Scenes from bustling Cairo through the lens of Muslim Harji

Bustling Cair o Ataba Market
A melle of shops and stalls in Cairo’s famous Ataba Market, one of the most crowded areas in Cairo and a place with everything you may need. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

By MUSLIM HARJI

Here are a few facts about Cairo: The city was founded a 1000 years ago by the ancestors of the Aga Khan, 49th Hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. It was called Al-Qahira (The Victorious), by the Fatimid dynasty’s Imam/Caliph al-Mu’izz li Din Allah.

It is now one of the largest cities in Africa with a population of more than 9.5 million; the greater Cairo area has a population of more than 21.7 millions making it the 6th largest metropolitan area in the world. Cairo is home to the Great Pyramid of Giza and its historic area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cairo has the world’s largest food court, the Oasis restaurants and entertainment, with a total seating capacity of 4,223 and a car park that can hold one thousand vehicles!

A wide variety of colourful artitisc objects. Simerg Photos Cairo by Mulim Harji
A wide variety of colourful artistic home decor and gift items in a shop in Old Cairo. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

My previous piece in this series on Cairo was on the Al-Azhar Park built by the Aga Khan through his Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Indeed, the Aga Khan’s vision to transform a centuries old garbage dump site into a beautiful park has come as a blessing to Cairo, a city with limited presence of green spaces.

Al Azhat Park a green reprive in Cairo Simerg Photos Muslim Harji
Al-Azhar Park — a beautiful greeen space built by the Aga Khan that provides a reprieve for Cairo’s residents. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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Street Foods of Cairo, Muslim Harji, Simergphotos.
Cairo’s delicious pastries at affordable prices. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

Of course, it was impossible to visit every part of Cairo during my visit there recently with my wife Nevin, so here are some glimpses from the bustling city that has basically stood on the same site on the banks of River Nile for a millenium. It is truly a fascinating city bursting with amazing food and culture. Enjoy the photos and watch out for my final piece in the series where I will take readers on a journey to Aswan and Cairo’s historical “Islamic” quarters.

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Cairo transit, simergphotos
Cairo transit! Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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Ataba Market, where you will find everything you may need. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.
Ataba Market, where you will find everything you may need. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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Street Foods of Cairo, Muslim Harji, Simergphotos.
A refreshing fruit stall. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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shopping in Cairo, simergphotos.
A shopper making a purchase. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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Cairo street scene, Muslim Harji Simerg Photos
A typical street scene in Old Cairo. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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Sheesha - Egyptian-style flavoured tobacco smoked through a water pipe – a very popular pastime in Egypt. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.
A man with sheesha — Egyptian-style flavoured tobacco smoked through a water pipe — a very popular pastime in Egypt. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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Iintercity train. Cairo Simerg Photos Muslim Harji
An intercity train. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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Women in a jewellery store. Simergphotos Muslim Harji, exclusive
Women in a jewellery store. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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Street Foods of Cairo, Muslim Harji, Simergphotos.
A vendor carrying simit, a delicious street snack that is found everywhere in Cairo’s local streets. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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Stationery supplies and more! Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

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A woman exorcising evil spirits from a shoe stand with “Loban” (incense). Photograph: © Muslim Harji.
A woman exorcising evil spirits from a shoe stand with “loban” (incense). Photograph: © Muslim Harji.
A souvenir stand in Cairo. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.
A souvenir stand in Cairo. Photograph: © Muslim Harji.

Date posted: June 18, 2023.

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Muslim Harji’s previous pieces on Cairo:

  • Cairo’s Street Foods
  • Al-Azhar Park

Photographer Muslim Harji and his wife Nevin live happily in Montreal, where, over the last 40 years, they have raised two children and run a successful business. Upon retirement in 2004, Muslim and Nevin truly started to explore the world. All told, together and individually, they have visited more than 45 countries around the globe, experiencing the beauty of the Middle East, the exoticism of Asia and the wonders of South America. Kayaking the Magellan Straights, exploring Palmyra by camel, hiking up to Alamut Fort in Iran or travelling by overnight train in India, Nevin and Muslim have always favoured unique ways of experiencing the countries they visit and plan to continue fostering their love for travelling the world.

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