Visitors from across the world gathered Thursday in Aswan, Egypt, for a rare glimpse of a unique event that still amazes the world - when the sun rays go inside the corridor of the Abu Simbel temples and perpendicular on the faces of Ramses II, his wife, Queen Nefertari and the god Amun on the back wall. It happens twice a year on the same two dates: October 22, Ramses II's birthday, and on his coronation day, February 22.
Egypt's Twice-Annual Sun Phenomenon Wows Crowds
- By VOA News
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Egyptian Fady Abadir and his American wife, Melis Bursin, who marveled at the experience. “It’s the first time for me here in Egypt," Bursin said. "It’s like a dream for me.” In Abu Simbel temple in Aswan, southern Egypt, Feb. 22, 2018. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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For some the day brought a thrill, for others disappointment. “It’s my branch of education at the university, and I have been eager to come here for this event," said Sherif Hany, 22, a student of Egyptian antiquities from the port city of Alexandria, "but unfortunately I came late so I couldn’t catch the exact moment.” In Abu Simbel temple in Aswan, southern Egypt, Feb. 22, 2018. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Some tourists collapsed as a result of the high temperatures at Abu Simbel temple in Aswan, southern Egypt, Feb. 22, 2018. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
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A tour guide tells a group of Japanese the story of how the temple was moved from its original location to a new spot to avoid being submerged at the time of the construction of the Aswan dam. The phenomenon used to take place on Feb. 21 and Oct. 21, but after shifting the location, it shifted to one day later, to Feb. 22 and Oct. 22 because of the re-positioning. At Abu Simbel temple in Aswan, southern Egypt, Feb. 22, 2018. (H. Elrasam/VOA)
