Asyūṭ () is one of the 27 governorates of Egypt. It stretches across a section of the Nile River. The capital of the governorate is the city of Asyut.
Etymology The name of Asyut is derived from early Egyptian Zawty (Z3JW.TJ), late Egyptian Səyáwt, into Coptic Syowt. An A was added to the beginning of the name Syowt to become Asyut.
Overview 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 by Egypt's Ministry of Finance, with assistance from international organizations.
Municipal divisions The governorate is divided into municipal divisions, with a total estimated population of 5,231,820 as of April 2025. In Asyut Governorate, there is 1 new city, three aqsam and eleven marakiz. Sometimes a markaz and a qism share a name.
+ Municipal Divisions Anglicized name Native name Arabic transliteration Population(January 2023 Est.) Type Abnub 469,686 MarkazAbu Tig 110,510 Kism (fully urban)Abu Tig 258,283 MarkazEl Badari 307,072 Markaz El Fateh 359,263 Markaz El Ghanayem 154,088 MarkazEl Qusiya 526,837 Markaz Asyut 578,782 Markaz Asyut 1 299,892 Kism (fully urban) Asyut 2 254,312 Kism (fully urban) Dairut 674,516 Markaz New Asyut 9,674 New CityManfalut 595,750 Markaz Sahel Selim 205,847 Markaz Sidfa 207,303 Markaz
Population 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.
Demographics Asyut has a population of over 4 million people, with a significant Coptic 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.
Cities Abnub Abu Tig Asyut Dairut El Badari El Ghanayem Manfalut El Quseyya Sahel Selim Sanabo Sodfa New Nasser City
Industrial zones According to the Governing Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), the following industrial zones are located in Asyut: Zone nameBidary Industrial ZoneDashlot Dariot Industrial ZoneEl Awamer Abanoub Industrial ZoneEl Safaa Industrial ZoneEl Zarrabi Wadi Serga Mountain Industrial ZoneSahel Selem Industrial Zone
Projects and programs In 2016, Switzerland committed to funding a solid waste management program in Asyut, a project with the Egyptian Ministry of Environment that will conclude in 2021. The National 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.
Important sites Ancient quarries are an important feature of Asyut. There are about 500 rock-cut tombs and limestone quarries all around Asyut. The governorate of Asyut includes the Ancient Egyptian tombs of Meir, and the town of Durunka, which is a pilgrimage site for many Copts who come to visit a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Deir el-Gabrawi Durunka Meir
Notable people Ahmed Lutfi el-Sayed, Egyptian nationalist. al-Suyuti, a Sunni Muslim theologian who died in 1505. Akhnoukh Fanous, political activist Coluthus, 5th century Greek poet. Ester Fanous, female activistHanna Fahmy Wissa, Assiout: the saga of an Egyptian family, 2000.
Gamal Abdel Nasser, Second President of Egypt Hafez Ibrahim, poet born in Dairut, Asyut Ismail al-Qabbani
Melitius of Lycopolis, founder of the Melitians. Mustafa Lutfi al-Manfaluti
Mohamed Mustagab Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria, Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church Samir Ghanem, a comedian, singer, and entertainer.
References
External links El Wattan News of Asyut Governorate The Middle East and North Africa History Of Egypt, Chaldea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, Vol. 1, by Gaston Maspero, Audiobook