Cairo’s historic Darb al-Labbana district is undergoing a rare revival as Egyptian restorers carefully dismantle crumbling homes and rebuild them using materials from the original structures. Nestled beneath Saladin’s centuries-old citadel, the neighborhood had become unlivable. The project aims to preserve this heritage, including the ancient street layout that still mirrors maps from Napoleon’s era, while modernizing homes with upgraded foundations, plumbing, and electricity. After extensive documentation, teams rebuilt dozens of structures, restoring façades and reviving long-abandoned alleys. Residents were offered relocation options, with more than half choosing to return once the restoration works are complete next year—a sign that the model could inspire similar preservation efforts across Cairo.
Reuters
