In pictures: Terrace society flourishes on Cairo rooftops

This vertical growth of terrace living has mushroomed in recent decades as the capital’s population swelled and the state was unable to offer low-cost housing, says Roman Stadnicki, an analyst with Cairo-based CEDEJ, a French research institute.

A general view shows the rooftops of buildings in Cairo.

Shukri Mahmud, walks along the rooftop where he lives with his family. “I was born here; I grew up here; I got married here,” said Mahmud, 55.

Mahmoud Abdelmeniem makes tea. “Unplanned constructions have become an urban norm in Egypt. Sixty-five per cent of urbanised space in Cairo is unplanned,” says Roman Stadnicki, an analyst with Cairo-based CEDEJ, a French research institute.

Gamel stands at the doorway of his rooftop home. Gamal used to run a small hotel, but says he got kicked out several years ago, a victim of “corruption” under the regime of former president Hosni Mubarak.

Sayyef Tamer, plays in his house.

Sayyef Tamer, walks along the rooftop.

Societies on Cairo’s rooftops has mushroomed in recent years, as the capital’s population swelled and the state was unable to offer low-cost housing.

All photos by Khaled Desouki / AFP Photo