen Amun-her-Khepeshef.

Temple of Kalabsha

The Temple of Kalabsha is a Greco-roman one. This temple was originally located at Bab al-Kalabsha, ancient Egyptian Talmis. It lies 56 km south of the city of Aswan, Aswan governorate. The Ancient Egyptians dedicated it to Isis, Osiris and Horus-Mandulis (the Roman aspect of the Nubian solar god, Merul). Undoubtedly, Kalabsha is the finest example of a freestanding temple in Nubia after the Temples of Abu Simbel. They call it “The Temple of Mandulis”, as well.

Temples of Philae

The Temples of Philae lie on one of the islands in the River Nile. Its original place was on Philae Island in Aswan. The ancient Egyptian name of Philae was Pilak, from which the Greek and Latin Philae were derived. During the Islamic era, it was known to the local people as El-Qasr, the “Castle.” Also, they named it Geziret Anas el-Wogud, after the hero of one of the tales in the “Arabian Nights,” who traced his beloved to this island. According to this tale, she had been locked up on Philae by her father.

Temple of Kom Ombo

The Temple of Kom Ombo is a double temple in the town of Kom Ombo in Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt. The building is unique because its design consists of two adjoined sections. In other words, there were courts, halls, sanctuaries and rooms duplicated for two sets of gods.

Temple of Horus at Edfu

The Temple of Horus in Edfu is one of the most impressive and well-preserved temples in Egypt. This temple exists on the west bank of the Nile in the city of Edfu, Aswan Governorate. It is the largest temple dedicated to Horus and Hathor of Dendera.