Nubian Museum

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Located in Aswan, this excellent museum showcases Nubian culture, artifacts, and history from prehistoric times to the modern era. Its thoughtful exhibits and beautiful architecture provide essential context for understanding Upper Egypt's relationship with its southern neighbor.

Things to do

• Explore the Main Exhibition Halls — Walk through chronologically arranged galleries displaying Nubian artifacts including pottery, jewelry, weapons, and everyday objects spanning from the Paleolithic period through the Islamic era.
• Visit the Nubian House Reconstruction — Observe a traditional Nubian dwelling recreated within the museum that demonstrates authentic architectural design, interior layout, and domestic life of the region.
• Study the Meroitic Kingdom Exhibits — Examine artifacts and information about the ancient Kingdom of Meroe, including inscriptions, statues, and burial goods that illustrate Nubian civilization's sophistication.
• View the Aswan Dam Impact Section — Learn about the Abu Simbel temples' relocation and how the Aswan High Dam affected Nubian settlements and culture through photographs and documentary displays.
• Appreciate the Museum's Riverside Setting — Walk the grounds and gardens overlooking the Nile River, which provide context for understanding Nubian trade routes and the region's historical relationship with the river.
• Examine Nubian Jewelry and Adornment — Study the intricate gold, silver, and beaded jewelry collections that showcase the craftsmanship and aesthetic traditions valued in Nubian society across different periods.

Food to try

• Koshari — A popular Egyptian-Nubian layered dish combining lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas topped with tomato sauce and vinegar, commonly enjoyed as a hearty lunch.
• Ful Medames — Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, traditionally eaten for breakfast and served with fresh bread in Aswan's local cafés.
• Taameya — Egyptian-Nubian fried fava bean patties flavored with herbs and spices, similar to falafel and commonly served as a street snack or appetizer.
• Grilled Nile Perch — Fresh fish from the Nile River seasoned simply with lemon and herbs, reflecting the region's dependence on river resources and local culinary traditions.
• Basboosa — A sweet semolina and coconut cake soaked in simple syrup and topped with an almond, typical of Nubian and broader Egyptian dessert culture.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect for Nubian Heritage — Nubian people take great pride in their distinct culture and history; showing genuine interest in exhibits and asking respectful questions demonstrates appreciation for their heritage.
• Photography Etiquette — Always ask museum staff before photographing specific artifacts, as some pieces may have restrictions; respecting these boundaries is important to the institution.
• Dress Modestly — While the museum itself is secular, Aswan is a conservative city; wearing modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees shows respect for local customs.
• Learn Basic Arabic Greetings — Using simple Arabic phrases like 'Salaam alaikum' (hello) and 'Shukran' (thank you) with museum staff and locals is appreciated and enhances interactions.