The Institute of Ismaili Studies - Video: Interview with Professor Azim Nanji

Video: Interview with Professor Azim Nanji

Publication: Living in Historic Cairo: Past and Present in an Islamic City

Editors: Professor Azim Nanji , Dr Farhad Daftary and Professor Elizabeth Fernea

Questions addressed in the interview:

1. Living in Historic Cairo is perhaps the first publication that covers not only the history of the ancient city of Cairo but also examines how the metropolitan population occupies this built environment. What provided the impetus for this publication?

2. Who is the intended audience of this book, and does that differ from the intended audience of the accompanying film?

3. In what ways do you think the interdisciplinary nature of this book increases understanding of how specific Cairene neighbourhoods are seen as repositories of cultural and social values as well as national heritage?

4. How does this book engage with the debate on beautification/museumification of an historic urban area?

5. Living in Historic Cairo includes extensive coverage of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture’s restoration of the al-Darb al-Ahmar, which included improvement of the socio-economic life of the people of that district. Could you please comment on that project and the wider restoration efforts of the AKTC?

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