CAIRO
CAIRO
A WALK THROUGH THE CITY OF THOUSAND MINARETS
What ?
This website offers a thorough research collection on Cairo, focusing on its evolution from inception to present. It explores key aspects such as history, infrastructure, land development, human impact, and economy, providing valuable insights into the city's dynamic transformation over time.
Where ?
Greater Cairo, Egypt's capital on the Nile River, is a vibrant mega-city renowned for its rich history and culture. With a population of 20 million, it ranks among the largest in the Middle East and Africa. The city's growth mirrors the Nile's twists, with rapid urban expansion, especially in the past 30 years.
Why ?
Learning about Cairo is essential for planners due to its rich historical significance, diverse cultural heritage, urban challenges, unique environmental context, and global perspective it offers. Its rich history, shaped by ancient Egyptian civilization and influenced by various foreign dominations, offers insights to urban resilience and adaptation
Who ?
The author's study of Cairo is fueled by her love for history and fascination with the city's ancient allure. Inspired by iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, as well as Cairo's historical status as the world's most beautiful city in 1925, she delves into its rich heritage. Her exploration extends beyond architecture, aiming to uncover insights into sustainable and inclusive city planning worldwide.
Expansion of Cairo over time
Source : Atlas of Urban Expansion
Primary forces that have sculpted the City
STRATEGIC LOCATION
The world's longest river 'Nile' becomes the initial reason giving access to trade routes and fertile lands for agrfor the Arab rulers to make the capital along its banks
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
POLITICAL POWER
Cairo, capital to the Fatimids, Ayyubids, Mamluks, and Ottomans, drew rulers, bureaucrats, and military leaders, cementing its role as a pivotal hub of political and administrative authority
Cairo's bustling markets and artisan workshops attracted merchants, artisans, and settlers, driving its economic prosperity and urban growth
Chronicle of Cairo: A Millennium in Review
About Author
Hello, I'm Rubina Rafeeque, an architect and a first-year Master of Community Planning student at the University of Cincinnati. Cairo's architectural beauty and rich planning history have always fascinated me deeply. My journey in architecture and planning has taken me across various projects in the UAE and India while working for companies based in Dubai. During my undergraduate studies, I delved into extensive research on the traditional architectural style of Kerala, a state in South India. Participating in Dubai Expo 2020 exposed me to diverse pavilions showcasing the unique identities of different countries. Now, I'm thrilled to embark on a Summer 2024 Co-op in Aviation planning at Ricondo Associates based in Chicago.