The Importance of the Aswan High Dam


The Aswan High Dam • The earliest attempt at building a dam in Aswan dates back to the 1000s, when the Iraqi polymath and engineer Ibn al-Haytham was summoned to Egypt by the mercurial Fatimid Caliph, Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, to regulate the flooding of the Nile.

The Aswan High Dam is one of the most impressive sights of modern Egypt, though it was built to reign in the ancient power of the Nile River, harnessing vital water at the same time.


What is it and Why is it Needed?


What is the Aswan Dam, why is it needed and why is it one of the must-see sites in Egypt? The dam is named after Aswan, the city on the first cataract of the Nile River in Egypt. There are actually two dams in Aswan, the newer Aswan High Dam and the older Aswan Low Dam.


The Flooding of the Nile River


Understand that both dams exist because of the Nile River. The purpose of the dam is to prevent the Nile River from flooding, to harvest water for agricultural purposes and to generate electricity.

Even if you took water and electricity out of the equation, the Nile River would flood every year during summer months because of waters from East Africa steadily flowing down. This has been a natural phenomenon ever since ancient times. Back then, floods were nothing to be concerned of. They actually brought more nutrients and minerals to soil, which made land around the Nile River fertile for farmers.

However, as the population grew, mankind saw the need to control these heavy waters, otherwise, the overflow would start to damage the fields. The results of flooding today are devastating. In a year with very high waters, an entire crop might be completely destroyed. Even in a year with low waters, there are many instances of drought and famine.


The Size of the High Dam


The Aswan High Dam is 3,830 meters in length, 980 meters wide at the base, and 111 meters tall. The dam contains 43 million cubic meters of material and moves 11,000 cubic meters of water every second.

There are also emergency spillways built in, as well as a canal (Toshka) that links the reservoir to the Toshka Depression. This gives you some idea of the power of the Nile River. Imagine that power uncontrolled! Now you see why the British people began planning for dam construction as far back as 1889.

Ever since 1967, power generators have been producing hydroelectric output. Today, twelve generators powered by the dam produce about 2.1 gigawatts each.

When the dam reached its peak performance it produced about half of the entire country’s electricity needs. (Though in recent times it has fallen to less than 15%) Egyptian residents can thank the dam for introducing electricity to many of its poor villages.

The Aswan High Dam is such a massive creation is has also become a tourist attraction and is included in most Aswan tours.



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12 Days: Egypt Nile Cruise Tour
Enjoy a truly grand journey on the classical Egypt Nile Cruise Tour. It takes in some of the most famous, notable, and treasured sites of Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan-Luxor Nile Cruise, and Red Sea Hurghada.


12 Days: Egypt Luxury Tour
With the Egypt Luxury Tour guests experience twelve days of fascinating history, gorgeous scenery and world-class treatment. Expect the best of ancient Egypt and the Red Sea. Explore Cairo, an Aswan-Luxor Nile Cruise, and scuba diving near Red Sea Hurghada.


8 Days: Egypt Vacation Tour
The Egypt Vacation Tour is an ideal solution for someone who has never before seen this ancient land. It takes them on an eight-day exploration of some of the most famous and notable sites. Tour Cairo and cruise the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.


8 Days: Egypt Adventure Tour
The Classic Egypt Adventure Tour is an eight day exploration that takes in the most famous sights of the region, but begins with a day in Cairo where the Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum are on the itinerary. Tour Aswan, Luxor and Cairo and the majestic temples of Abu Simbel


ASWAN DAY TOURS
All our Egypt tours are private and fully customizable. We can customize your Aswan tour itinerary to fit your exact wishes and dreams and easily include a tour of the Aswan High Dam.