Discover interesting facts about Manshiyat Naser, an iconic area in Cairo known for its local life, history, and unique cultural and tourist attractions.
Manshiyat Naser is an area located in Cairo, Egypt, that is full of history, culture, and interesting stories. Known as the “Garbage City” due to its function as the largest garbage dump in the city, Manshiyat Naser is much more than just a pile of garbage.
Behind the unsavory label, the area is home to a strong community life, rich cultural heritage, and unique traditions that make it a very interesting area to explore. In this article, we will discuss 10 interesting facts about Manshiyat Naser that many people may not know.
1. Origin of the name Manshiyat Naser
Manshiyat Naser, often referred to as “Garbage City,” takes its name from a 20th-century Egyptian leader, President Gamal Abdel Nasser.
The name “Manshiyat” means “district” in Arabic, while “Naser” refers to Egypt’s highly respected president. The area was originally built to house the poor and served as a housing complex for workers who managed Cairo’s garbage dump.
2. Resilient Community Life
Manshiyat Naser is known for its people who are tough and persistent in living their lives. Amidst challenging conditions, local residents have built a very solid community, supporting each other and working hard to meet their living needs.
Many of them work in the recycling industry, using existing waste to produce items that can be reused or sold. They are also known for their extraordinary handicraft skills, such as making metal crafts and other recycled products.
3. An Area Full of Recycled Art
One of the most interesting things about Manshiyat Naser is the community’s expertise in recycling and art. Most of the population in this area works in the waste recycling industry, using used goods to make crafts and valuable products.
From furniture, home accessories, to interesting works of art, many items produced in this area are not only useful but also have high artistic value.
Some tourists come to Manshiyat Naser to visit this recycling workshop and see firsthand how trash can be turned into useful and beautiful items.
4. A Famous Zabbaleen Community
Manshiyat Naser is home to the Zabbaleen community, a community that has long been a key part of Cairo’s waste management. The Zabbaleen, which means “garbage collectors” in Arabic, are a community that has extraordinary skills in collecting, sorting and recycling waste.
They have turned their activities into income-generating jobs, although they still live in more modest conditions compared to most Cairo residents.
5. Cathedral in the Cave
One of the most famous wonders in Manshiyat Naser is the Church of Saint Simeon, which is located inside a large cave in the area. This church is known as the “Cathedral in the Cave” and is an interesting place of worship for visitors and Coptic Christians.
Founded in 1975, this church has a very unique and interesting architecture. With its stunning views and serene atmosphere, this church has become one of Cairo’s popular religious tourism destinations.
6. Amazing Views of this Area
Manshiyat Naser, despite being known as a garbage-filled area, also offers stunning views. Known for its hilly landscape, from here visitors can see a vast panorama of Cairo, with the iconic Pyramids of Giza in the background.
The area, with its cobbled streets and simple buildings, provides a different feel from modern, bustling Cairo. This beautiful and tranquil view is a draw for many tourists who come to experience a different side of the Egyptian capital.
7. Typical Handicrafts of Manshiyat Naser
The people of Manshiyat Naser are also known for their extraordinary handicrafts, especially in making items from recycled materials.
From handmade leather bags, wooden and metal furniture, to artistic sculptures, the various handicraft products produced by the local community are of high quality and unique.
Many visitors come to this area to buy typical Manshiyat Naser items as souvenirs or to add to their art collection.
8. The Stunning Kite Festival
One of the main attractions of Manshiyat Naser is the annual Kite Festival held in this area. During this festival, the sky above Manshiyat Naser is filled with colorful kites in various shapes and sizes.
This festival is not only an event to see the beauty of kite art, but also a moment to celebrate local culture and traditions. The kites are often decorated with traditional images and symbols that represent the life of the local people.
9. Waste and Recycling Based Economy
Much of Manshiyat Naser’s economy revolves around waste management and recycling. The Zabbaleen community in this area collects trash from all over Cairo, sorts it, and recycles it into useful items.
While many would consider waste a problem, the residents of Manshiyat Naser see it as a resource that generates income and provides a livelihood for thousands of families in the area. This is what makes Manshiyat Naser a unique example of a successful waste-based economy.
10. Manshiyat Naser as a Unique Tourist Destination
Manshiyat Naser is not just about trash, but also a very unique tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy a variety of different experiences, from walking around areas full of art and culture to visiting churches and mosques hidden among the hills.
While the area has its challenges in terms of cleanliness and infrastructure, the beauty of the culture and crafts produced by the local community make Manshiyat Naser a worthy place to visit for those looking to see a different side of Cairo.
Manshiyat Naser is a neighborhood of contrasts—on one side there’s trash and poverty, but on the other side there’s a life full of creativity, culture, and spirit.
Zabbaleen communities, kite festivals, cave churches, and handicrafts are just a few of the many reasons why Manshiyat Naser is a must-visit.
With its unique charm and fascinating stories, Neft Daslari is not just a place to see a different side of Cairo, but also a place to learn about the resilience, creativity, and spirit of the people who live there.
