| | Must Visits | Need to Know | Capital City Cairo | | Tipping 10-15% | | Electricity 220/240 V | | Weights and Measurements Metric system |
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People & Language
Egypt’s population consists of three racial groups—the Hamito-Semitic race that has settled in the Nile area and large parts of Africa since time immemorial; the Bedouin Arab nomads who are originally from Arabia; and the Nubian, or Cushitic peoples, original inhabitants of the region between Aswan in the south and Khartoum in Sudan. The Nubian way of life came under direct attack when the High Dam was built on the Nile in Aswan. Apart from the displacement of over 60,000 Nubians, which included the resettlement of many in Kom Ombo and the repatriation of some to Sudan, the entire ecological equation in the area was severely damaged. Egypt has witnessed a population explosion in recent years, which is creating a severe strain on the land and its resources.
Arabic is the official language. English and French are widely understood. It would be useful to acquaint yourself with some basic Arabic phrases
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Religion
The main religion in Egypt is Islam, although there is a significant Coptic Christian minority in Cairo and a few other cities. Egypt has historically been the site of numerous religious practices—a fact that has led to an inbuilt tendency towards religious tolerance. Islam is constitutionally the source of all jurisprudence but that has not meant the suppression of religious minorities. Indeed, the influence of Sufism, a mystic and tolerant Muslim order is still felt in many areas of Islamic practice in Egypt today. Recently, there has been a disturbing trend towards Islamic fundamentalism among certain extremist groups.
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Food
Egyptian cuisine is more Middle Eastern or Arab than African. For a cheap snack, try fuul, or fava beans that are eaten with a choice of toppings—salt, lemon, oil, meat, onions, eggs, etc. The local variety of felafel is called ta’amiyya, and is definitely worth checking out. It is rumoured that the best hummus in Egypt is to be found in Port Said - for a hummus lover, the trip to Port Said will simply be hummus heaven!
A local speciality that is filling and nutritious is called kushari—a combination of lentils, fried onions, tomato sauce and noodles. Kofta, a type of meat/vegetable dumpling common all over the Middle East is definitely worth trying. Meat is generally lamb, goat or camel. Beef is rare and pork is banned, as in all Islamic countries. The western traveler also can rest assured that western food is always available in big cities and even in the smaller tourist centers. Pizza is as popular here as elsewhere, and there are several sign-posted Pizza joints. Beverages include shay (tea), ahwa (coffee), a sweet hibiscus tea called karkaday and sahleb-a local delicacy made from nuts, rice flour and grapes. Absolutely divine!
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Culture & Crafts
When people think of Egypt, they usually think of the culture of the millennia-old Pharaonic era that is preserved in its Museums. However, Egypt today carries the influence of the succeeding eras too, especially the Islamic eras, in its living traditions. The influence of the Fatimid, Mameluk and Ottoman Turk rulers can be seen all over Cairo, where mosques, minarets and medieval markets hark back to an age when Cairo became one of the key religious and intellectual capitals of the Muslim world. Today, religion remains a central force in everyday life, although dogmatism is rare. This is proved by the existence of a significant Coptic Christian minority in Egypt. Interestingly, the observance of religious piety in personal and public life, especially around Ramadan, has resulted in Egyptian cities having some of the lowest crime rates in Africa. However, most Egyptians today live in big cities like Cairo and Alexandria, where this piety goes hand in hand with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The call to prayer by a muzzein is as much a part of this cosmopolitanism as are youngsters eating at MacDonald’s and partying the night away at discotheques. There are numerous cultural centers and events through the year, especially in the winter.
The Egyptian craft market is dominated by souvenirs and replicas of the famous pyramids, sphinx, mummies and the bust of Nefertiti. You can also pick up exquisite silver jewellery and papyrus paintings depicting scenes from the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms.
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