Life, Death, and Community in Cairo's City of the Dead

Life, Death, and Community in Cairo's City of the Dead

Author: Hassan Ansah

Publisher: iUniverse

Published: 2010-11-11

Total Pages: 109

ISBN-13: 1450267017

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THE CITY OF THE DEAD is a mysterious area of Cairo that many Egyptians are aware of but not intimately connected too. This book provides a historical evolution of a residential cemetery more than four centuries old. Beneath a modern multilane highway lies a vast intricately connected ancient necropolis that stretches over three kilometres. The primary focus of the book is to analyze, understand, and to share the unique history and culture of this hidden, yet dynamic city with the outside world. It is here that life and death reconcile under the amazingly interesting stories of the lives shared by its community members. From the Majestic Citadel to the wonderfully designed grave tombs of unknown mystic saints, this book expresses the historical and cultural voice of this indomitable city which never stops reinventing itself. This panoramic story of a city that oscillates between the sacred and the profane- ancient tombs coalesce with chaotic markets- blends the personal touch of first hand travel with the in depth provocation of history. It is a sweeping, lucid work.


Living with the Dead

Living with the Dead

Author: Vibeke Maria Viestad

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Published: 2023-07-25

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 178914812X

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Spanning geographies, cultures, and the ages, a moving journey into the physical facts and metaphysical mysteries of how the living care for the dead. Death is universal. It will meet us all. But it’s also a practical problem—what do we do with dead bodies? Vibeke Maria and Andreas Viestad live by a cemetery and are daily spectators of its routines, and their fascination with burials has led them to dig deep to examine our relationship with the dead. Taking us on a journey around the world and into the past, the Viestads explore how the deceased are honored and cared for, cremated, and buried. From archaeological sites in Spain, Israel, and Russia to environmentally friendly burials in the United States and Ghana’s fantasy coffins, and from cremations without fire to the new industry turning our dearly departed’s ashes into diamonds, this empathetic and enthralling book is for anyone who knows their turn is coming, but who’d like a good book for the journey.


The Routledge Handbook of Infrastructure Design

The Routledge Handbook of Infrastructure Design

Author: Joseph Heathcott

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2022-01-31

Total Pages: 461

ISBN-13: 1000528634

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The Routledge Handbook of Infrastructure Design explores the multifaceted nature of infrastructure through the global lens of architectural history. Infrastructure holds the world together. Yet even as it connects some people, it divides others, sorting access and connectivity through varied social categories such as class, race, gender, and citizenship. This collection examines themes across broad spans of time, raises questions of linkage and scale, investigates infrastructure as phenomenon and affect, and traces the interrelation of aesthetics, technology, and power. With a diverse range of contributions from 33 scholars, this volume presents new research from regions including South and East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, North America, Western Europe, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Union. This extraordinary group of authors bring close attention to the materials, functions, and aesthetics of infrastructure systems as these unfold within their cultural and political contexts. They provide not only new knowledge of specific artifacts, such as the Valens Aqueduct, the Hong Kong waterfront, and the Pan-American Highway, but also new ways of conceptualizing, studying, and understanding infrastructure as a worlding process. The Routledge Handbook of Infrastructure Design provides richly textured, thoroughly evidenced, and imaginatively drawn arguments that deepen our understanding of the role of infrastructure in creating the world in which we live. It is a must-read for academics and students.


Contemporary Urban Landscapes of the Middle East

Contemporary Urban Landscapes of the Middle East

Author: Mohammad Gharipour

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-03-17

Total Pages: 447

ISBN-13: 1317534069

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The Middle East is well-known for its historic gardens that have developed over more than two millenniums. The role of urban landscape projects in Middle Eastern cities has grown in prominence, with a gradual shift in emphasis from gardens for the private sphere to an increasingly public function. The contemporary landscape projects, either designed as public plazas or public parks, have played a significant role in transferring the modern Middle Eastern cities to a new era and also in transforming to a newly shaped social culture in which the public has a voice. This book considers what ties these projects to their historical context, and what regional and local elements and concepts have been used in their design.


Economy, Trade, and Resources across the Middle East

Economy, Trade, and Resources across the Middle East

Author: Tatiana Ryckman

Publisher: Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC

Published: 2016-12-15

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13: 1502623714

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Economic considerations are often at the forefront of political conflict in the Middle East. This text excavates past and current economic relationships in the Middle East in order to provide a more nuanced view of contemporary politics in the region. Historical context is given on a country-by-country basis, along with current economic issues and profiles of important figures in this domain.


Architecture for the Dead : Cairo's Medieval Necropolis

Architecture for the Dead : Cairo's Medieval Necropolis

Author: Galila El Kadi

Publisher: American Univ in Cairo Press

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 316

ISBN-13: 9789774160745

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The great medieval necropolis of Cairo, comprising two main areas that together stretch twelve kilometers from north to south, constitutes a major feature of the city's urban landscape. With monumental and smaller-scale mausolea dating from all eras since early medieval times, and boasting some of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture not just in the city but in the region, the necropolis is an unparalleled--and until now largely undocumented--architectural treasure trove. In Architecture for the Dead, architect Galila El Kadi and photographer Alain Bonnamy have produced a comprehensive and visually stunning survey of all areas of the necropolis. Through detailed and painstaking research and remarkable photography, in text, maps, plans, and pictures, they describe and illustrate the astonishing variety of architectural styles in the necropolis: from Mamluk to neo-Mamluk via baroque and neo-pharaonic, from the grandest stone buildings with their decorative domes and minarets to the humblest--but elaborately decorated--wooden structures. The book also documents the modern settlement of the necropolis by families creating a space for the living in and among the tombs and architecture for the dead.


