Devoid of the urban sophistication of major Egyptian cities like Cairo and Luxor, Asyut is more rural hub than urban centre. In existence since the time of ancient pharaohs, the city was once home to the largest slave market in Egypt. While the slave trade has since faded into history, other vestiges of Asyut’s past, such as the Convent of the Virgin Mary and the Harraq Monastery, still remain.