KAAN ALEXANDER OLCAY

City of The Dead

Cairo, Egypt -  2023-24

A series  of photographs and stills taken on Kodak  Tri-X and  8mm Kodak Vision 3 film stocks started in 2023 when my family moved to Cairo, Egypt. 

The Necropolis, also referred to as the Qarafa or The City of the Dead,  is a series of vast Islamic-era necropolises and cemeteries in Cairo, Egypt. They extend to the north and to the south of the Cairo Citadel, below the Mokattam Hills and outside the historic city walls, covering an area roughly 4 miles long. 
 
Located in the city, the total amount of people who live there currently is unknown. This is due to 40% of Cairo's population suffering in poverty and the city struggling with overpopulation. Through spending several visits with the families who live there I have learnt that many of those currently housed in the cemeteries were born there, work there and their families are also buried there as they will be some day. They seek refuge in the cemetery sleeping with the dead and the Necropolis is a circle of life for them. Most of the men living in the cemeteries earn a living by digging graves, operating cafe services, being tomb custodians or reading  during funerals and visitations.