Top 50 Best Things to do in Cairo, Egypt

Top 50 Best Things to do in Cairo, Egypt

Author: Nicholas Khatch

Publisher: Nicholas Khatchadourian

Published: 2023-07-28

Total Pages: 93

ISBN-13:

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This comprehensive list encapsulates the essence of Cairo, Egypt, and presents a myriad of captivating experiences for every traveler. From ancient wonders to modern delights, Cairo offers a unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy that is sure to leave visitors in awe. Immerse yourself in the mystical allure of the Pyramids of Giza, where colossal structures rise from the desert sands, and the Great Sphinx stands as a guardian of the past. Step into the Egyptian Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts that reveal the secrets of pharaohs and ancient civilizations. Traverse the bustling streets of Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo, where magnificent mosques, churches, and markets transport you to another era. Delve into the heart of Cairo's vibrant culture as you explore the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a sensory overload of colors, scents, and sounds. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the timeless Nile River, where ancient temples and modern cityscapes provide a mesmerizing backdrop. Seek tranquility in the serene Al-Azhar Park, an oasis of greenery nestled amidst the urban chaos. Cairo's vibrant nightlife beckons, with trendy bars, clubs, and traditional music venues offering a glimpse into the city's contemporary spirit. Throughout your Cairo adventure, you'll witness the juxtaposition of ancient and modern, as historical landmarks coexist harmoniously with the dynamic pace of the metropolis. From architectural wonders like the Cairo Tower and the Citadel of Saladin to the hidden gems of Zamalek and the Pharaonic Village, Cairo's diverse attractions cater to every interest. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, a foodie, or an avid explorer, Cairo's vibrant tapestry of experiences guarantees an unforgettable journey through time and culture. Indulge in the splendor of Cairo's ancient past, marvel at its modern achievements, and immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of its people. This list serves as a gateway to a city that pulsates with life, where every corner reveals a story waiting to be discovered. Prepare to be captivated by the magic of Cairo as you embark on an extraordinary adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your travel memories.


The Routledge History of Death since 1800

The Routledge History of Death since 1800

Author: Peter N. Stearns

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2020-10-13

Total Pages: 567

ISBN-13: 0429639848

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The Routledge History of Death Since 1800 looks at how death has been treated and dealt with in modern history – the history of the past 250 years – in a global context, through a mix of definite, often quantifiable changes and a complex, qualitative assessment of the subject. The book is divided into three parts, with the first considering major trends in death history and identifying widespread patterns of change and continuity in the material and cultural features of death since 1800. The second part turns to specifically regional experiences, and the third offers more specialized chapters on key topics in the modern history of death. Historical findings and debates feed directly into a current and prospective assessment of death, as many societies transition into patterns of ageing that will further alter the death experience and challenge modern reactions. Thus, a final chapter probes this topic, by way of introducing the links between historical experience and current trajectories, ensuring that the book gives the reader a framework for assessing the ongoing process, as well as an understanding of the past. Global in focus and linking death to a variety of major developments in modern global history, the volume is ideal for all those interested in the multifaceted history of how death is dealt with in different societies over time and who want access to the rich and growing historiography on the subject. Chapter 1 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.


Cairo

Cairo

Author: Janet L. Abu-Lughod

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2018-12-04

Total Pages: 301

ISBN-13: 0691193940

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1001 years as a continuous settlement, 100 years as a modern city, Cairo in the 1970s is a complex metropolis. Janet Abu-Lughod traces the social and demographic history of Cairo, demonstrating the continuities and transformations that underlie the organization of today's city. Originally published in 1971. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.


The Literary Life of Cairo

The Literary Life of Cairo

Author: Samia Mehrez

Publisher: American University in Cairo Press

Published: 2011-01-01

Total Pages: 551

ISBN-13: 1617971707

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Readings from literary works that re-construct a century of Cairo's changing social life. Unlike The Literary Atlas of Cairo, which focuses on the literary geopolitics of the cityscape, this companion volume immerses the reader in the complex network of socioeconomic and cultural lives in the city. The seven chapters first introduce the reader to representations of some of Cairo's prominent profiles, both political and cultural, and their impact on the city's literary geography, before presenting a spectrum of readings of the city by its multiethnic, multinational, and multilingual writers across class, gender, and generation. Daunting images of colonial school experiences and startling contrasts of postcolonial educational realities are revealed, while Cairo's moments of political participation and oppression are illustrated, as well as the space accorded to women within the city across history and class. The city's marginals are placed on its literary map, alongside representations of the relationship between writing and drugs, and the places, paraphernalia, and products of the drug world across class and time. Together, The Literary Atlas of Cairo and The Literary Life of Cairo produce a literary geography of Cairo that goes beyond the representation of space in literature to reconstruct the complex network of human relationships in that space.