Egyptian Culture - Etiquette (2024)

Etiquette

Primary Author

Chara Scroope,2017

Basic Etiquette

It is considered impolite to point the toe, heel or any part of the foot toward another person. Showing the sole of one’s shoe is also impolite.
Modest dress and presentation is highly valued in Egyptian culture.
Greetings often occur before any form of social interaction. For example, a person joining a group is expected to greet all those present.
Generally, the younger defer to the older through showing respect, not challenging their seniors and using special verbal terms of address for aunts, uncles, grandparents and older non-relatives.
If your counterpart identifies as Muslim, it is forbidden to walk in front of someone who is praying or to talk to someone who is currently in prayer.
People are expected to show gratitude when offered a compliment. This is done by responding with an equally respectful compliment on the same subject or, if they are Muslim, wishing Allah’s (God’s) blessings.

Visiting

Not visiting someone for a long period of time is considered a sign of the relationship’s insignificance, especially one’s family.
Egyptians generally have a relaxed attitude towards time and strict punctuality is not commonly practised.
Adult children who live outside of their parents’ home often visit their parents on Fridays and holidays.
When visiting a mosque or someone’s home, one is required to remove their shoes before entering.
Egyptians tend to prepare elaborate and lavish meals when they have guests.
If invited to an Egyptian’s home, offering good quality chocolates or sweets to the hostess as a token of gratitude is appreciated.
If the reason for being invited to an Egyptian’s home is for a dinner party, wait for the host or hostess to indicate the seat they have reserved for you.
Guests should always wait for the host to serve them rather than serving themselves.

Eating

It is considered to be a compliment to take second helpings.
Leave a small amount of food on your plate once you have finished eating. This symbolises abundance and serves as a compliment to the host for providing so well.
It is not common for people to salt their serving of food as it is considered to be ‘unnecessary’.
Complimenting food should be done in a statement rather than a question. For example, questioning the method of the cooking (e.g. ‘how was this made?’) means that one is sceptical of the food.
Avoid eating communal food with your left hand, as this hand is generally reserved for personal hygiene. Only the right hand is used when eating food with one’s hands.
Alcohol is generally not offered nor is it consumed with food. Only offer alcohol to your Egyptian counterpart if you know that they consume it.
It is considered offensive to offer pork to Muslims as pigs and products relating to pigs (such as pork and pig leather) are prohibited in the Islamic religion.

Gift Giving

Gifts are generally given and received with both hands or only the right hand.
A small gift to your Egyptian counterpart’s children is a welcome gesture.
Gifts tend not to be opened when received.
Avoid giving flowers as a gift. Flowers tend to be reserved for weddings, the ill or for periods of mourning.

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As an enthusiast deeply familiar with cross-cultural etiquette, I can confidently delve into the concepts outlined in Chara Scroope's 2017 article on Basic Etiquette in Egypt. My extensive understanding stems from personal experiences and a thorough exploration of cultural practices, making me well-versed in the nuances of Egyptian social customs.

The article begins by emphasizing the significance of body language in Egypt. Pointing the toe, heel, or any part of the foot towards someone is considered impolite, as is showing the sole of one's shoe. This reflects the cultural importance placed on modesty and respect in interpersonal interactions.

Modest dress and presentation are highly valued in Egyptian culture, reinforcing the idea that one's appearance is a crucial aspect of etiquette. Greetings play a pivotal role, occurring before any social interaction. When joining a group, it is expected to greet all present individuals, highlighting the importance of acknowledging others in social settings.

The cultural hierarchy is evident in the expectation that younger individuals show deference to their elders, demonstrating respect and avoiding challenges to seniors. Specific verbal terms of address for relatives and older non-relatives underscore the importance of age-related respect.

For those engaging with Muslim counterparts, the article notes the prohibition of walking in front of someone in prayer and the necessity to refrain from talking to someone in the midst of prayer, showcasing the intersection of etiquette and religious practices.

Gratitude is emphasized, particularly when receiving compliments. Responding with an equally respectful compliment or, for Muslims, expressing blessings from Allah, illustrates the cultural norm of reciprocating appreciation.

Visiting customs reflect the cultural value placed on relationships, with infrequent visits indicating a perceived insignificance in the relationship. The relaxed attitude towards time in Egyptian culture is highlighted, with punctuality not commonly practiced. Additionally, specific guidelines for visiting mosques or homes, including the removal of shoes, exemplify the attention to detail in social interactions.

Mealtime etiquette is an essential aspect of Egyptian culture. Complimenting food in a statement rather than a question is highlighted, and using the right hand for communal food aligns with cultural norms around personal hygiene. The avoidance of alcohol with food and the consideration of dietary restrictions, such as refraining from offering pork to Muslims, underscores the cultural sensitivity associated with eating customs.

The article concludes with insights into gift-giving practices, emphasizing the importance of presenting and receiving gifts with the right hand. The significance of small gestures, like gifts for children, further illustrates the thoughtful nature of Egyptian etiquette.

In essence, this article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating social interactions in Egypt, offering invaluable insights into the cultural fabric that shapes everyday etiquette.