Cairo's streets
Ulysse Baty - 08/12/2025.
In this series of photographs taken in Cairo, Ulysse Baty sought to capture the essence of life for the inhabitants of the Egyptian capital and its rich culture. From urban ballet to the coexistence of tradition and modernity, from exuberant youth to omnipresent informality, this series immerses us in the daily life of the Egyptian megalopolis and those who bring it to life every day.
The urban beehive of Cairo.
At first glance, chaos seems to reign in the streets of Cairo.
Cars and minibuses follow one another, interrupted by the ballet of motorcycles zigzagging from one end of the road to the other.
However, what might appear to be mere chaos turns out to be a true choreography in which pedestrians and drivers move in harmony, punctuated by the echo of car horns.
Echoes of another time.
Cairo, the pinnacle of sprawling megacities, can sometimes seem like an urban jungle of concrete. Among its countless apartment buildings, often identical, practices from the past fit into this urban modernity, sometimes tempering its oppressive character.
Whether by donkey or bicycle, modes of transport that seem to come from another era still have their place in the sometimes suffocating streets of Cairo. This coexistence between tradition and modernity reveals a society deeply rooted in its history.
A dynamic youth.
Children are an integral part of life in Cairo (nearly 40% of Egypt's population is under 18). Whether they are playing, driving or working, Cairo's children seem to grow up faster than elsewhere as they take on responsibilities, without losing their cheerfulness and laughter.
This youth embodies the vitality of the Egyptian population and could prove to be a real opportunity for the country, provided that opportunities are found for them.
Streets of small trades.
From improvised libraries on the pavements to vegetable sellers weaving their way through traffic, informal trade is in full swing on every street corner. The informal economy, accounting for nearly 40% of Egypt's GDP, is the main source of employment for Cairo residents.
These micro-economies paint the picture of a city characterised by the ingenuity and resilience of its inhabitants, united by close social ties.
