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The city of Cairo, with over 12 million inhabitants, contains working-class neighbourhoods characterized by the richness of their traditional architecture. The history and the cultural characteristics of its population are very much present in its architecture. The various artisans, grouped organically within the urban fabric, help to give this city a unique atmosphere.
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CAIRO Ibn-Khaldun wrote: “…. He who has never seen Cairo has not known the glory of Islam, for it is the capital city of the earth, the garden of the world, the assemblage of nations, the birthplace of humanity… Still, we speak of the country and how advanced it is in civilization and riches.” Cairo retains the distinctive Egyptian character that has formed the basis of its existence and regeneration through the ages, comprising its everyday reality, heritage and rich environment.
 Some of Cairo's monuments |
Cairo has always been an ideal meeting place for the many influences that have had an impact on its geography. It is an architectural laboratory, a human melting pot containing the conflict of cultures in word and deed, which establishes the future of human destiny. It is the site on which currents of unification have met for centuries, forming a homogeneous society and creating the intermarriage of several cultures. This led to the formation of the individual Egyptian character, to the embodiment of the dwellings, administration centres and markets, ultimately forming a unique aesthetic pattern and an integrated cultural texture.
The world is aware of the importance of historic Cairo and its cultural value to humanity. In the 1970s, the UNESCO, SCA, EU and non-governmental organizations began to take part in revitalizing historic Cairo, providing funds and instigating projects, but few are involved in rehabilitating Cairo’s traditional architecture, and most of the projects are still on the shelf.
 Monuments view of Cairo |
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