Nubian Village

A bit of history: Who were the Nubians in Ancient Egypt?

Nubians are an ethnic group originating and residing in Upper Egypt and Northern Sudan. They built their dwelling along the Nile river and were skilled horse riders and masterful archers, standing beside and against the Egyptians in a number of battles.  

Due to their geographic proximity and driven by mix of socio-political, and economical reasons, Egyptians and Nubians were intimately tied and shared centuries of peace and war. During the peaceful periods, some pharaohs would wed Nubian princesses leaving Egyptian kings had Nubian lineage.  

With the introduction of other cultures and the constant flux of power in Egypt, Nubians and other tribes were either integrated into society or faded out of existence. Fortunately, some communities still remain until present days and their colorful villages continue to draw in tourists from around the globe.

What is the Nubian Village?

Home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the Nubian Village is not only a splendid place to relax but it also carries millennia of unique heritage. Its vibrant mudbrick houses are beautifully decorated with handicrafts produced by the Nubians themselves, including textiles and pottery.  

What to do in the Nubian Village?

Stroll around and discover the quaint village on food. Wander around and admire the unique art work and graffiti covering the walls and homes. Take a rest stop at one of the traditional Nubian cafes that serve traditional tea in colorful cups along the Nile.

Make sure to stop at the markets to get your hands on some traditional, handmade handicrafts and local artisanal goods. You can even go for a camel ride or sail along the Nile on a single-masted felucca. Want to learn more? Take a cab to the Nubian History Museum across the island. 

What else is interesting about the Nubian Village?

In antiquity, Aswan was famous for its Nile crocodiles. So, it does not come as a surprise that the god Sobek was the protector of the city. The crocodiles lent the village a very unique character.

Once upon a time, the crocodiles were taken as pets to keep any intruders away. Don’t fret, that practice died down centuries ago. If you want to learn more, pay a visit to the Crocodile House.

Visiting the Nubian Village on Elephantine Island

One of the most popular places for tourists to visit is Elephantine Island. Many Nubians moved to the island in the 1960s due to the flooding of their original settlements thanks to the construction of the High Dam. They live in the centre of the island with luxurious hotels on one side and ancient ruins on the other.  

Is it worth visiting the Nubian Village?

If you enjoy things that are a little of the touristic route, the Nubian Village is a good addition to your trip if you are already in Aswan. If you have time, try to visit the island for an afternoon and learn more about this festinating culture and land over a cup of tea or wandering in one of is bustling markets.

How do I get to the Nubian Village?

You must first make it to Aswan either by train or plane and then head over to the island by motorboat.