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

About the Book

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.

About the Author

PROFESSOR HASSAN ANSAH works as an international photojournalist and documentary filmmaker for IRIN news agency. He holds a BA degree in International Relations and an MBA in Global Business Management from the University of Maryland.

He has been published in Lonely Planet Egypt 2008, Lonely Planet Jordan 2009, The Lead Business Journal, The Community Times of Cairo, Helium online, as well as Yemen Today Magazine. Professor Ansah filmed the first documentary film dealing with Sufism in the very conservative Islamic Republic of Yemen.

Mr. Ansah has lectured on international relations and global business at Western International University , Central Texas College, as well as the American University of Cairo.

The author was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but now considers Southern California and Dubai, his primary residences.