The culture of Egypt, is usually associated with the million year 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.

Religion is the central force in everyday life of the people of Egypt, although dogmatism is rare. This can be said as there is significant Coptic Christian minority in Egypt. It is quite interesting to know that 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. 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.

The Cairo cultural scene defies preconceptions. You can go to a concert of classical Arabic music in a restored medieval house, watch dervishes whirl in an old palace, then take in a performance of La Bohème by the Cairo Opera Company, and end the night on a disco dance floor. Although the traditional culture is more visible, a hip "global" scene thrives behind closed doors. Occasionally the two meet in a fusion style - a jazz concert of trumpet and oud (an Arabic stringed instrument) for example - that is unique to this city.