Al-Darb al-Ahmar, Historic neighborhood in Cairo, Egypt
Al-Darb al-Ahmar is a historic residential neighborhood in Cairo with numerous religious and civic buildings distributed along narrow, winding streets. The area features multi-story residential structures with traditional architecture alongside mosques, Quranic schools, and public buildings.
The neighborhood emerged in the 14th century under Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad and expanded south of Cairo's original city walls. Its growth reflected the city's expansion beyond its medieval boundaries during this sultanate.
The neighborhood preserves traditional craft workshops where artisans practice centuries-old techniques in daily work. These working spaces shape how locals and visitors experience the streets and daily activities here.
The area is best explored on foot, as narrow streets make vehicle navigation difficult. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to discover the various buildings and craft zones scattered throughout.
A large restoration program rehabilitated over 500 private homes while directly involving residents in the repair work. This approach linked conservation of historic buildings with economic support for local inhabitants.
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