Facts about Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan

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Hatshepsut Obelisk | Aswan Granite Quarries

Facts about Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan

05 16, 2023

Hatshepsut, one of the most significant pharaohs in Egyptian history, regardless of gender, made substantial contributions to her nation through her immense wealth and artistic patronage. Her support of one of Egypt's most successful trading missions led to the acquisition of gold, ebony, and incense from a region referred to as Punt, which is believed to correspond to present-day Eritrea in Africa.

The Unfinished Obelisk, recognized as the largest obelisk ever constructed by the ancient Egyptians, dates back to the era of Queen Hatshepsut during the 18th dynasty. It remains in situ, precisely where it was partially hewn from solid rock, within the granite quarries located near Aswan.

The massive Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan was intended to reach a height of nearly 40 meters, with an estimated weight exceeding 1,000 tons. Regrettably, the project was left incomplete, likely due to a significant crack that developed while attempting to detach the stone block from the bedrock, rendering it unusable and devoid of value for the laborers who had invested considerable effort into its creation.

Aswan Granite Quarries

Currently, the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan serves as an open-air museum situated within the granite quarries where ancient Egyptian monarchs extracted and transported the essential stone blocks intended for the construction of the monumental Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx. This site is particularly significant for the structures that grace the Giza Necropolis, utilized during the 4th dynasty of the Old Kingdom for the reigns of Kings Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus. Additionally, it played a role in the construction of the grand temples from the Middle and New Kingdoms, such as the Temple of Luxor and the Temple of El-Deir El-Bahari. These historical landmarks allow us to connect with a distant era, rich in enigmas yet to be unraveled. We eagerly await your visit to the historic land of our forebears, as you embark on this journey.

The obelisk itself is a structure imbued with historical, religious, and cultural importance, closely linked to the worship of the sun god Ra. It embodies a fundamental concept of Egyptian culture, symbolizing the sun's rays that radiate from its apex, signifying the life-giving power of the sun.

Cairo Top Tours offers an exceptional opportunity to spend a few delightful days discovering these captivating attractions that will inspire you upon your arrival in Egypt. We encourage you to make your reservation with us today.

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Egypt's archaeological museums offer a glimpse into the country's extensive and evolving heritage. Some notable ones include the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, Al Gawhara Palace, Al Manyal Palace, the Greek Museum, Mahmoud Mokhtar Museum, and the Fine Arts Museum. For an immersive experience, it's recommended to choose a guided multi-day tour that encompasses all these prominent attractions in this captivating country.

Cairo Top Tours provides a wide range of advantages to its customers as one of the leading figures and major players in the tourism sector. We will do everything possible to make your trip with us a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you wanting more. Here are a few justifications for choosing Cairo Top Tours as your go-to travel companion. Flexible itineraries, affordable prices, excellent customer service, and payment convenience are all features of Our River Nile Cruises, where we guarantee you will have a memorable and insightful experience.

Large wooden ramps and stairs that lead to the Unfinished Obelisk are now open to tourists.

The ancient town of Aswan, also known as Swenett or Syene, was the southernmost frontier settlement of Ancient Egypt. This region's ancient Egyptian stone quarries were renowned for their stone, particularly for the granitic rock known as Syenite.

Going to Nubian villages and talking to the people who live there is a really good way to learn about the Nubian language and the things they do to celebrate their culture.

Indeed, the region where the Nubian people live is where Aswan is situated. You can learn about traditional Nubian music and dance, see their distinctive architecture and crafts, and immerse yourself in Nubian culture by visiting villages like Gharb Soheil and Siou.

An unfinished obelisk in Aswan is part of the region's cultural heritage and plays an important role in attracting tourists to the area. Here are some of the reasons why the unfinished obelisk is interesting and attracts tourists:

Pharaonic history: The obelisk dates back to Pharaonic times and is part of the ancient history of Egypt. Tourists who are interested in ancient Egyptian civilization are attracted to visit this site to see the ruins and learn about the ancient history of the area.

Hieroglyphic art: The obelisk contains intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions and symbols that tell stories from the ancient civilization. Tourists who are interested in ancient Pharaonic art and culture may find visiting the obelisk a fun and educational experience.

Cultural attraction: The presence of monuments such as the Obelisk is part of Aswan's cultural appeal. Tourists looking for unique cultural experiences can enjoy visiting this site and discovering ancient Egyptian culture.

In 1952, Greek-Egyptian engineer Adrian Daninos proposed this project to build the High Dam in Aswan to trap the Nile floods, store its water and generate electricity from it. In early 1954, two German engineering companies submitted a design for the project, and in December of the same year an international committee approved the feasibility of building the High Dam.

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