Thousands of visitors flocked to observe the phenomenon of sun perpendicularity at the Karnak Temple

To the tune of harp music, thousands of Egyptian visitors and tourists flocked to the port area of ​​the Karnak Temples to witness the phenomenon of the sun perpendicular to the main axis of the temples, a phenomenon that occurs on December 21 of each year, which officially coincides with the beginning of winter.

Professor Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the boy scouts, wearing their Pharaonic uniforms, received all the visitors with flowers and souvenirs and presented them with some Artistic pieces inspired by ancient Egyptian art. 

Mr. Mahmoud Al-Adisi, Director of the Archaeological Awareness Department, also gave a lecture on the importance of this phenomenon and the genius of the ancient Egyptian in linking astronomical calculations with architecture and the planning of temples and their directions.

Professor Abdel-Khaleq Helmy, Director General of the Karnak Antiquities, explained that this phenomenon reveals the ancient Egyptian’s distinction and ingenuity in linking astronomy and architecture together, and his keenness to do so throughout 2,000 years. How long did it take to build the Karnak Temples? The sun rises above the cabin of the sacred boat of Amun Ra, which was built by King Philip Arrhidaeus, brother of Alexander the Great. It is perpendicular to the main axis of Karnak extending from east to west, penetrating the entrances to the edifices from the sixth to the first, as well as the Great Hall of Legends, so that the visitor can see it at Karnak Port in front of the main facade of the temple. 

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