City of the Dead (Cairo)

　　The City of the Dead is situated in the old quarter of Cairo and is also referred to as the Cairo Cemetery. It is one of the most unique and most astonishing cemeteries in the world. The City of the Dead truly lives up to its name—it is a somber, lifeless place. What makes it the most peculiar cemetery in the world is that it is not only home to the dead but also inhabited by the living.

　　Due to Muslim customs that dictate earth burials, vast cemetery areas have formed here, which remain undisturbed and unaltered to this day. Originally uninhabited, many families have been forced to move into the cemetery due to Cairo’s severe housing shortage, sharing the space with the deceased. According to local tradition, rooms are built next to tombs for relatives to mourn the dead. Now, however, these spaces are fully occupied by residents, with tombstones even repurposed as tables. The densely packed “ghost houses” are all inhabited, forming an urban village complete with running water, electricity, gas, mosques, post offices, and even police stations. This stable residential community is said to be home to around one million people.

　　Amid the narrow gaps between tombs, you can hear the crowing of roosters, barking of dogs, and laughter of children—a thriving scene. It’s unclear whether the living benefit from the presence of the dead or the dead are spared loneliness—either way, the coexistence of the living and the dead creates a harmonious, contented atmosphere. People don’t see this place as a grim, deathly zone but rather as a lively earthly paradise where life begins.

　　City of the Dead (Cairo) Reason to visit: One of the most unique cemeteries in the world Continent: Africa Country/Region: Egypt Province/State: Cairo Governorate City: Cairo