Egyptian customs. Egypt: traditions, customs, culture, rules of conduct for residents and guests, history of the country, amazing holidays and attractions

Egypt is becoming more Europeanized every year. This happens under the influence of tourists, whom the country receives in huge numbers. The townspeople speak English and adhere to the European style of clothing, but the villagers give preference to local customs and traditions and wear national clothes. As a tourist in this country, you may not even have time to feel the exotic Arabian spirit, but it is preferable to familiarize yourself with the main features before heading to sunny Egypt.

Language

The official language is Arabic, but local Egyptians speak an Arabic dialect. In addition, many city residents can communicate fluently in English and speak French. At the same time, a Russian tourist who does not speak foreign languages ​​need not worry about this. There are a number of hotels in Egypt designed for Russian tourists. Employees of such hotels can communicate freely in Russian and understand our speech without any problems. Excursions are also accompanied by a Russian guide.

Transport

You can get around by minibus or taxi. The price should be agreed upon in advance to prevent price increases from unscrupulous taxi drivers. As elsewhere in Egypt, you can rent a car, but it is best to avoid this, since local drivers practically do not follow traffic rules.

Currency

Before you go to Egypt, make sure to take enough dollars or euros with you. You can exchange them here for local currency (Egyptian pounds) at any exchange office. The exchange rate is the same everywhere, as it is set by the state. The main disadvantage of local currency is that bills of different denominations are very similar to each other. In this regard, it is necessary to count your change extremely carefully, since enterprising sellers may deliberately give you change in smaller denominations. This type of fraud is very common in Egypt.

Precautionary measures

Drink only purified water that comes in bottles. Avoid drinking tap water. Do not buy stale products, and wash fruits thoroughly. While on vacation, be careful of marine life. Those that pose some threat have a corresponding warning color. Do not pick corals in the sea, as there is a fine for this. During the scorching sun, do not forget to use sunscreen. At sunset, sea urchins may appear on the shores of the Red Sea. It is better to swim in the pool at this time of day.

Behavior

Religion left a certain imprint on the behavior of men and women in Egypt. Islam does not allow overly revealing outfits, and the usual European behavior will be too frivolous here. For example, a woman should not be left alone with a man under any pretext. Even drinking tea together can be regarded by an Arab man as consent to spend the night. You cannot wear shorts and T-shirts in the city (this style of clothing is allowed only in resort towns and in the hotel area). At bus stops you will never see a woman and a man standing next to each other. And if you are traveling as a couple, but are not in an official relationship, then you may be automatically assigned to different rooms.

Signs and superstitions

One of the interesting pictures that may shock you is a pleasant-smelling woman in a stylish expensive outfit walking with a child who, to put it mildly, looks unkempt. Her child may be smeared with soot and dressed in rags. Don't think that you have met an irresponsible mother. This is just the embodiment of the superstition that children can be jinxed, and if the child is “not visible” under the soot, then no one can jinx him.

Beware of giving out compliments when you come to Egypt. The Egyptians themselves are very wary of this. They believe in the evil eye and damage, and prefer to do without praise, thereby protecting themselves from the evil eye.

You should not show your soles to strangers (even randomly), as this may cause a storm of indignation from local residents. This is a sign of disrespect and bad manners. Also be careful with statements and negative assessments about Egypt. If the locals hear you, then at least you will feel what Arab disapproval means.

Many activities are prohibited after sunset. It is not customary for Egyptians to cut their nails before going to bed, clean up or sew.

Nutrition

Most hotels offer all-inclusive meals. This means that you can exclude the food expense item. However, it will be strange to go to Egypt and not try the local cuisine, not sit in local restaurants, and eat only the Europeanized food that will be offered to you at the hotel.

When choosing a place for dinner, do not end up in a European restaurant or fast food cafe. The menu of a real Egyptian restaurant should include such national dishes as bean paste, bean dough pies, sesame paste, kebab, etc.

Religion

Oddly enough, the leading feature of Egypt is religion. This does not concern tourists so much (although certain limits must be adhered to, especially when it comes to Islam), as it makes it possible to understand the style of behavior of local residents. When visiting temples (even if you are just there on an excursion), you should adhere to religious customs and dress in accordance with Islam (women must cover their shoulders and hide their knees).

