Developing informal settlements

Fustat Hills Gardens is a modern public park in Cairo, Egypt, built on the historic site of Fustat, the first Arab capital of Egypt founded in 641 AD. The gardens offer scenic views of Old Cairo and incorporate design elements that nod to the area’s rich archaeological layers, which include the remains of early Islamic settlements.

Old Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo, is a historic district in southern Cairo that was the heart of the city before the Arab conquest in 641 CE. It is renowned for its collection of ancient churches, synagogues, and the Roman-era Babylon Fortress, reflecting its significance as a major center of early Christianity in Egypt. Today, it remains a vital area for Egypt’s Coptic Christian community and a key site for understanding the region’s layered religious history.