Upper Egypt, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is located in the southern region of Egypt, along the Nile River. This region is home to some of Egypt's most iconic ancient sites, including the temples of Luxor and Karnak, and it is celebrated for its distinct traditions, arts, and hospitality. Upper Egypt's communities are known for their strong sense of identity, with a lifestyle that preserves many traditional customs passed down through generations. 

Assiut is the largest town in Upper Egypt and lies about 234 miles south of Cairo. Assiut is the capital of the Said (Upper Egypt) governorate. Today, the city of Asyut has almost 400,000 inhabitants. It is the Egyptian city with one of the highest Coptic Christian concentrations of approximately 50%. 

Assiut is also home to the Assiut University, the third largest university in Egypt, to the Assiut Barrage, and to the Lillian Trasher Orphanage. 

On the north edge of the City, you will find the 19th century English barrage, which was built to control the Nile by regulating the flow of water into the Ibrahimiyya Canal. This Canal is an important source of irrigation water though out the region. 

Also notable is the Lillian Trasher Orphanage. Lillian Hunt Trasher was an American Christian missionary to Asyut, as well as the founder of the first orphanage in Egypt. She is famed as the "Nile Mother" of Egypt. The orphanage is a source of pride to the large, local Coptic population.