Aswan: The Jewel of the Nile

• Helloأهلاً
  [ahlan]
• Goodbyeوداعاً
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك/على الرحب والسعة
  [min fadlik/ala al-rahb was-sa'ah]
• Thank youشكراً
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذراً
  [a'edan]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bi-khayr. wa-ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al-ingliziyya?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [awad an ara al-qa'ima, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akl al-lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-najdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansurf!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [itassil bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt al-tariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [awad an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarrag]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam sa'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جداً
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafdh al-sa'ruh?]

• What time is it?كم الوقت؟
  [kam al-waqt?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [al-sa'at al-wahida]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al-ashirah wal-nisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [al-subah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd al-dhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [al-masa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغداً
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasia]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين الـ...؟
  [ayn al-...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al-unwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (ala al-kharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata ya'ti al-hafilah al-taliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)بطاقة (إلى...)
  [bitaqah (ila...)]

Aswan, located on the first cataract of the Nile, has been a significant trade hub since ancient times. Its strategic position made it a gateway between Egypt and Africa, facilitating the exchange of goods such as gold, ivory, and exotic animals.

Aswan is home to several iconic Pharaonic monuments, including the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple complex, which dates back to the Ptolemaic period, was meticulously relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from submersion during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The Unfinished Obelisk, located in the Northern Quarries, offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques. If completed, it would have been the largest obelisk ever erected, standing at an estimated 42 meters in height and weighing nearly 1,200 tons.

The Nubian population of Aswan has a rich cultural heritage. The Nubians have their own distinct language, customs, and traditions, which have been preserved despite the displacement caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Visitors can explore Nubian villages to experience their unique way of life.

Completed in 1970, the Aswan High Dam is a marvel of modern engineering. The dam has had a profound impact on Egypt's economy by providing hydroelectric power and regulating the annual flooding of the Nile, though it also led to the displacement of many Nubian communities and submersion of ancient sites.

Elephantine Island, situated in the Nile, has been inhabited since pre-dynastic times. The island contains archaeological sites such as the Temple of Khnum, the god of the source of the Nile, and the ancient Nilometer, which was used to measure the water level of the river.

Overlooking the Nile, the Aga Khan Mausoleum is the final resting place of Aga Khan III, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims. The mausoleum, built in a style reminiscent of the Fatimid tombs in Cairo, is a symbol of the historical connection between Aswan and the wider Islamic world.

Also known as Kitchener's Island, the Botanical Island hosts a stunning collection of exotic plants and trees. Originally developed by Lord Kitchener in the 1890s, the island now serves as a peaceful retreat with lush gardens and walking paths.

Opened in 1997, the Nubia Museum in Aswan showcases the history, art, and culture of Nubia. The museum's extensive collection includes artifacts from the prehistoric era to the Islamic period, providing valuable insights into the rich heritage of the Nubian people.

Aswan is accessible by various means of transportation. The Aswan International Airport serves domestic flights and limited international flights. From Cairo, you can take a 1.5-hour flight to Aswan. Alternatively, there is a scenic overnight sleeper train from Cairo that takes approximately 13 hours. Buses and private cars are also options for those traveling from nearby cities like Luxor, which is a 3-hour drive away.

In Aswan, transportation options include taxis, minibuses, and boats. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street or booked through your hotel. Negotiate the fare beforehand to avoid misunderstandings. Minibuses, known as 'microbuses,' are a cheaper option but can be crowded. For a unique experience, consider taking a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat, to explore the Nile. Car rentals are also available but driving in Aswan can be challenging due to traffic and local driving habits.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is preferred in local markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are widely available throughout Aswan, including at the airport, major hotels, and shopping areas. It is advisable to carry small denominations of cash for tipping and small purchases.

Aswan is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Areas with a higher risk of crimes targeting tourists include the Aswan Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuables like expensive jewelry and electronics.

In case of emergency, dial 122 for police, 123 for medical emergencies, and 180 for fire services. Most hotels have information on local medical facilities, and there are several hospitals and clinics in Aswan. Having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is highly recommended. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city, and many pharmacists speak English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering mosques and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Use your right hand for eating and greeting, as the left hand is considered impolite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Aswan like a local, visit the local markets, especially the Aswan Souk, where you can buy spices, perfumes, and traditional Nubian crafts. Engage with the local Nubian community to learn about their culture and traditions. Don't miss a visit to the Nubian Museum, which offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the Nubian people. For a unique experience, take a sunset felucca ride on the Nile and enjoy the stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.