Cairo, Egypt

Many residents of Cairo live in the 'City of the Dead,' a sprawling necropolis where families have built homes and communities among the tombs, creating a unique living situation born out of necessity and tradition.

Cairo's official name, 'Al-Qahira,' translates to 'The Vanquisher' or 'The Triumphant.' It was founded in 969 AD by the Fatimid dynasty, who named it after the planet Mars ('Al-Qahir' in Arabic) which was ascending at the time of its founding.

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the Giza Pyramids, is the largest archaeological museum in the world. Once fully open, it will house over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection, many of which have never been displayed before.

Cairo is often referred to as 'The City of a Thousand Minarets' due to its abundance of mosques, some dating back over a thousand years. It's estimated to have thousands of mosques, contributing to its iconic skyline and pervasive call to prayer.

During Ramadan, Cairo comes alive with 'fanous' (lanterns). These intricately designed lanterns, often made of metal and colored glass, are a traditional symbol of the holy month in Egypt, illuminating streets and homes, a custom unique to the country.

While often associated with Giza, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, is inextricably linked to Cairo. Standing at 138 meters (originally 146m), it held the record for the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years.

Cairo is considered the undisputed cultural capital and 'Hollywood of the Arab world.' It has been the dominant center for Arabic cinema, music, and publishing for over a century, producing countless stars and literary giants like Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz.

Look up in many Cairene neighborhoods, and you'll see elaborate rooftop pigeon coops. Keeping pigeons for sport (racing), food, and even aesthetic display is a long-standing and beloved hobby for many residents.