Author: Jasmine Mehna
Against the golden backdrop of Assiut, farmers revive ancestral songs and sacred rituals to welcome the wheat harvest. Discover the lyrical journey of toil, community spirit, and the “Khair” that secures the Egyptian household.
High atop the rugged cliffs of Assiut, the ancient Monastery of Abu Maqrufa preserves a hallowed legacy of Coptic monasticism. Explore the sacred history, rock-hewn sanctuaries, and restored sixth-century frescoes of Deir al-Janadla a desert sanctuary where Pharaonic caves meet the enduring spirit of the Holy Family’s journey.
In Assiut, the Wednesday of Holy Week is known as “Job’s Wednesday.” Muslims and Christians alike prepare fereek, a dish made from green wheat, in clay pots. The tradition is tied to the story of the Prophet Joseph and a lesson in patience and providence.
In Upper Egypt, Palm Sunday is a festival of color, craft, and community. Families gather palm fronds, weave them into crowns and crosses, and fill the churches with hymns. A tradition passed down for generations. By Jasmine Mehna and Asmaa Muntasser
Discover the therapeutic wonders of the Assiut Valley Protectorate, a natural sanctuary where rare wildlife meets unique medicinal flora. From the magnetic, self-healing sands of Wadi Emo to its role as a vital “natural pharmacy,” explore how this Eastern Desert gem is redefining eco-tourism and psychological healing in Upper Egypt.
In Asyut, theatre remains a powerful mirror of society. But bureaucratic delays, crumbling infrastructure, and weak promotion threaten its survival. Local artists and directors speak out about what it takes to keep the show going.
Deep in Egypt’s Eastern Desert, a rare strain of bees mentioned on the walls of Queen Hatshepsut’s temple is drawing global scientific attention. Learn why researchers from Germany and beyond are studying the “Pharaonic bee” and its remarkable resilience.
An official decision has sparked widespread debate, removing a historic villa from the heritage registry while adding another, raising questions about the fate of Manfalut’s architectural memory.
A hidden desert ecosystem in Assiut showcases the resilience of nature and the delicate balance of life in Egypt’s arid landscapes.
Tracing over 1,000 years of Ramadan decorations in Egypt, from Fatimid lanterns to modern lights, revealing how faith, family, and tradition shaped the streets.