Projects
Heritage Preservation: Tangible Heritage: The Cemeteries of Alexandria: The Untold Narratives of a Cosmopolitan City






One of the visible manifestations of Alexandria’s cosmopolitanism is its cemeteries which illustrate the diversity of the city’s different communities. The Cemeteries of Alexandria is a project on Alexandrian cemeteries including three important burial sites: Chatby, El Amoud Cemetery and Alamein.

Alexandria’s Chatby quarter boasts a necropolis dating back to the late Ptolemaic and early Roman periods, in addition to the more recent Jewish, Muslim, Anglican, Copt Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Protestant, and Latin Catholic cemeteries, as well as cemeteries for Free Thinkers. In addition to the Chatby complex, there is an important Muslim burial site near Pompey’s Pillar, known as the El Amoud Cemetery (formerly known as Bab Sedra Cemetery). Thirdly, the Alamein cemeteries, along the north coast to the west of Alexandria, are the final resting place of those who fell in the Battle of Alamein during World War II.

The close study of these burial sites involves both the tangible and intangible heritage of Alexandria. Through an examination of the architectural styles of the monuments and tombs, as well as the oral narratives and memories of concerned individuals, certain patterns regarding migration, social history, class distinctions, status and religious traits have emerged. The completed research will be published in a book.