By adhering to the basic rules of behavior, taking into account local traditions and customs, you will be able to avoid unnecessary adventures in Egypt and will be able to take home only pleasant emotions and impressions.

When arriving in a foreign country, it is interesting to get acquainted not only with the local picturesque landscapes and historical sights, but also with national traditions.

Egypt is a country with interesting customs. The country has a long history of development. But already long lasting Islam influences the formation of Egypt's traditions. Its influence can only be appreciated by visiting Egypt: the muezzin's calls to prayer are heard here five times a day. Egypt is a country with very strong Muslim customs.

It is especially interesting to observe the life of Egyptians during the holy month of Ramadan. For believers, night turns into day, because during the day Muslims fast, and they can eat only after sunset. All state organs only work for a few hours. We can say that all life during Ramadan in Egypt it freezes for a month.

Unlike Muslims in other countries, Egyptians are quite patient with representatives of other religions. They will not impose their own rules of behavior. Of course, this is largely due to functioning in the country of resorts. Thus, European clothing does not shock local residents, alcohol is freely sold at resorts, and pork dishes are prepared in hotels. All this allows the Egyptians to attract many tourists from European countries.

A completely different situation is observed in traditional Egyptian families. The rules of behavior of their members are quite conservative, but the Egyptians zealously observe all traditions and customs. One of the strictest rules is the ban on communication between a man and a woman who are not married. The rules also state that a Muslim woman cannot walk on the street alone.

The Muslim traditions of modern Egypt have almost completely replaced the customs of Ancient Egypt. The tourist, of course, will pay attention to the national clothes of the Egyptians. Men here are accustomed to wearing loose white or blue shirts. Women wear a traditional hijab, decorated with a small amount of jewelry. Recently, some Egyptian women have been dressing in European clothes. This could mean that they work as lawyers, doctors or teachers.

Family occupies a central place in the life of Egyptians. Previously, several generations of Egyptians united into one large family. But recently, children have begun to separate from their parents, but the ties between family members still remain strong.

It should be noted that the traditions of Egypt are beginning to change under the influence of the European way of life.

Egypt is a country with a mixture of a huge number of cultures. In every major city in Egypt you will find traditions that have remained since the times of the pharaohs, and in other parts of the country you will see traditions and customs that were brought by many invaders over the centuries. This contradiction and contrast of cultures between areas of Egypt, in comparison to other Middle Eastern countries, is what makes Egypt seem more progressive and advanced compared to its neighbors. Here you will find that Customs and mentality are usually aimed at a good-natured welcome for foreign tourists and guests of the country. I think this may be the key why Egypt is considered the most attractive country in the Middle East region for travelers. The simplicity and friendliness of the local population is immediately apparent: when you need help, or when they invite you into their homes without knowing you at all, or when they smile at you just because. All this makes a holiday in Egypt wonderful and unforgettable.

Egypt, as part of the Middle East, is one of the African countries, one of the Mediterranean countries, the heart of the Arab and Muslim world and the homeland of the Eastern Christian Orthodox world.
Customs and traditions inherited from ancient times in addition to the religious aspect determine the life and mentality of the Egyptians and are manifested in their daily lives. We will try to identify the roots of some of these traditions.

Family values

• The family is the most significant unit of Egyptian society
• Kinship plays an important role in all social relations
• Human behavior is always subject to the opinion of the family
• The family consists of both personal (husband, wife, children) and extended family (husband’s/wife’s relatives)

Egyptian honor

• Honor is an important aspect of interpersonal relationships
• Respect for people is both the right and responsibility of everyone
• A person's honor is inextricably linked with the reputation and honor of each member of their family
• Honor requires that Egyptians show hospitality to friends and guests.
• Showing due respect to elders and those in power
• Duty to keep your word. To turn away from what was promised means to bring dishonor to the family.

• Social class differences are very noticeable in Egypt, and they determine access to power and position in society.
• An Egyptian's social class dictates his daily life and the opportunities he has.
• There are three social classes: upper, middle and lower.
• Status is determined more by family foundation (having a large family) than by absolute wealth.

