Asyut, city in central Egypt, capital of Asyut Governorate, on the Nile River. Asyut is the northern end of the old caravan route across the Libyan Desert. Just below Asyut is a dam across the Nile, at the western end of which begins the Al Ibrahimiyah Canal, nearly 322 km (200 mi) long, which provides water for Middle Egypt and the Al Fayyum region. In limestone hills behind the city are found ancient Egyptian rock tombs. Asyut is famed for manufacture of red and black pottery and for artistic ivory and wood carvings. Dates, sugarcane, and cereals are produced in the surrounding area. The University of Asyut (1957) and several religious schools are located in the city. Asyut is a center for Coptic Christians. The city is also a center for the Islamic fundamentalist movement in Egypt. Population (1992 estimate) 321,000.
