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.