Asyut

Asyut (pop. 2,223,000), city in the eastern central region of Egypt, on the left bank of the Nile, about 250 mi (402 km) south of Cairo. A commercial and industrial center producing textiles, pottery, and ivory and wood carvings, Asyut is also the educational center of the Upper Nile Valley; its schools and institutions include the University of Asyut and the Technical and Trade School. A large community of Coptic Christians lives in the city. Asyut Barrage controls the flow of the Nile and provides water for the irrigation of Middle Egypt.