Top5 Amazing Facts About Egypt That Will Shock You

In this article we willl explore the amazing facts about Egypt. Egypt hides many surprising truths and taboos. These include cities dealing with garbage, unusual wedding rituals, a village restricted to women, and a community that thrives on waste. So let;s begin.

5) Garbage City

One of the amazing facts about Egypt is that Cairo is known for its pyramids and the Nile, but nearby is a place called Garbage City, or Moatam Mountain, where nearly 100,000 people live among extensive piles of trash. This area is not just a waste problem; for the locals, known as the Zabalene (meaning garbage collectors), garbage represents their way of life and livelihood.

Every day, about 3,000 tons of Cairo’s trash is dumped here. The Zabalene have created a manual recycling system that is more efficient than those in many European cities. Men collect garbage during the day while women and children sort through it at night in their homes, which act as mini recycling workshops.

Plastic waste, in particular, has become valuable, with prices for recycled plastic reaching up to $860 per ton by the end of 2023. However, the Egyptian government once tried to replace the Zabalene with modern methods, which led to a drop in recycling rates and job losses. Despite past struggles, Garbage City has turned into a unique tourist attraction, allowing visitors to learn about this unusual society that finds sustainability within the trash.

4) Archaeological Heritage

One of the amazing facts about Egypt is that Egypt offers a rich archaeological heritage that covers 5,000 years of history. It contains over one-third of the world’s registered archaeological sites, surpassing famous attractions like the pyramids and the Sphinx.

The Valley of the Kings features over 60 excavated tombs filled with ancient murals and scripts, with treasures like those found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter. Despite extensive research, only 30% of Egypt’s archaeological sites have been excavated, leaving thousands more sites, temples, and cemeteries hidden beneath the sand, waiting to be explored.

3) Meme Culture

One of the amazing facts about Egypt is that Egypt is recognized as the leader in meme culture within the Arab world. Contrary to the belief that the Middle East’s internet is focused solely on politics and religion, Egypt serves as a hub for humor, producing memes that often go viral across various Muslim countries.

These memes, characterized by unique language and clever humor, also reach Muslim communities in Europe. Additionally, Egypt has a vibrant internet culture where memes serve not just as entertainment but also for social and political commentary, similar to the political satire seen in the US in the past.

2) Ramadan Celebration

One of the amazing facts about Egypt is that during Ramadan in Egypt, the atmosphere changes dramatically. During the day, the city is quiet, with closed shops and empty streets that echo with footsteps. However, after sunset, life returns with energy. The night starts bustling right after the sunset prayer, with vibrant night markets opening until the early morning hours. Children play outside late into the night, and adults socialize while enjoying tea.

Government offices and banks adjust their hours, operating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Some neighborhoods even offer free outdoor buffets. This unique schedule allows activities like playing soccer or eating at 4 a.m. to be common during this month.

1) Birqash Camel Auction Market

One of the amazing facts about Egypt is that Birqash Camel Auction Market, located about 22 miles northwest of Cairo, is an interesting place to visit, especially for those who have paid to ride camels at tourist spots. Every Friday morning, the market comes alive with the arrival of camels from Sudan, not for tourism but for auction, starting around 4 to 5 a.m. The atmosphere is loud and chaotic, with people bidding and camels making noises.

Western tourists may be surprised to find camels priced between $200 and $400. While camels can earn their owners substantial income from tourists, the auction can be distressing for those unfamiliar with the treatment of the animals, which is considered normal by locals.