Collection: West El Balad Collection

Once a thriving neighborhood for the elite in late 19th and early 20th century Cairo, the area became a relic of Egypt's belle Epoque, showcasing the country's development vision. However, neglect and decay set in after the burning of many buildings during the Cairo fire incident before the 1952 Revolution. Commercial establishments entered the neighborhood without regard for aesthetic harmony or historic preservation. Fortunately, the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Development has undertaken renovations, revitalizing the area's historic buildings.