Asyut: The Heart of Upper Egypt

• HelloMarhaba
  [mar-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeMa'a as-salama
  [ma-a as-sa-la-ma]
• YesNa'am
  [na-am]
• NoLa
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeMin fadlak
  [min fad-lak]
• Thank youShukran
  [shuk-ran]
• Excuse me/SorryAasif
  [aa-sif]
• How are you?Ezzayyak?
  [ez-za-yak]
• Fine. And you?Kwayyes. Winti?
  [kway-yes. win-ti]
• Do you speak English?Betetkalam Englezi?
  [be-te-ka-lam en-glez-i]
• I don't understandAna mish fahem
  [a-na mish fa-hem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAna 'ayez ashoof el menyu, min fadlak
  [a-na a-yez a-shoof el men-yu, min fad-lak]
• I don't eat meatAna mish 'akol lahama
  [a-na mish a-kol la-ha-ma]
• Cheers!Fee sahetak!
  [fee sa-he-tak]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAna 'ayez a-od fadlak
  [a-na a-yez a-od fad-lak]

• Help!Saa'id!
  [saa-id]
• Go away!Rooh weadi!
  [rooh we-a-di]
• Call the Police!Etlob el shurta!
  [et-lob el shur-ta]
• Call a doctor!Etlob tabib!
  [et-lob ta-bib]
• I'm lostAna daa'iy
  [a-na daa-iyy]
• I'm illAna mareed
  [a-na ma-reed]

• I'd like to buy...Ana 'ayez ashtry...
  [a-na a-yez ash-try]
• I'm just lookingAna bass bafsar
  [a-na bas ba-fsar]
• How much is it?Kam haga de?
  [kam ha-ga de]
• That's too expensiveDa ghalii awy
  [da gha-lii awy]
• Can you lower the price?Tegdar taksir el se'a?
  [teg-dar tak-sir el se-a]

• What time is it?Sa'a kam?
  [sa-a kam]
• It's one o'clockSa'ah wahda
  [sa-a wah-da]
• Half past (10)Nos sa'a (ashra)
  [nos sa-a (ash-ra)]
• MorningSabaah
  [sa-baah]
• AfternoonDuhur
  [du-hur]
• EveningMasaa
  [ma-saa]
• YesterdayAmse
  [am-se]
• TodayEl yawm
  [el yom]
• TomorrowGhadan
  [gha-dan]
• 1Waahed
  [wa-a-hed]
• 2Itnen
  [it-nen]
• 3Talata
  [ta-la-ta]
• 4Arbaa
  [ar-baa]
• 5Khamsa
  [kham-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Saba'a
  [sa-ba-a]
• 8Thamanya
  [tha-ma-nya]
• 9Tessa
  [tes-sa]
• 10Ashara
  [ash-a-ra]

• Where's a/the...?Fein el...
  [fe-in el]
• What's the address?Eh el address?
  [eh el ad-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Tegdar turiini (ala el khariita)?
  [teg-dar tu-ree-ni (ala el kha-ree-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ezay el etnein?
  [ez-zay el et-nein]
• A ticket (to ....)Taqti (ila ....)
  [taq-ti (ila ....)]

Asyut, known in ancient times as Zawty, was a significant city in Upper Egypt. It was the capital of the 13th Nome of Upper Egypt and was dedicated to the worship of the god Wepwawet, a war deity often depicted as a wolf. The city was thus nicknamed 'Lycopolis' by the Greeks, meaning 'City of Wolves'.

During the Middle Kingdom (c. 2055–1650 BCE), Asyut flourished as a key administrative center. The city was a strategic point on the Nile, linking the south and the north of Egypt. Rich tombs from this period, belonging to local governors and officials, have been discovered, providing insights into the wealth and importance of Asyut at the time.

In the early Christian era, Asyut was a significant center for Christianity in Egypt. The city is known for the Asyut Martyrs, a group of Christians who were persecuted and martyred during the Diocletianic Persecution in the early 4th century CE. Their legacy is preserved in the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, also known as the Monastery of Durunka, which is a significant pilgrimage site.

Following the Arab conquest of Egypt in the 7th century CE, Asyut became an important Islamic cultural center. The city saw the construction of numerous mosques and madrasas. During the Ottoman period, Asyut continued to thrive as a major trade hub, especially known for its grain markets and textile industry.

In the 20th century, Asyut emerged as a critical educational and cultural center in Egypt. The establishment of Asyut University in 1957 marked a significant development, transforming the city into a hub of higher education and research. The university attracts students from across Egypt and the Middle East, contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural atmosphere.

Asyut played a notable role during the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. The city saw numerous protests and demonstrations as part of the widespread movement against the regime of Hosni Mubarak. The participation of Asyut's residents in the revolution highlighted their desire for political change and social justice, echoing the broader sentiments across the country.

Asyut is located in Upper Egypt, approximately 375 kilometers south of Cairo. You can reach Asyut by air through Asyut Airport, which has flights connecting to Cairo and other major Egyptian cities. Alternatively, you can take a train from Cairo to Asyut; the journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours. Buses and private cars are also available for road travel, offering a scenic route along the Nile River.

Within Asyut, you can use taxis, microbuses, and tuk-tuks for local transportation. Taxis are the most convenient but make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is running. Microbuses are a cheaper option but can be crowded. For a more local experience, tuk-tuks are available for short distances. Renting a car is also an option, but driving in Egypt can be challenging due to traffic rules and road conditions.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for small purchases and in local markets. ATMs are widely available in Asyut, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to rural areas.

Asyut is generally safe for tourists, but it is essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places. Some neighborhoods may have higher crime rates, so it's best to stick to well-known tourist areas and always remain vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 122 for police, 123 for an ambulance, and 180 for the fire department. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Asyut. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, ensure you are dressed appropriately and consider removing your shoes. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Asyut like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Egyptian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Monastery of the Virgin Mary at Durunka and the ancient city of Meir, known for its rock-cut tombs. For a unique experience, take a boat trip on the Nile to enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and its surroundings.