This book considers the socio-cultural and economic dynamics of historical conservation with respect to what is sometimes called Islamic Cairo . It aims to re-assess and to challenge the upgrading and modi cation processes recently affecting the urban and social fabric of Cairo s Historical City. Further, the study seeks to incorporate the district s cultural diversity in the city s future urban development. Despite the availability of the 1980 UNESCO Plan and the 1997 UNDP Plan for Historical Cairo s rehabilitation, government policies remain insufficient and fragmentary with a tendency to favour tourist-orientated projects. The local population s attitudes and stakeholders' potential participation remain largely ignored.