Cairo since 1900: An Architectural Guide

by Mohamed Elshahed

The first of its kind, a substantive guide to over 220 modern buildings in Cairo―and the basis of an exhibition at New York’s Center for Architecture entitled, “Cairo Modern” The city of a thousand minarets is also the city of eclectic modern constructions, turn-of-the-century revivalism and romanticism, concrete expressionism, and modernist design. Yet while much has been published on Cairo’s ancient, medieval, and early-modern architectural heritage, the city’s modern architecture has to date not received the attention it deserves. Cairo since 1900: An Architectural Guide is the first comprehensive architectural guide to the constructions that have shaped and continue to shape the Egyptian capital since the early twentieth century. From the sleek apartment tower for Inji Zada in Ghamra designed by Antoine Selim Nahas in 1937, to the city’s many examples of experimental church architecture, and visible landmarks such as the Mugamma and Arab League buildings, Cairo is home to a rich store of modernist building styles. Arranged by geographical area, the guide includes entries for more than 220 buildings and sites of note, each entry consisting of concise, explanatory text describing the building and its significance accompanied by photographs, drawings, and maps. This significant compendium is an ideal companion for the city’s visitors and residents as well as an invaluable resource for scholars and students of Cairo’s architecture and urban history.

Genres: Architecture, Cairo, Egypt, Art, History

407 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2020

Reviews

[bbbassel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that could change the way you see Cairo. It tells a story that we never hear about. Having grown up in the 21st century, districts like Maadi and Heliopolis seemed to me to be as old as time. It’s very interesting to read about how they came to be, and why they became what they became.
The guide is beautifully designed and contains many beautiful photos. The descriptions of the buildings might be too technical for the layman, but if you are interested in learning more about architecture, you will be fine.

[Amgad Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feat. Expanding our understanding of what's Cairo and invites a new understanding of what shapes a city.

[Hussein R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent effort has been done in the collection and research of info on the various buildings included. A bit too much on the technical side though, and would’ve benefited a lot from some history, making it more appealing, like who built what and why, who lived there, what has become of it and them, etc, a little bit of that is included, but too little that actually leaves you asking for more. Nevertheless it was really interesting and enlightening to know how places like Dokki, Mohandsin and Madinet Nasr were designed and understand why they became what they are today.

Also, some entries could have benefited from clearer photos.

Yet it remains an excellent book all in all, one that’s a must for any Cairo history and architecture geek. Would’ve given it a full score if not for these two downsides.

Looking forward for a similar one on Alexandria.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guide to the less-discussed and more-endangered Cairo of modernity. I know it’s a university press, but some color photos—even a center insert—would have been killer.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking forward to seeing these buildings in person!