Spatio-temporal Patterns of Events in Historic Cairo Around Iconic Mosques

Abstract

This paper presents spatial analysis of two of the largest events in Historic Cairo. The study aims to understand the space transformation during mawlid event in the vicinity of the iconic mosques of al-Husayn and al-Sayyida Zaynab, and the use of such space as event venues. The main objective is to understand the studied place, thus be in a better position to manage and creatively transform them for future developments in the region of historic Cairo. The study is guided by the theories of place making with special emphasis on the complexity associated with place assemblage. The research is conducted through observation, description and analysis of the scene and the activities that take place in the spaces during the mawlid event. Observations are analyzed through maps and sketches of the actual physical setting, leading to different themes extraction. The paper demonstrates how people appropriate and adapt to the urban space and how the looseness of space fulfill the diverse needs and desires of people’s behavior