Introducing Minya
Minya, the ‘Bride of Upper Egypt’ (Arous as-Sa’id), sits on the boundary between Upper and Lower Egypt. A provincial capital 245km south of Cairo, it was the capital of the Upper Egyptian cotton trade, but its factories now process sugar and produce soap and perfume.
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When Minya was caught up in the 1990s Islamist insurgency, the government sent tanks and armoured personnel carriers. Some police posts from that period still dot the town centre, but the violence has abated and security stepped down, which is good news for visitors because Minya has one of the most pleasant town centres in Upper Egypt. With broad tree-lined streets, a wide corniche and some great, if shabby, early-20th-century buildings, central Minya has retained the feel of a more graceful era. At the time of our visit, this was one of the most relaxed places to visit between Cairo and Luxor.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Trip Report Nile Valley between Luxor and Cairo
by soylentyellow 06 September 2011
@ mischief_managed Unfortunately I haven't been back since but I'd say go for it and try but don't be disappointed if it doesn't work…
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RE: Are the sites open for visits and is it safe?
by NileFever 07 April 2011
The situation is safe. All of the major sites are operating as usual. Most of the more obscure sites, including those in Middle Egypt,…
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Re: Asiut or al-Minya? and Sohag or Qena?
by redband03 11 February 2011
+I would definitely stay in Sohag. The ElSafa hotel is really really really nice and only about £15 per night. Also there are no annoying…
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