Asyūṭ (Arabic:محافظة أسيوط) is one of the 27governorates of Egypt. It stretches across a section of theNile River.[5] The capital of the governorate is the city ofAsyut.[6]
The name of Asyut is derived fromearly EgyptianZawty (Z3JW.TJ),late EgyptianSəyáwt, intoCopticSyowt. AnA was added to the beginning of the nameSyowt to become Asyut.[7]
The rate of poverty in Asyut is more than 60%. Recently, some social safety networks have been provided, in the form of financial assistance and job opportunities. The funding has been coordinated byEgypt's Ministry of Finance, with assistance from international organizations.[8]
According to 2024 estimates, the majority of residents in the governorate live in rural areas, with an urbanization rate of only 26.5%. Out of an estimated 5,169,423 people residing in the governorate, 3,799,525 live in rural areas, as opposed to only 1,369,898 in urban areas.[9]
Asyut has a population of over 4 million people, with a significantCoptic presence. Muslims and Christians have lived together in Asyut and at times there have been clashes. In July 2013, a large number of Christians took to the streets to protest Muslim extremism in Asyut.[10]
Whether Christian or Muslim, Asyut is home to a very conservative society and in October, 2016 Upper Egypt's first beauty pageant, which was to be held in Asyut, had to be canceled due to death threats and security issues.[11]
In 2016, Switzerland committed to funding a solid waste management program in Asyut, a project with theEgyptian Ministry of Environment that will conclude in 2021. TheNational Solid Waste Management Programme (NSWMP) involves the construction of infrastructure for new as well as the expansion and improvement of existing waste treatment, landfill, and recycling facilities.[13]
Ancient quarries are an important feature of Asyut. There are about 500 rock-cut tombs and limestone quarries all around Asyut.[14] The governorate of Asyut includes theAncient Egyptian tombs ofMeir,[15] and the town ofDurunka,[16] which is a pilgrimage site for manyCopts who come to visit a monastery dedicated to theVirgin Mary.[17][18][19]
.svg)
