Downtown Cairo

In 1863, Khedive Ismail Pasha, the ruler of Egypt, initiated a bold endeavour to shape Cairo in a 'modern capital'. What began as a precursor to the inauguration of the Suez Canal in 1869 evolved into a lasting legacy that persisted after his removal from power in 1879.

Inspired by the urban brilliance of Baron Haussmann who famously transformed the city of Paris in the mid-19th century, Ismail, like Haussmann's grand redesign of the French capital, aimed to create wide, tree-lined boulevards, spacious public squares, and modern infrastructure in Cairo. These changes not only beautified the city but also aimed to improve living conditions and facilitate economic growth.

Throughout the early 20th century, Ismail's successors continued to carry forward his visionary agenda. This vision of a Parisian-inspired Cairo, designed by Pierre Grand Bey, left an enduring mark on the city's landscape.