Egypt's
customs, history, culture, lifestyle, life

This book is the Egypt edition of the World Cultural Journey series and covers the general aspects of Egyptian customs, history, culture, lifestyle, and life.
Whether you are visiting Egypt for business or simply for pleasure, we will help you make your time in Egypt more enriching and memorable.
This book contains information on local Egyptian customs and traditions, history, religion, politics, Egyptian families, work, leisure, food, clothing, shelter, and communication.

Egyptian history is conventionally divided into 31 dynasties.
If Narmer's First Dynasty opened the history of ancient Egypt, the 31st Dynasty ended in 332 BC when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt.
In the field of history, these dynasties are generally grouped together and defined as three kingdoms.
The 3rd to 6th dynasties are collectively called the Old Kingdom, the 11th to 13th dynasties are collectively called the Middle Kingdom, the 18th to 20th dynasties are collectively called the New Kingdom, and the 25th to 31st dynasties are collectively called the Late Kingdom.
Each of the three kingdoms lasted roughly four to five centuries.
The various pharaohs who ruled Egypt during this period and the monumental structures they built are among those most familiar to us today.
---From "Chapter 1 Territory and People"

Egypt is a society where the group is much more important than the individual.
Egyptians really enjoy making friends and even unmarried people are reluctant to live alone.
Social relationships are formed around social obligations.
When someone is sick, family and friends do not spare any effort to help that person.
Likewise, when someone returns from a trip, family and friends enthusiastically welcome their return.
---From "Chapter 2: Values ​​and Attitudes"

In big cities, suhoor has transformed from a mandatory meal to a large-scale commercial event.
Today, hotels, businesses, and individuals set up Ramadan tents or large marquees and offer set menus, music, and live performances.
The price and extravagance of these events vary greatly.
Some of the larger venues offer all their programs in a luxurious setting, sometimes requiring wasta (connections) to get in.
---From "Chapter 3 Customs and Traditions"

The way the Westernized upper class interacts with people is not much different from the West.
Men and women mix freely and dating is not uncommon.
They go to parties together, hang out at bars, and even seek out desert or beach getaways on the weekends.
However, most people, especially in rural areas, are more conservative, and social activities are usually conducted in family units.
Families visit each other often, and the children know each other well from an early age.
In cities, it is common for friendships to be formed at school or university and to remain with the same group for many years.
---From "Chapter 4 Making Friends"

The wedding process begins with the groom's family making an appointment with the bride's family and proposing.
The groom must declare his income and the amount of muqaddam (dowry) he intends to pay, which must be paid before the marriage can take place.
If the bride's family accepts, the groom and bride read a specific verse from the Quran called fatha and contract the marriage.
Next, the parents of both families set an engagement date and hold a small banquet, usually at the bride's home.
---From "Chapter 5 Daily Life"

Because the requirements for specific jobs change frequently, some prospective employers handle the necessary documentation for the job themselves, but applicants are still required to submit official copies of their personal and job-related information.
It is always a good idea to keep the originals of these documents with you.
You should always keep copies of all documents you have signed, including apartment lease agreements, bank documents, and your employment contract.
Egyptians are adept at navigating unnecessary formalities and long lines at government offices.
---From "Chapter 8 Business Status"

Egyptian men are not allowed to open doors or pull out chairs for women.
The concept of respectful attention they show to women is a concept of protection.
Foreign women need not feel offended if their Egyptian male companion walks in front of them instead of next to them.
Because the man is trying to protect the foreign woman from the crowd.
Egyptian men are unlikely to allow women to walk home alone to their car after a night out or take a taxi home alone without a companion.

---From Chapter 9: Communication