Enchanting Oasis: The Nubian Village of Aswan

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك/على الرحب والسعة
  [min fadlak/alaa al-rahb was-sa'ah]
• Thank youشكرا لك
  [shukran lak]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [udhuran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bi-khayr. wa-ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatakallam al-ingliziyya?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأرغب في رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urghab fi ru'yat al-qa'imah, min fadlak]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul al-lahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود الدفع، من فضلك
  [awad al-ddf', min fadlak]

• Help!النجدة!
  [an-najdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [adhhab ba'eedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [atassil bish-shurutah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [atassil bitabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt at-tariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أرغب في شراء...
  [urghab fi shira...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarrag]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka takhfiz as-si'ru?]

• What time is it?كم الوقت؟
  [kam al-waqt?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [as-sa'ah al-wahidah]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (العاشرة)
  [an-nisf ba'd (al-ashirah)]
• Morningالصباح
  [as-subah]
• Afternoonالظهر
  [adh-dhuhr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [al-masa']
• Yesterdayالأمس
  [al-ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنين
  [ithnayn]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tasi'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [ashirah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayn...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-'anwan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tarini (ala al-kharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yati al-hafilah at-taliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tathkirah (ila ....)]

Nubian Village, located near Aswan, has roots that trace back to ancient Nubia, a civilization known for its wealth and power, particularly during the time of the Pharaohs. Nubia was strategically positioned along the Nile, making it a vital area for trade and cultural exchange between sub-Saharan Africa and Egypt. The Kingdom of Kush, which emerged in Nubia, was notable for its pharaohs who ruled Egypt during the 25th Dynasty.

From the 8th century BC onwards, the Nubian Kingdoms, particularly the Kingdom of Kush, expanded their influence, with several dynasties ruling over Egypt. The Nubians are renowned for their impressive pyramids and temples, which rival those of Egypt. The village today preserves this rich cultural heritage, as descendants of these ancient civilizations still inhabit the region.

During the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s, the Nubian communities faced significant displacement. The dam's creation led to the flooding of ancestral lands, prompting a forced relocation of Nubians to higher ground. This resettlement profoundly impacted the cultural landscape, as traditional lifestyles were altered, and many Nubians found themselves adapting to new environments while striving to maintain their cultural identity.

In recent decades, there has been a renewed interest in Nubian culture, driven by tourism to the Aswan area. Nubian Village is now a vibrant community known for its colorful homes, traditional crafts, and hospitality. Cultural festivals and events celebrating Nubian music, dance, and cuisine attract visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich history of the Nubian people and their contributions to Egyptian heritage.

Despite historical challenges, the Nubian community continues to preserve its language and traditions. Efforts to promote the Nubian language and cultural practices have gained momentum, with local initiatives encouraging younger generations to engage with their heritage. This cultural resilience is evident in the daily life of the village, where traditional practices coexist with contemporary influences.

Nubian Village is located approximately 30 minutes by boat from Aswan's city center. To reach the village, tourists can take a felucca (traditional wooden sailboat) from the Aswan Corniche, which offers a scenic view of the Nile. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the nearby ferry terminal and catch a boat across the river. Some local tour companies also offer guided tours that include transportation.

Nubian Village is best explored on foot or by bicycle, as the roads are narrow and pedestrian-friendly. Renting a bicycle is a popular option and can be arranged through local vendors. Taxis are available for longer distances, but within the village, walking allows for a more immersive experience of the local culture and scenery.

Nubian Village is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places. Although Nubian Village is not known for high crime rates, it is wise to be cautious, particularly in the more secluded parts of the village.

In case of an emergency, dial 122 for police assistance or visit the nearest hospital in Aswan. It is advisable to have a list of emergency contacts and local medical facilities. Pharmacies are available in Aswan for minor health issues. Always have travel insurance that covers health emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local homes or mosques. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; be aware of prayer times and avoid loud conversations near prayer areas. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a handshake. Don't forget to use the local greeting 'Salam Alaikum' (peace be upon you). Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional Nubian dishes and accept food offerings. Don't waste food, as it is seen as disrespectful.

To experience Nubian Village like a local, visit the local markets to buy handmade crafts and traditional Nubian textiles. Engage with the residents, as many are eager to share stories about their culture and history. Participate in a traditional Nubian meal prepared in a local home for an authentic culinary experience. Don't miss the vibrant murals and colorful houses that reflect the unique Nubian culture.