The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Al Manial, a district where the Nile’s serene flow meets a vibrant cultural legacy, has been a nurturing ground for some of Egypt’s most distinguished artistic pioneers. The Lived Here initiative by the National Organization for Urban Harmony continues its mission to celebrate these legends by marking their residences with plaques. These markers, paired with interactive digital archives accessible via QR codes, weave the stories of their lives, careers, and monumental contributions to Egyptian culture and the arts.

In this fourth article of the “Lived Here” series, Cairo 360 explores the rich artistic heritage of Al Manial. We explore the lives and legacies of cinematic, musical, and theatrical legends whose homes were not merely residences but creative hubs that helped shape the nation’s artistic narrative.

Kareema Mokhtar (1934 – 2017)

Born Atiyat Mohamed El-Badry in Cairo in 1934, Kareema Mokhtar was a renowned Egyptian actress celebrated for her extensive contributions to cinema, television, and theatre. Residing at 33 Midan El-Roda in El Manial, Cairo, she began her artistic journey with a degree from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts. Her early career featured collaborations in children’s radio programs during the 1950s. Her cinematic debut came with Thaman El-Horreya in 1963, and she gained widespread acclaim for her roles in iconic films like Al-Hafeed and Yarab Walad. Her television successes included Yitreba Fi Ezo and El-Bakheel Wana. While on stage, her performances in Al-Eyal Kebret and Miramar left a lasting legacy. Her home in Cairo was a reflection of her vibrant connection to the city where her illustrious career flourished.

Ammar El Sherei (1948 – 2012)

Born on April 16, 1948, in Samalout, Minya, Ammar El Sherei was a legendary Egyptian musician and composer whose profound contributions left an indelible mark on Arabic music. He lived at 19 Mahmoud Fahmy Street, near the Mohammed Ali Palace intersection in El Manial, Cairo. Blind from an early age, El Sherei’s musical journey began with a deep passion for the art, leading him to master multiple instruments and graduate from Ain Shams University with a degree in English Literature. His works spanned over 50 films, 150 television series, and numerous radio and theatre productions. He also founded the Friends band in 1980, showcasing his ability to blend tradition with contemporary issues. A mentor to many emerging talents, he was deeply committed to nurturing Egypt’s musical legacy. His home in Cairo symbolised the hub of creativity and the timeless spirit he brought to his craft.

Nour El Demerdash (1925 – 1994)

Born on November 12, 1925, in Tanta, Gharbia, Nour El Demerdash was a prominent Egyptian actor, director, and television figure. He resided at 33 Midan El-Roda in El-Manial, Cairo, a location that also served as a hub of artistic inspiration for his family. A graduate of the Faculty of Commerce and the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, El Demerdash played a significant role in Egyptian television, holding key positions, including General Supervisor of Artistic Programs and later as President of Channel One. Known for nurturing talent, he discovered stars like Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, Maali Zayed, and Mamdouh Abdel Alim. Married to actress Kareema Mokhtar, he was the father of four children, including renowned media personality Moataz El Demerdash. His works spanned theatre, cinema, and television, with iconic contributions such as Harb Min Al-Ayyam and Anf Wa Thalath Oyoun. El Demerdash passed away on February 7, 1994, leaving behind a legacy rooted in his home in Manial.

Ratiba El Hefny (1931 – 2013)

Born on December 2, 1931, Ratiba El Hefny was a trailblazing Egyptian musician and academic who left an enduring mark on the field of Arabic music. She lived at 17 Abdel Aziz Al-Saud Street in Manial, Cairo, where her passion for music flourished. A prodigy on the piano by the age of five, she further honed her craft through studies in Germany. Her career took off with a performance in the operetta The Merry Widow in 1961, followed by a starring role in Aida. El Hefny founded the National Arabic Music Ensemble, the Opera Children’s Choir, and the Om Kalthoum Arabic Music Ensemble. She served as Dean of the Institute of Arabic Music and later as the Director of the Cairo Opera House (1988–1990). Her contributions extended internationally, including establishing the Higher Institute of Musical Arts in Kuwait. A prolific author, she penned several works on iconic figures in Arabic music. Her home in Manial was a symbol of her dedication to nurturing the arts and preserving the legacy of Arabic music.

Hassan El Baroudy (1890 – 1974)

Born Hassan Mahmoud Hassanein El Baroudy on November 19, 1890, he was a pioneering Egyptian actor whose artistic talents blossomed in school theatre groups before the 1919 revolution. He resided at 11A Dr Helmy Hussein Street, El-Manial, Cairo, a place that witnessed his journey in the arts. Initially a translator for Thomas Cook, El Baroudy joined the touring theatre troupe of Hafiz Naguib and later Aziz Eid’s troupe in 1921. By 1923, he worked as a prompter at the Ramses Theater. His passion for theatre took him to Sudan, where he co-founded a theatre troupe, spending a decade there before returning to Egypt to make a name in cinema, theatre, television, and radio. With two decades at Youssef Wahbi’s troupe and years at the National Theater, El Baroudy’s career was crowned with the Arts Medal in 1959 and the State Incentive Award in Arts in 1962. His films spanned classics like Bab El-Hadid, El Haram, and El Zawga El Thanya, as well as international projects like Khartoum. His final role was in Al-Asfour in 1973, marking the end of an illustrious career before his passing in 1974. His home in El Manial was a testament to his enduring legacy in the performing arts.