On Elephantine Island in Aswan: Experience Nubian Culture

Aswan is located in southern Egypt, a true desert oasis and a city along the most beautiful stretch of the Nile River. Further south lies Egypt's neighbor Sudan, a region known as Nubia in ancient times. The frequent trade between Egyptians and Nubians established Aswan's position as a commercial center. Since our hotel was on Elephantine Island, our driver could only take us to the ferry dock. As sunset approached, soft sunlight illuminated the Nile, with three-masted feluccas gliding across the water. Their ancient silhouettes against the peaceful river seemed to sail out of distant times, carrying stories of the past—exactly the Nile scenery I had seen in movies. The ferry is the only transportation between Elephantine Island and Aswan city, costing 2 pounds per person with separate seating for men and women. This brief 10-minute journey feels like a mini feast of Nile scenery. In the sunset, the sparkling water reflects the landscapes on both shores, with gentle breezes bringing the Nile's unique scent—everything feels peaceful and romantic. Elephantine Island is a small island in the Nile, and the origin of its name remains debated. With Aswan's tourism boom, the city center can no longer accommodate so many tourists, making the Nubian houses on the island an alternative option. However, the island, still under heavy construction, resembles a large village compared to the city across the river—muddy winding dirt roads, collapsing houses, and livestock in enclosures. Our experience of dragging suitcases to find our hotel was unforgettable. The next morning, while Dingding was still doing her makeup, I took my camera for a short walk around the island. This is a preserve of Nubian culture, where Nubians like to paint their houses in bright colors with cartoon drawings, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. More people are beginning to develop the island's tourism resources and improve infrastructure, hoping to transform it into an island with distinctive Nubian cultural features. However, given the current conditions, this major project certainly has a long way to go. In the early morning, the Elephantine Island dock is both busy and peaceful. People hurry to cross the river, each with their own purpose and expectations, their figures intertwining to form a vibrant rhythm. The small sailboats are neatly lined up along the shore, as if gathering strength while waiting for a new day of business to begin.