CAIRO, A DIVIDED CITY. By Radio National abc.net.au/rn

What has become of Cairo, Egypt? and What is it meant to be?!
Do you see a falling society?!
The rich are deserting the old city of Cairo and moving to luxurious, Hollywood style, gated communities in the desert, with lush golf courses and artificial lakes. Water is a big issue, as old Cairo is left to the poor and the tourists. Reporter, Hagar Cohen.
Why do the rich people of Cairo want to live like westerners? What are the consequences—will this mean more social unrest? A special Background Briefing video shows another perspective on the places and people discussed in the radio program. Images and text by photographer Andrew Turner, and audio by reporter Hagar Cohen.
Images and text by photographer Andrew Turner, and audio by reporter Hagar Cohen.
for transcripts and radio program, please visit:
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2009/2477394.htm

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• CAIRO
• egypt
• DIVIDED
• CITY
• Radio
• National
• abc.net.au/rn
• poor
• rich
• falling
• society

[begadd]

When was this video made?

[tamerghonym]

to begadd ,

I dont know exactly when it was made , but it was broadcasted on February 1st , 2009

[maryshawky]

that is a good movie ..the distinction is more acute between the urban and rural areas

[tamerghonym]

you are right , a quick look to the neighborhoods of Al-Mohandeseen and Bulak Al-Dakror in google earth makes you feel that the west side is a group of graves, but for the living humans.

[maryshawky]

@tamerghonym what after the rev. is it gonna change?!!!!!!!

[tamerghonym]

@maryshawky

We hope so Mary, but it is too early to tell.

What I am sure of is that the momentum we got at the days of the revolution is still huge, let us pray this momentum be directed properly. Pray for your homeland Mary, Egypt needs our prayers.

[joycealmiraa]

I haven't been to Egypt before but i think the poor of this country are horrible .. i have an Egyptian friend here told me that the main reason for building such gated communities is that poor people stink, they are noisy, rude. They have snot running down their noses all the time. And the only down about suburbia in Egypt is that there isn't enuf security to keep all the wretched parasites out so they won't come and steal from the nice rich folks.

[midoshy1992]

Other than actually watching the video.. The purpose is to aid and support people that live in the slums, to point out that they have a right to live in the vastness and cleanness of New Cairo as you do.. is not as if you have said something wrong, but say something in respect for those poor..

[justbefoda]

will you help me on understanding the purpose ?@midoshy1992

[midoshy1992]

@justbefoda you actually haven't understood the purpose of this video have you? :S

[justbefoda]

I LIVE in New CAIRO gr8 city big , vast , clean .

[begadd]

thanks!

[monhiver]

Amazing video, i just came from a holiday in Egypt and noticed every word commentatores mentioned, its really sad. I honestly believe that Egypt was hijacked with the coup d'etat in 1952 led by Nasser which is why everyone is still suffering till today. The dictator Mubarak must receed from presidency as well.

Great video again.