Cairo According to: Nelly El Sharkawy

An architect, photographer and ballerina, Nelly El Sharkawy wears many hats. The latest chapter in her ever-evolving career as a creative saw her become the co-founder and managing partner of Cairopolitan (and its sister across the Nile, Gizapolitan). In this living art gallery-meets-souvenir shop-meets design concept store, El Sharkawy places Cairo’s past and present into a sort of playful dialogue that never ceases to reveal new angles of the city for visitors and natives alike to gaze at—and collect.

Here, the eye behind Cairopolitan lays out her own Cairo in words, photos and one synth-laced soundtrack.

A place that means Cairo to me:

The morning during Friday prayers, when all the streets are empty and the whole city feels like it’s mine no matter where I am. Those golden 30 minutes are what Cairo means to me.

Complete the following: Cairo is…

Inexplicable, contradictory and intense.

Tell us about your neighbourhood.

I was born and raised in Mokattam, which I’ve always loved for the mystical vibe it gave me. At the same time, I constantly found myself defending it against all the prejudices surrounding it; how far people imagine it is even though it’s literally in the centre of the city, the stories about a ‘sal3awa’ near our home, the bad reputation of the corniche, and the list goes on.

Yet to me, it has always been one of the most peaceful districts, with its abandoned houses and villas that kept me endlessly dreaming and imagining who once lived there, why they left those beautiful homes behind, and why there were so many of them.

What are your favourite neighbourhoods?

Maadi, Zamalek and Heliopolis.

Your go-to food spot?

Ovio, Maadi.

Your go-to café?

A peach iced tea from Brown Nose Zamalek along with an ice cream from Dara’s.  

Your go-to date spot?

Estro, Maadi, followed by a nice walk around the streets of Sarayat El Maadi.  

What isn’t a Cairo landmark but should be?

There’s an abandoned hotel complex on the way up to El Mokattam hill that was left unfinished long before I was born, and it has one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen in Cairo. It’s like you’re standing on the edge of the city overlooking everything.

Tell us a song that feels like Cairo.

'‎Sunrise' by Soopar Lox.  

What's a place in Cairo you wish you could revisit for the first time?

The City of the Dead.