View of Cairo

CAIRO

In the early 19th century, Cairo was not an impressive city. It was small and no longer on the Nile as the river had changed course. It was cramped and dirty. But by the mid 19th century the city had changed. It grew and new hotels were built for the influx of tourists. In 1867 the Khedive, Ismail Pasha, had been to the International Exposition in Paris and had become impressed by Haussmann's city planning. Soon a new Cairo was emerging next to the old city. At the time of the inauguration of the Suez Canal, large parts had been completed.

The development was rapid during the second half of the century. Tram and railway lines were laid and the large hotels had all conceivable modernities. The city also offered plenty of entertainment, balls at the hotels every day of the week, sports such as tennis and golf and plentiful opportunities for exciting hunting just outside the city. Also, there was the Egyptian Museum, archaeological relics and a number of mosques and churches that tourists were keen to visit. And of course the pyramids.