According to smartercomputing, Egypt has been a popular destination for beach holidays for decades. The warm climate, amazingly beautiful underwater world and rich historical heritage attract tourists from all over the world. However, in order to feel comfortable during the holidays, it is important for travelers to know about the culture in Egypt, the mentality of the local population and the laws.
For many Egyptians, the style and pace of life has not changed for centuries. Of course, the development of the tourism industry and information technology has made its own adjustments, but has not had a serious impact on the mentality and habits of the Arabs. At their core, most of them are fatalists who believe in fate and are convinced that what should happen will happen.
The cultural features in Egypt were significantly influenced by religion, which determines the rhythm of the life of the people. The Egyptians practice Islam. Even in a small village there is a mosque, five times a day the muezzin calls for prayer, and during Ramadan, the main part of the country’s population observes all relevant rules.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. For 30 days, believers refuse to eat and drink before sunset. During this period, many government agencies work on a reduced schedule.
In addition to religious holidays, Egyptians celebrate Labor Day, Sinai Liberation Day, Armed Forces Day and other significant dates for the country. In the resort areas, the New Year is celebrated on a special scale.
Most of the inhabitants wear the usual clothes for us. As for the peculiarities of the national style, for men they are white shirts of a free cut, and women dress in black, complementing the outfit with bright decorative elements or lace. Married ladies often cover their heads with a hijab – a headscarf or scarf, or they put on a veil. Tourists also should not forget about certain norms of behavior while in an Islamic country. Despite the fact that the culture of modern Egypt is still different from the way of life of past generations, when going on an excursion or a walk around the city, it is better to give up miniskirts, T-shirts and T-shirts with a deep neckline. There is no strict dress code on the territory of the hotels.
The list of restrictions on what not to do in Egypt includes taking photos or videos of government agencies and military installations without permission, drinking alcohol and smoking in public places, swimming in the sea after sunset. It is also forbidden to take corals and national currency out of the country.
Egypt: Cuisine of Egypt
The Red Sea, the rich underwater world, excursions to the majestic pyramids, a convenient all inclusive system are what tourists go to an Arab country in the first place. If you want to fully explore the features of the new direction, learn more about its culture and traditions, we advise you to definitely get acquainted with the local cuisine. We tell you what national dishes of Egypt are considered the ” pride ” of the country, and what to try while relaxing in popular resorts.
Features of Egyptian cuisine
Three culinary traditions are mixed in Egyptian cuisine. From the Nile Valley – flour products, which have been the basis of the diet of local residents since the time of the pharaohs. Fish dishes came from the Arab countries. From the Ottoman Empire – sweets and recipes based on meat.
In the preparation of traditional dishes, locals use: a lot of legumes and vegetables, meat (it can be lamb, chicken, rabbit meat), fish and seafood. And of course, the national cuisine of Egypt is impossible without an abundance of spices: turmeric, garlic, coriander, cumin, zira. There are also more savory spices, such as mahleb from wild cherry seeds, or mastic, which is a crystallized resin.
Popular Egyptian dishes
A favorite snack here is thin tortillas made from corn, oat or wheat flour. Crispy pastries are filled with delicious toppings. Most Popular:
- Baba ghanoush – baked eggplant puree with olive oil and spices.
- Tahini – ground sesame seeds with spices.
- Hummus is a paste made from chickpeas (a variety of peas).
Lentils are the main ingredient in many Arab first courses. Soups here are cooked both in meat broth and vegetarian. While relaxing, we recommend trying a light tomato soup based on tomatoes, sour cream and onions, and Ads asfar with lentils, potatoes, tomatoes and carrots.
The top main dishes are headed by kushari – something that you should definitely eat in Egypt if you want to get acquainted with the culinary traditions of an Arab country. It is made from pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, onions, garlic and tomato paste. Despite the motley mixture of ingredients, kushari is tasty, satisfying and inexpensive.
Meat-eaters will love kufta – lamb meatballs, and Dema bil lyakhma – roast beef in tomato sauce. Each dish is seasoned with a variety of spices that give a special taste and aroma. Pork is not used in Muslim cuisine.
If you love sweets and are thinking about what to try from food in Egypt for dessert, feel free to go for halva. From sesame, peanuts, pistachios with the addition of honey, a paste is prepared, which will become not only an excellent delicacy, but also a pleasant souvenir for relatives and friends. In the eastern markets, you can also buy baklava – puff pastry with an abundance of honey and nuts. For those with a sweet tooth, delicious Egyptian dishes cannot be imagined without basbousa – golden, ruddy squares of semolina soaked in syrup.
Beverages
Hibiscus tea has been the main Egyptian drink for many centuries. A decoction of hibiscus flowers refreshes, tones and perfectly quenches thirst in a hot season. We advise lovers of the exotic to try sakhleb – Arabic milk jelly pudding. And if you can’t imagine the morning without fragrant coffee, order a cup of ziyyad — with lots of sugar, mazbut — medium strength, or recession — bitter and invigorating.
