Skip to main content

Upper Egypt's Mermah Heritage

Residents of Upper Egypt have long celebrated the birth of Islamic saints with elaborate feats of horse-back riding and tahtib, an ancient performance art using sticks. Today the Mermah rituals fusing religious and cultural heritage have gained international exposure.

Residents of Upper Egypt have long celebrated the birth of Islamic saints with elaborate feats of horse-back riding and tahtib, an ancient performance art using sticks. Today the Mermah rituals fusing religious and cultural heritage have gained international exposure.

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

Access 1 free article per month when you sign up. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in