MINARET OF THE PRINCIPAL MOSQUE IN SIOUT, UPPER EGYPT

THIS is an object of such remarkable beauty that mr. Roberts thought it unsurpassed by any similar structure in a land so fertile in this class, which more than any other distinguishes the architecture of modern Egypt. The generality of these fine buildings, especially in Cairo, are of marble, and as beautifully executed as toy-models may be finished in ivory; but here, where the minaret is built of brick and plaster, it is difficult to conceive that an object so delicate could be wrought in materials so fragile. It has four balconies with enriched balustrades supported by brackets and corbels, with elegant traceries on tower over tower, whose light pilasters give to them an octagonal appearance.

Siout is the capital of Upper Egypt, and retains in its Coptic name, Sioout, that which it bore in Ancient Egypt, as shown by the hieroglyphics in the catacombs, where it was written Ssout. The city contains twenty thousand inhabitants: it is the resort of the caravans from Darfour, is the seat of the Governor, and its bazaars and markets are only surpassed in Egypt by those of Cairo.

Wilkinson's Egypt