Displacement Beyond Relocation: Exploring the Loss and Legacy of Arab Al-Yasar in Cairo

This presentation investigates the multi-layered displacement of Arab al-Yasar, a historic neighborhood in Cairo that was recently demolished to make way for urban redevelopment projects. This displacement is complex and multifaceted, encompassing not only the physical relocation of residents to new public housing but also the irreversible loss of the area’s heritage buildings and rich urban fabric. The radical changes created by this redevelopment raise critical questions about how the neighborhood's living memory can be restored and reassembled. Moreover, it compels us to consider the broader implications of such displacements on the city’s history, identity, and living heritage.

Through an ethnographic approach that includes interviews with former residents, participatory observation, and behavioral mapping, this study delves into how various forms of social, cultural, and material displacements reshape both the physical spaces and the narratives that define the community. My prior involvement in a revitalization proposal for Arab al-Yasar, conducted before its demolition, and its selection as a study area in my university design studio provide additional insights into the site's intricate spatial and cultural dynamics.

This presentation critically examines the tensions that arise between speculative development and the preservation of cultural heritage. It reflects on the ways in which displaced communities and their heritage can reassemble and adapt in new contexts, highlighting the potential for resilience amidst loss. By situating the case of Arab al-Yasar within broader patterns of urban transformation in Cairo, this research contributes to ongoing discussions surrounding planning, displacement, and justice in the Arab world. Ultimately, it advocates for a more nuanced understanding of urban development that acknowledges the voices and experiences of displaced communities, aiming to foster a dialogue about the ethical responsibilities of urban planners and policymakers.