City of the Dead, Cemetery district in Cairo, Egypt.
The City of the Dead is a cemetery district in Cairo that stretches for several kilometers and contains thousands of tombs, mausoleums, and residential buildings within stone structures. The area forms a cohesive neighborhood with historic and modern buildings, creating a maze-like layout.
The area emerged during the early Islamic period and became a burial ground for important figures and families across Egyptian history. Its development reflects the architectural and social changes that Cairo experienced over many centuries.
This place functions as both a burial ground and a living community, where families maintain bonds with their ancestors through everyday activities. People use the spaces between tombs for daily life, creating an active neighborhood within the sacred grounds.
The location is several kilometers from central Cairo and can be explored on foot or with local guides who help with navigation. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow enough time to walk through the many pathways and lanes.
Multiple generations of families reside permanently within this necropolis, building homes around and between ancient tombs and mausoleums. This creates an unusual blend of burial sites and modern living spaces in a single location.
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