Table manners

• Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit.
• Eat only with your right hand. The left hand in Egypt is used when going to the restroom.
• Always give thanks for your meal.
• Leave a small amount of food on your plate when you finish eating. Otherwise, the owners of the house will continue to fill your plate again and again!

Communication etiquette

• The type of greeting is based on both the class and religion of the person.
• It is better to follow the example of the Egyptian with whom you are meeting.
• Handshakes are a common greeting among people of the same sex.
• Handshakes are somewhat lengthy, although they are always done with a hearty smile and direct eye contact.
• Closer acquaintances and friends, when meeting, usually kiss you on one cheek and then on the other, shaking hands, men with men and women with women.
• It is highly inadvisable for a Muslim woman to greet a man with a handshake. In any greeting between men and women, if the woman herself does not extend her hand to the man first, then he should limit himself to a verbal greeting or a nod of the head.

Clothing etiquette

• A conservative style of dress is encouraged. Think about your suit/outfit if you want to make a good impression.
• It is better for men to wear trousers or breeches no higher than the knee. Wearing a tank top on the street is considered vulgar.
• Men should avoid wearing visible jewelry, especially around the face and neck.
• Foreign women should be careful to cover themselves properly. Skirts and dresses should cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of the arm. A Muslim woman is required to wear clothing that completely covers her body, with the exception of her face and hands.

If you are invited to an Egyptian's house:

• You should generally remove your shoes before entering.
• Dress well and conservatively. Appearance is very important to Egyptians.
• Thank the host of the house for the invitation.

• If you are invited to an Egyptian's home for dinner, bring chocolate, sweets or good quality pastries to the hostess.
• Do not give flowers, as they are usually given at a wedding or when visiting a sick person, unless you are sure that the owners will appreciate them.
• A small gift for children will endear the parents.
• Always give gifts with your right hand or with both hands if the gift is heavy.
• It is not customary to print a gift immediately upon receipt.

Have a pleasant, cultural and unforgettable time in Egypt!

The customs and traditions of Egypt, which have developed over centuries, are closely related to religion. And today the inhabitants of this country are so religious that the term “Egyptian atheist” is almost nonsense. In general, Egypt is a Muslim country, but a significant number of its inhabitants also believe in Christianity. However, despite the often fanatical worship of the deity, the Egyptians, nevertheless, manage to be tolerant of people of other faiths and do not impose their own code of conduct on anyone. For example, in Egyptian resorts, alcoholic beverages, prohibited by Islam, are freely sold, and the European, somewhat frivolous style of clothing of tourists does not shock local residents at all. Pork dishes, not consumed by Muslims, can be found on restaurant menus.

Within their society, the inhabitants of the country, for the most part, are very jealous of compliance with established norms of behavior, which are quite conservative. One of the strict rules of these norms is that communication between an unmarried man and an unmarried woman is prohibited if it occurs outside the university campuses. Another fairly strict rule is that Egyptian women, according to the Muslim code, should not appear on the street alone.

Most of these rules stem from the laws of Islam, which, in essence, imply the appropriateness of this or that behavior. For example, the traditions of Islamic society dictate that women wear the hijab, which is not only a sign of religiosity. Since ancient times, it has protected the faces of peasant women from the hot sun and ubiquitous dust, and, in addition, it was and is considered a symbol of female modesty. And this is a powerful tool for attracting men with serious intentions, which works great today. And even intellectual Egyptian women, who abandoned the “hijab” some time ago, are now increasingly wearing it along with a long, wide dress - galabaya.

The rhythm of life of Egyptians is determined by the Muslim faith. Believers gather for prayer five times a day. During the holy month of Ramadan, Egyptians strictly observe fasting throughout the day, which ends after sunset. Public life stops during this month, and even government institutions function for no more than two hours a day.

In everything related to the religion of Islam in Egypt, one must act very delicately. Silence is always observed in mosques, and shoes must be taken off when entering them. However, it cannot be argued that behavior in this Muslim temple is too limited to certain limits - men, for example, are allowed to read or even take a nap.

Egyptian Muslims and Christians can get along well in the same family, and even the customs of representatives of different religious movements have intertwined and become similar over time. For example, the seventh day of a newborn’s life in Egypt is celebrated solemnly everywhere, just as the same rituals are performed at funerals. And the holiday of the renewal of nature - the “spring breeze”, or Sham el-Nessin, is greeted by all Egyptians with the same joy and enthusiasm.

