Cairo of Naguib Mahfouz as a Destination for Literary Tourism

Cairo has been the capital of Egypt throughout the Islamic era, from the time of the country’s inception in the Fatimid era
to the present, regardless of changes in the seat of government. However, Cairo never lost its natural beauty or distinctive
qualities over time, and it remained a hub of civilizational radiation and cultural regeneration. Instead, Cairo continues to amaze
and inspire travelers, writers, painters, poets, and historians due to its aesthetic, literary and cultural legacy. One writer who
profited from Cairo’s influence was Naguib Mahfouz. Mahfouz was able to create a realistic portrayal of the Egyptian popular
milieu by using the neighborhoods of Al-Hussein, Khan Al-Khalili, Al-Gamalia, Al-Musky, and Al-Abbassia to illustrate Cairo’s
tangible and intangible heritage. Additionally, since locations connected to well-known individuals play a significant role in the
heritage industry, the actual locations of writers’ births, residences, and creations of well-known literary works are particularly
valuable tourist attractions because they are components of cultural heritage. This research paper aims to promote Cairo as a
destination for literary tourism by utilizing the heritage of Cairo that Naguib Mahfouz narrated in his novels.