‘Walk Like an Egyptian’ to Host Guided Tour of City of the Dead

Dating back to the 7th century, Cairo’s ‘City of the Dead’ is a vast necropolis, simultaneously the final resting place of sultans, scholars and saints, and the home of a thriving community of living souls. Known as ‘Al-Qarafa’ to the locals, the neighbourhood is made up of rows upon rows of architectural marvels, with the largest amongst them having stood as celebrated centres of adulation, or used as chess pieces in games of political intrigue during the times of the Ottomans, the Fatimids and the Mamluks. Looking to place these gems in full display is Egyptian travel company ‘Walk Like an Egyptian’, which is hosting a walking tour through the heart of this historic necropolis.

Organized by female founder Asmaa Khattab, the ‘City of the Dead’ walking tour will take participants to a number of Mamluk-era monuments and mortuaries including the Tomb of Princess Shivakiar, Khanqah of Sultan Faraj Ibn Barquq, Madrassa of Sultan Qaytbay and Qubbet Afandina.

‘Walk Like an Egyptian’ was established in 2015 as a way to bring tourists off the beaten track in the most literal way possible, and get them exploring heritage sites and distinctive neighbourhoods across Egypt that would otherwise get passed over by more conventional tourist groups.

The ‘City of the Dead’ walking tour is scheduled for Friday, September 24th, with standard tickets going for EGP 350 (or about $22), with discounts for students. The cost includes entrance fees, guardian tipping, general taxes, with a portion going towards the development of the local community in the City of the Dead. Travellers entering Egypt must present a negative PCR test that is no older than 72 hours upon departure. To register for the tour, visit the link in bio at @walk_like_anegyptian on Instagram.