An Adventure in the City of the Dead in Egypt
Egypt – a land full of history, mysteries, and stunning culture. In my latest YouTube video, I take you on an adventure to the fascinating and eerie “City of the Dead” in Cairo. Together with my friend Ahmed and a local guide, we explored this extraordinary district where the lines between life and death blur. Here, I share my experiences and impressions with you.
Living Among the Graves
The City of the Dead is no ordinary cemetery. Here, people live side by side with the deceased every day. Our local guide led us through the narrow alleys of the graveyards and gave us fascinating insights into the lives of the residents. It was incredible to see how these people manage their lives amidst the graves, forming a unique community.
During our walk, our guide showed us a particular tomb that had been damaged over time due to flooding. This even revealed a corpse – a sight that was initially shocking, but we learned that the remains had since been reburied.
Mysticism and Reality
After our tour, we had the opportunity to interview some of the residents. My curiosity mainly revolved around whether they had ever experienced mystical or unexplained phenomena. However, much to my adventurous spirit’s disappointment, they firmly denied such occurrences. No ghosts, no mystical creatures – just everyday life in an environment unimaginable to many of us.
Our guide brought up the story of the Mamluk tombs during our conversation. This site has a dark history, as it is the resting place of Mamluks who fell victim to a gruesome massacre. Naturally, this immediately sparked my curiosity, and I was eager to see this place with my own eyes. However, we found out that entering the tombs is strictly forbidden by the government.
A Risky Adventure
I wasn’t ready to give up so easily and offered our guide a financial reward to show us a way to this mysterious site. After some hesitation, he agreed on the condition that we would retreat immediately if any problems arose. And so, our risky adventure began.
We reached the tombs but had to climb a wall to get there. As soon as we entered the site, we were stopped by a guard. We were strictly prohibited from proceeding further and were made aware that violations would have serious consequences. We adhered to the instructions but remained in place to learn more about the history of this location.
The Mamluk tombs are massive. Our guide explained that we were very likely standing directly on the remains of the deceased. A security officer joined us, warned us not to repeat such actions, and made it clear that we had to leave the premises. This adventure was risky but also incredibly enlightening.
The Bloody History of the Mamluks and Muhammad Ali Pasha
The story of the Mamluks is one of the most tragic chapters in Egyptian history. The Mamluks were an influential military class that held political and military power in Egypt for centuries. However, in 1811, Muhammad Ali Pasha, the then Ottoman governor of Egypt, decided to end their power once and for all.
He invited the leading Mamluks to a celebration at the Citadel of Cairo, allegedly to strengthen relations between them and his administration. But the event was a trap. As the Mamluks entered the Citadel, the gates were closed behind them, and Muhammad Ali Pasha’s troops opened fire. Most of the Mamluks were killed in this massacre. A few managed to escape, but the Mamluk dominion was effectively ended.
The tombs we visited stand as a silent testament to this bloody chapter. The sheer scale of the burial site and the stories our guide shared made the tragedy palpable. It was chilling to walk over the graves of these once-powerful warriors and imagine the horrific events that transpired here.
The Bloody Road of History
To conclude our tour, we drove along the road that once bore witness to this gruesome bloodbath. Our guide described how the blood of the massacred flowed down the streets to a gate near a blue mosque. This final part of our journey was both sobering and fascinating, making the tragic history of the Mamluks even more tangible.
Conclusion
The City of the Dead is a place full of contrasts. On one hand, there is the life of its present-day residents; on the other, the lingering history and traces of the deceased. My visit was a unique experience that gave me much to reflect on. If you want to learn more about this journey, be sure to watch my video on YouTube! Not only will you get a glimpse into the City of the Dead, but you will also experience the fascinating history of the Mamluks firsthand.
Check it out and let yourself be inspired by this adventure!
For a more immersive experience, you can watch my adventure on YouTube. See me navigate the bustling streets of Cairo, haggle in Khan el Khalili, and explore the majestic Pyramids of Giza. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more epic travel adventures!