population: 0.177 million

extension: 280 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Bani Mazar and interested in visiting museums, I would recommend checking out the Mallawi Museum in Minya, which is about an hour and a half drive away. The museum houses an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including statues, coffins, and mummies.

Alternatively, you might enjoy visiting the Tuna el-Gebel archaeological site, also located in Minya. This site features various tombs, temples, and other structures dating back to ancient times.

If you are looking for more museums within close proximity to Bani Mazar, you can visit the Adeela Sultan Palace Museum in Al Minya, which showcases the lifestyle of wealthy families in the early 20th century with exhibitions of furniture, art, and clothing. Another option is the El Ashmunein Museum in Mallawi, which displays many Roman and Pharaonic artifacts like pottery, coins and statues.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Bani Mazar and the surrounding area in Egypt include:

1. Koshari: This is a vegetarian dish made with rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and a spicy tomato sauce.

2. Fattah: A dish made of layers of bread, rice, and meat that are topped with a garlic and vinegar sauce.

3. Molokhia: A stew made from jute leaves, which are cooked with garlic, coriander, and chicken or beef.

4. Ta'miyah (Falafel): Deep-fried balls made from ground fava beans, herbs, and spices, served with pita bread.

5. Shawarma: Thinly sliced meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) that is wrapped in pita bread along with vegetables and tahini sauce.

6. Om Ali: A dessert made with phyllo pastry, milk, cream, nuts, and raisins.

7. Basbousa: A sweet cake made from semolina, soaked in syrup and topped with coconut.

These are just a few of the many delicious dishes you can find in Bani Mazar and its surrounding areas!

Activities

There are many fun activities that local people enjoy in Bani Mazar and the surrounding areas. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Visit the nearby Al-Minya City: It is a bustling city full of markets, shops, and restaurants where you can experience everyday life in Upper Egypt.

2. Take a horse or donkey ride through the countryside: This is an excellent way to explore the beautiful scenery around Bani Mazar while experiencing local transportation.

3. Attend a traditional Egyptian wedding: If you happen to be invited to a wedding during your stay, this can be a fascinating insight into local culture and traditions.

4. Explore the nearby Tuna el-Gebel archaeological site: This site features various tombs, temples, and other structures dating back to ancient times, which provides an opportunity to learn more about Egypt's rich history.

5. Enjoy a picnic by the Nile River: There are many places near Bani Mazar where you can enjoy a lovely picnic while taking in the scenic views of the Nile River.

6. Try traditional Egyptian food: There is a wide array of traditional Egyptian dishes to try in Bani Mazar and its surroundings, including ful medames (a bean dish) and koshary (a mixture of lentils, rice, pasta, and tomato sauce).