It is impossible to overstate the significance of the High Dam of Aswan as a metaphor for Egypt’s modernization and economic development. However, it would be challenging to maintain several already established tourist attractions at their present sites if the new landmark were built.
The dam’s construction led to the relocation of the temples and the formation of an artificial lake. We’ll fill you in on all the details and explain how the Aswan High Dam evolved into a popular tourist destination.
Explain the importance of the Aswan High Dam:
This dam was constructed in the 1960s by President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s regime to benefit the nation.
The High Dam is located in the following:
Aswan is located in Upper Egypt, close to the border with Sudan to the north.
What is the reason for the importance of the Aswan High Dam?
Because it was meant to give the country greater authority and alleviate the problems created by the annual flooding of the Nile River, which had been an issue since the days of the pharaohs because of the potential for crop destruction, this was a severe issue. However, if the flooding were insufficient, the plantations would not get enough water, reducing the crop.
The end effect would have been disastrous for the populace, and there may have been occasions when the nation went hungry. More power generation became an issue when the global population began to rise. The idea of constructing a dam was not new; the British occupiers of Egypt had previously brought it up. However, its proponents argued that it was the best way to address both issues. Even yet, weighing the plan’s benefits and drawbacks was necessary.
The pros and cons of constructing the Aswan High Dam:
The most noticeable gain was that the primary objectives were accomplished, which included increasing Egypt’s hydroelectric potential and assisting the country’s farmers. With the dam’s completion, farmers would no longer have to depend on the frequency and magnitude of river floods to irrigate their crops.
On the other hand, the Nile delta region suffered severe damage, as anticipated under the circumstances. Land that had previously been irrigated became less productive as water levels dropped. Many Aswan residents have contracted schistosomiasis, a disease caused by Lake Nasser’s parasites, which was an early indicator of developing health problems.
Finally, Egypt’s borrowing large sums of money to fund the building led to various political and financial complications.
Lake Nasser:
An artificial lake was created at this location once the dam was constructed. To recognize Gamal Abdel Nasser, the lake was given his name, and the dam is around 4 kilometers in length. Tourists may now travel there to enjoy activities like fishing and boating.
How did the ancient temples change due to the construction of the Aswan Dam?
Although constructing the Aswan High Dam was appealing, a million-dollar concern remained: how could the many historical monuments inundated by the works be saved?
A massive scheme, maybe of the “Pharaonic” type, was formulated and implemented. Abu Simbel and Philae were two of Egypt’s cultural landmarks that were saved thanks to cooperation between the Egyptian government and UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) (UNESCO).
Amid the strenuous effort, the temples were relocated from their original locations to more secure ones. Many people didn’t believe it would work, but it did. It needed thousands of dollars, hundreds of people, and tremendous talent to cut the stones into blocks weighing up to 40 tonnes and transport them with precision.
However, not every location was spared, and some temples were probably demolished because they were threatened. The experts have located them for the time being near the base of Lake Nasser, so they are still around.
Is it worth visiting the High Dam for you?
It has played a significant role in the nation’s development as a dam. If you don’t have much time, you probably shouldn’t bother seeing the dam, although it’s a common stop on tours for a good reason. This is because temples like Philae and Abu Simbel are now permanently connected to the dam.
