Qursaya Island
Resilient communities along the Nile River
In the heart of bustling Cairo lies an island that stands resilient against the unchecked urban sprawl surrounding it: Qursaya Island. Home to 1,500 residents, separated from the chaos of the metropolis by the Nile River, the community has cultivated a unique way of life over generations, rooted in fishing, farming, and a deep respect for their natural environment. With no bridges or motorized vehicles, the island maintains a tranquil pace of life that sharply contrasts with the frenetic energy of the city beyond its shores.
Working with a multidisciplinary team of architects, researchers and comic artists, a book was composed to capture the essence of this resilient community and to draw lessons for alternative versions of urban development. Through stories shared by the residents themselves, alongside extensive research, on-site visits, and collaboration with organizations such as VeryNile, the book explores how this community confronts significant challenges—such as river pollution, resource scarcity, and the constant threat of displacement by urban development projects. Initiatives like Nile cleanups and plastic recycling not only help restore the ecosystem but also create economic and social opportunities for the residents—demonstrating the transformative power of community-led solutions.
This project has been carried out in collaboration with Taller Architects and is funded by Creative Industries Fund NL.
