Egypt, Monday 7-04-2014
Volume 1 Issue 5
by Luuk de Waardt
The DECORATED HOUSES OF
GHARB Sohail
Aswan, formerly spelled Assuan, is a city in the south of Egypt. Its name is derived from the Ancient Egyptian word “Swan,” which means “the market.” This is because it was located on the main trade route between Egypt and the southern lands, with gold, slaves and ivory passing into Egypt.
Walid El zonfoly . Photography ©
Aswan is a busy market and tourist center located just north of the Aswan Dam on the east bank of the River Nile at the first cataract. The modern city has expanded and includes the formerly separate community on the island of Elephantine. The layout of this and other nearby islands in Aswan can be seen from west bank hillsides along the River Nile. Arriving at the west bank of the River Nile, at the Nubian village of Gharb Sohail, there is a great view of the Nile and colorful houses. Those decorated houses are characterized by an old Nubian style with graphics on the walls that show the culture and heritage of Nuba. Gharb Sohail is located in the River Nile, about 2 miles (3.2 km) southwest of Aswan in southern Egypt. It is a large island, and is roughly halfway between the city and the upstream Aswan Low Dam.