Sun Alignment at Karnak Temple: Thousands Gather to Witness the Unique Phenomenon

 

To the sounds of harp music, thousands of visitors, both Egyptians and tourists, gathered at the Karnak Temples’ harbor area to witness the extraordinary phenomenon of the sun aligning with the temple’s main axis.

 

 

This annual event takes place on December 21, marking the official start of winter.

 

 

Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that scouts dressed in Pharaonic attire welcomed all visitors with flowers and souvenirs, performing artistic segments inspired by ancient Egyptian art.

 

 

Additionally, Mahmoud El-Adaisy, Director of Archaeological Awareness, delivered a lecture on the significance of this phenomenon, highlighting the genius of the ancient Egyptians in connecting astronomical calculations with architectural design and temple planning.

 

 

Abdelkhalek Helmy, Director General of Karnak Antiquities, elaborated that this event showcases the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians in combining astronomy with architecture.

 

The sun rises above the sacred bark shrine of Amun-Ra, built by King Philip Arrhidaeus, brother of Alexander the Great, and aligns with the main axis of Karnak, stretching from east to west.

 

 

 

The sunlight passes through the temple’s gateways, from the sixth pylon to the first, including the Great Hypostyle Hall, allowing visitors at the Karnak harbor to witness the spectacular alignment against the temple’s main facade.