On The Topographical and Geological Results of a Reconnaissance-Survey of Jebel Garra and the Oasis of Kurkur

Mapping an oasis in southern Egypt during the early 20th century.

“Although the existence of the small uninhabited oasis of Kurkur, some two days’ journey into the desert westward of Assuan, is well know, the information hitherto published concering it is extremely meagre. Though it is shown on most maps of Egypt, no two maps will be found to agree either in position assigned to the place or in the configuration of the surrounding country.” – Introduction

This intriguing report was authored by Dr. John Ball, a member of the British Geological Survey of Egypt, after a ten-day expedition to the Oasis of Kurkur. It represents one of the first systematic efforts to accurately map the important landmark and trade route stopover. Though a handful of triangulation measurements were taken, much of the data was collected by native workers pushing surveyor’s wheels across the desert landscape.

The book contains a wealth of information on the geology, topography, local resources, and wildlife available around the oasis and nearby hill named Jebel Garra. Lithographed plates include photographs of geographic features, barometric pressure diagrams, and an interesting sketch of a desert mirage.

Two folding maps are included – “Geological Map of the Nile Valley from Kom Ombo to Dendur and of the Adjacent Desert” measures about 18.5″ x 23.5″ and provides an overview of the region, complete with the camel path from Assuan to the oasis and a railway adjacent to the Nile. The second map is smaller (11″ x 17.5″) and focuses on the geology of the Kurkur Oasis and immediate vicinity.

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