Egypt is an Islamic country. The whole life of the country is subject to religious customs. Of course, the Egyptians do not adhere to all customs as vehemently as, for example, the inhabitants of Iran or Iraq, but they still have their own peculiarities. Five times a day, the believers are informed by loudspeakers of the beginning of prayer.
A special time in the life of the country is Ramadan. In this month, day life turns into night life, because the inhabitants adhere to a strict fast, which concerns not only the consumption of food, but also the norms of behavior. Fasting conditionally ends after sunset, at which time the life of society is in full swing.
Egyptians are tolerant of representatives of other faiths. You can easily find pork and alcoholic drinks that are banned for Muslims in local restaurants. You should take into account some of the peculiarities of communication if you are going to visit this country.
Acquaintance
When getting acquainted, a man always introduces himself first. An unmarried woman cannot date an unmarried man. In addition, a woman cannot walk on the street alone, unaccompanied. This is considered indecent.
Always extend your right hand to greet. Lefties should be warned in advance about their peculiarities, because the Egyptians perform various hygiene procedures with their left hand, it is considered unclean. To greet with this hand means to offend a person. Men slap each other on the back or exchange kisses on both cheeks if they know each other well.
Everyday life
Another feature of the behavior of the Egyptians, like the inhabitants of any other Arab country, they never rush anywhere. Residents of the country are attentive to the choice of clothing. Of course, no one will force you to wrap yourself in dark clothes from head to toe, but you should not walk the streets in shorts or skinny jeans or wear revealing blouses.
Family life
Egyptians have lived in the same house for generations, although recently young families, following European fashion, have begun to separate from their parents. Friends play almost no role in family life. A wife can only have female friends. A man has no right to enter the house if the owner is absent.
This applies not only to guests, but also to the technical staff. When a woman comes to a friend, she can be visiting her until the moment when her husband returns home. You will not be fed at a party unless you are invited to dinner in advance. Of course, tea and coffee will be offered. The hostess of the house does not look after the guests, the owner does it. Do not host guests in home clothes.
