The City of Dead in Egypt is an ancient cemetery at the same time a living city.
In the past the rulers in Cairo used this area to burry their dead as it was outside
the city. But history reveals that since the time of Pharaohs the burial place
was considered to be a place where life begins.
From 14th century onwards one finds that the City of Dead began to be occupied
for dwelling and the cenotaphs were used as place to entertain the guests. Today
these cenotaphs are used as tables and are important in this part of the city.
But the City of Dead in Cairo has become a permanent shelter for the urban
poor, as the stay here is inexpensive. Here one would find communities living
here as a tolerated separate society. According the statistics there are approximately
five million Egyptians living in the City of Dead.
In modern times the cities lack of urban infrastructure and unaffordable housing
has led to several communities to embrace the cemeteries and make it a part
of their lives. But this has been without any qualms, as traditionally Egyptians
have never seen cemeteries as a place of dread but where life begins. But given
an opportunity the residents would definitely like moving out.
But in the tour to Cairo one should visit the City of Dead as this place has
a charm of its own, as it is so different from the rest of the city. It would
also be a time to know how the people live in this part of the city.
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