Muslim and Christian cemetery in Zāwiyat al-Amwāt Site, near Al Minyā, Egypt

"Due to a shared cultural background, common social and economic conditions and inherited building materials and techniques, slight variations distinguish the character of the majority of villages in the various regions of Egypt (Nubian villages in the south are an exception). The main vernacular types of building found in rural areas are houses of prayer, cemeteries and dwellings. Cemeteries are generally located outside the built-up area. Depending on the social status of the deceased, graves vary from a simple stone placed on the ground, to a tombstone, or to a mausoleum." [Oliver P., 1998: Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World. Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. North Africa and Maghreb. Cambridge University Press]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was working on "The Nile" project and traveled to Africa from March 14, 1961 to March 31, 1961, visiting Egypt.