Unfinished Obelisk

An important Egyptian archeological site is the incomplete obelisk. English speakers will recognize this pink granite obelisk as the “Unfinished Obelisk.” It is around one kilometer east of the Nile River in the rock quarry close to the heart of Aswan, Egypt, on the Nile beach facing east. The pyramids of King Khufu and numerous obelisks were constructed using stones from that quarry, which is one of the most significant granite quarries in Aswan. If finished, the unfinished obelisk at Aswan will be the longest one in Egypt; it is approximately 42 meters and 75 centimeters long, with a base width of about 4 meters and 20 centimeters and a summit width of around 2 meters and 40 centimeters. Approximate mass: 1,168 metric tons.

What is the history of the unfinished obelisk?

History of the unifinshed obelisk It is not known at the time of digging the incomplete obelisk accurately, but many scholars suggested that the beginning of work in it was in the time of Queen Hatshepsut ( 1479 BC. to 1458 BC.), and therefore some called it the obelisk of Hatshepsut, and its design aimed to transfer and focus in the Karnak Temple in Luxor, and the Egyptian workers had already dug the obelisk from three entire sides in preparation for its removal from the ground. They discovered a large rift in the obelisk, which makes the process of completing it unable, so the workers stopped working with it and the obelisk remained the same, and until the present time the lower face of the obelisk is completely connected to the land, and archaeologists have discovered attempts to save some parts of the obelisk, and these attempts may have occurred during the reign of King Tuthmosis III.

When the unfinished obelisk was discovered?

The unfinished obelisk was discovered in 1921 AD, and the entire Aswan quarry has become an open archaeological area and a place for scientific and archaeological research. It is preserved by the Egyptian government.
UNESCO declared the Aswan quarry a World Heritage Site in 1979 AD. The importance of the unfinished obelisk, that the construction and preparation of the unfinished obelisk were not completed. It remained on the ground, but it has great importance in archaeology and the history of antiquities in Egypt, because its importance is due to it reveals the method of manufacturing obelisks in Egypt, and how the huge stones were cut.
Stone balls were found in the same quarry in Aswan, specifically made of diorite.

Each ball weighs about 6 kg, and the ancient Egyptians used these balls as hammers to separate and cut the sides of the obelisk from the large rock mass from which it was taken. The traces of these balls appeared on the body of the obelisk. This process was the one that preceded the process of making a trench surrounding the obelisk and also allowed the large obelisk mass to be completely freed from the main quarry.

What is the importance of the unfinished obelisk, and what is it specifically?

The ancient Egyptian obelisk, the giant, is known as the incomplete obelisk. It is not only huge, but also famous for its mastery of traditional craftsmen’s techniques to cut pillars from the quarry. Due to her fragmented condition, it provides a unique scene to practice old stone carving.

During the Nile cruise in Egypt, can I visit the unfinished obelisk?

Any traveller who plans a River Cruise on the Nile can add a visit to the unfinished obelisk as a stopover. Tourists often visit Aswan to visit this historic landmark, such as the quarry and obelisk, and other neighboring landmarks.

It may be possible to take a tour with a guide to the unfinished obelisk?

The unfinished obelisk visits are an essential part of the Nile cruise itinerary (find the full itineraries of Nile Cruises). Usually, the tourist guides provide basic information and historical explanations during these tours.

What do you think, the best time to see the unfinished obelisk?

The best time to visit the unfinished obelisk is between September and May, when the weather is beautiful and suitable for external activities such as tours and exploration.

Can you tell me if there are entry fees to the unfinished obelisk?

Yes, there are fees required to enter the unfinished obelisk. And all Nile cruise packages include the entrance fees to enter the site.

Is Aswan’s unfinished obelisk the only tourist attraction in the Aswan region?

The unfinished obelisk is not the only tourist attraction in the region; The high dam, the Nubia Museum, and the Temple of Philae are also close to it. It is not a complete cruise on the Nile without it, because of its great historical importance.