Assiut Governorate is one of the governorates of Upper Egypt, located north of Sohag and south of Minya. Its capital, Assiut, mediates the governorates of Upper Egypt. Its name is derived from the Pharaonic word "Siot", meaning the guard. Assiut is located between two mountain hills, so its climate is continental and it is considered the commercial capital of Upper Egypt. It is famous for its ancient neighborhoods and mausoleums, especially in the cities of Assiut, Apotige and Sadfa.