However, a notable aspect is the absence of a local water source, leading critics to label it 'The Anti-Cairo.' Addressing the challenges caused by moving this far away from Cairo's primary water source, the Egyptian government is i mplementing the construction of a 'Green River,' an artificial oasis in a nation struggling with water poverty. This ambitious mega project, located approximately 50 kilometers east of Cairo and its grounding force, the Nile River, forms part of the Egyptian government's strategic plan to alleviate population congestion. In 2015, the construction of 'The New Administrative Capital' commenced, marking a significant milestone in Cairo’s urban landscape. Save this picture! Photo pre-houseboat removal. Moreover, the exhibition presents 18 local architectural interventions designed to re-activate the harmonious relationship between Egypt's urbanism and the Nile River. NiLab suggests that the extreme urban degradation over the past decades in Cairo is primarily due to the uncontrolled expansion into the countryside and desert and the abandonment of historical centers by the Nile River. It examines what has led to the construction of these hybrid city suburbs, which are “in a condition of non-city and decay”.

“Along the Nile River, various landscapes and natures have been neutralized over time through interventions that have not listened to the environment or given voice to local cultures.” The exhibition unfolds the territorial imbalance in Cairo. The pavilion examines the city's contemporary challenges, using the Nile as a backdrop for reflection. In this year’s edition of La Biennale di Venezia, the Pavilion of Egypt presented NiLab: Nile as Laboratory. Save this picture! Cairo outskirts, desert cities. Prominent billboards promoting gated housing developments in Cairo's outskirts offer a promise of escape from the crowded core, presenting an alternative life 40 kilometers away from the city and the Nile River. Their primary aim is to accommodate the expanding population and alleviate the congestion in the city center. These 'desert suburbs' have experienced urban growth and witnessed the construction of large-scale housing developments. To address the pressing needs for housing and infrastructure, new cities have emerged in the desert regions surrounding the capital. Today, facing challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity, the Nile River no longer functions as it once did. As time passed, Cairo experienced rapid urbanization and became burdened with overpopulation. Image © Shutter Stock | Mohamed HakemĪpart from Zamalek, the transformation of primarily agricultural areas into bustling urban centers has been a common trend throughout Cairo. Save this picture! Zamalek Island, Top View. Moreover, the river holds profound cultural importance, inspiring artistic expressions in various forms, and is woven into the fabric of Cairo's urban and emotional landscape. Today, the Nile remains the primary source of drinking water for all Egyptians and supplies two-thirds of the country's food. The river's fertile banks, enriched by nutrient-rich sediment deposits, provided ideal conditions for agriculture, serving as the foundation of the Egyptian economy and ensuring food security for the population. By building near the river, people had easy access to water for drinking and irrigation, essential for sustaining life and cultivating crops.

Its constant and reliable water supply was crucial in the otherwise desert environment. Throughout history, starting from the time of Ancient Egypt, the Nile River has been an optimal location for the growth of cities. Interestingly, this year's edition of La Biennale di Venezia, the Pavilion of Egypt 'NiLab' focused on exploring this layered water source and unfolding its effects on the built environment.

Throughout the country’s history, it has often been regarded as the source of life in fertility in its annual flooding, bringing richness to the surrounding lands. Serving as a vibrant lifeline, connecting neighborhoods, and providing a bustling hub for transportation, the Nile River is an essential natural resource for arid Cairo. In the center of Cairo, The Nile River, one of the world's most iconic waterways, has shaped the course of civilization for thousands of years.

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