To Activate the Role of Slum Tourism in The Rehabilitation of the Eastern Necropolis, Old Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

One of the key issues facing the Egyptian Government is a way to give a development of Slums and boost its livelihood to satisfy the needs of its people. So, in combination with creating a comprehensive framework, this paper takes a philosophy to invest the positive facets of the society in the slums. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Eastern Necropolis tomb-dwellers’ and outsiders’ attitude regarding the implementation of slum tourism. It examines how the idea of slum tourism can be adapted at the Eastern Necropolis in a sustainable way because of its significance with its rich historical and diverse cultural legacy. The research is based on a case study, after a brief theoretical exploration about slum tourism and the Eastern Necropolis; then a pilot surveys for locals and visitors to obtain insight into the tourism opportunity in the Eastern Necropolis. The study results suggest that tomb-dwellers in the Eastern Necropolis somehow have a constructive disposition towards slum tourism, as demonstrated by effect scores (Mean=3.25). The article discusses two subjects that are almost opposite: tomb-dwellers as a kind of slums and yet as a symbol of historical tourism. It explores how this funerary neighborhood can find a way to connect both at the same time with fascinating outcomes. And then the paper concludes with a summary of the findings and recommendations for action.