City of the Dead is a captivating photo series, captured by Beirut, Lebanon-based photographer Tamara Abdul Hadi, that depicts the experience of the Abdel Lateefs -- one of several impoverished families living in the Bab el Nasr cemetry in the Egyptian capital Cairo. The cemetery is part of a massive slum that is home to over half a million individuals unable to afford proper housing.
The photos show the City of the Dead as having been adapted to modern living, with its tombs being repurposed as houses, with new structures buing constructed around them.
Despite the inherent sadness of seeing families forced to live among and above the bodies of the deceased, the photos actually show the community as being vibrant, resilient and populated with individuals hopeful for a bright future.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Poverty Housing Solutions
- Opportunity to explore new ways of housing for low-income families.
- Creative Adaptation
- Exploring innovative ways to repurpose buildings and structures for modern living.
- Social Documentation
- Opportunity to capture stories and experiences of marginalized communities through photography.
Where This Applies
- Real Estate
- Innovative approaches to create affordable and sustainable housing for low-income families.
- Architecture
- Opportunity to design structures that are adaptable and can be repurposed for various purposes.
- Photography
- Capturing stories and experiences of marginalized communities through documentary photography.