In general, Egyptians are very open and friendly people, but there are some nuances that a foreigner should be aware of in this country. For example, it is impossible to speak critically about her in the presence of a resident of Egypt - he will perceive such statements not only as rudeness, but also as a personal insult. And in this case, it will be great luck for a foreigner who expressed himself carelessly if the Egyptian turns out to be a well-mannered person. If not, the consequences of such a statement can be very unpleasant.

Bargaining is not accepted in Egypt. It is better to know the cost of a product or service in advance and not try to change it down. Any little thing can be considered a service, even the answer to the simplest question, how to find the right street or house. In such situations, it is best to contact the police, who will indicate the correct guidelines and will not demand any payment.

Many Egyptians prefer to wear national clothes. This is especially practiced in rural areas, but is not alien to cities. Men wear loose-fitting cotton shirts, mostly white and blue, while women wear black outfits, often adding bright elements to them.

The main center of life in Egypt is the family. For a long time, the tradition of uniting several generations into one family was observed here, but now it has been somewhat modified - small families began to separate. However, the ties between relatives are very close, and the patronage of the entire family over each of them remains unchanged. Family supports financially, family improves life, family helps in difficult times.

Most Egyptian peasant families have many children. This is advisable in relation to the well-being of the family - workers are needed on the farm, and children are taught to work from an early age. Egyptians welcome the birth of boys more than the birth of girls, because male help in villages is more important.

The lifestyle, as well as spiritual and social guidelines, are different in different layers of Egyptian society. Its educated representatives speak French or English, wear European clothes and are interested in European culture. The peasants prefer national clothes, speak their native language and sacredly honor Egyptian customs.

However, no matter how Europeanized the representatives of the upper and middle class of Egypt may be, there is one feature that makes them similar to the peasant class - most Egyptians are very superstitious. All kinds of talismans, intended to protect their owner from trouble, envy, the evil eye, damage and other misfortunes, can be seen anywhere. There are amulets at the entrances to poor houses and luxury apartments, and on the window of a small shop, and on the glass of an expensive car, and under the lapel of a jacket from a French Couturier, and on the national galabaya.

Egyptians are especially sensitive to words. Here you can’t mindlessly lavish compliments like: “You look great!” or “What beautiful children you have!” They may be mistaken for a desire to cast the evil eye if the phrase is not accompanied by the expression “ma shaa-lla!”, which means “By the grace of God!” And expressing affection for a person, even if it comes from a pure heart, is generally on the verge of taboo! There is also a deep belief in the evil eye in Egypt. True, here it is blue, and not black, as in other countries. In Egypt, young children are especially protected from the evil eye. For example, in the outback, in order to fool all sorts of evil spirits, little boys are not only dressed in girls’ clothes, but also have their ears pierced. Throughout the country, even in the families of intellectuals, they often give children dissonant, repulsive nicknames, sincerely believing that the Shaitan will be completely uninteresting in a child with such an unattractive name. And in response to the question: “How is the child’s health?” You can only hear in response: “He’s sick.” So it’s better not to ask such questions.

On the streets of Egyptian cities you can see a rather ridiculous sight. An excellently dressed mother, fragrant with expensive aromas, walks decorously with her child, whose face is heavily smeared with soot. This is a long-standing custom of the local people. For a long time, Egyptians have been camouflaging their children by dressing them in unwashed cast-offs and dirtying their faces. According to caring parents, such a child will not attract the attention of envious people.

The Egyptians also have a great variety of superstitions. For example, you should never show the soles of your shoes to anyone in this country. This is considered a sign of extreme disrespect for a person and causes a very violent reaction of anger with all the ensuing consequences.

Nails and hair are not cut at night, apartments are not cleaned in the evenings, shoes are not crossed, and needles and threads are not touched after sunset. Such signs exist not only in Egypt, however, it is likely that the Egyptians were their founders, giving such rituals a special, secret meaning.

Of course, not all Egyptians are overly superstitious or fanatically observant of their customs. However, one thing can be said about the vast majority of them - these people are infinitely devoted to their ancient roots, which to this day determine the main direction of both their actions and their development.