First World War Black and White Postcard of Native Quarters in Cairo

c. 1915
Overview

A sepia-coloured artistic postcard showing a narrow street and living accommodation. The street is uneven stone and dirt and the houses that line the street are low and in bad repair. Various doors and windows can be seen and there are bushes or trees growing over the roofs. There are also two wooden poles that reach over the street from one roof to another. Featured in the image is a local man dressed in flowing robes and a turban. He is carrying a bag in his right hand. At the rear of the image there also appears to be an animal tethered. The postcard has considerable damage to its top corners and there is a large oil stain that can be seen front and back. The reverse has proforma printing and description of the image.

Historical information

Around 1900, Cairo's "native quarters" referred to the historic, medieval districts of the city, largely corresponding to what is now known as Islamic Cairo and Old Cairo.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-12-2022.1.136
Item type
Postcards
Material
Card
Width
74 mm
Height or length
171 mm
Inscriptions and markings

On the reverse in machine printing “ARTISTIC POST – CARD / 638 – The Cairo Postcard Trust – Cairo / Cairo – Native Quarters.”

Contextual information

The Cairo Postcard Trust (founded in the early 20th century) is one of the most famous and trusted publishers of vintage Egyptian postcards. These highly collectible, antique photographs and artistic illustrations document the golden age of travel in Cairo, capturing historical landmarks, bustling streets, and the pyramids.

Keywords
First World War
Egypt
Place made
Egypt
Year
Primary significance criteria
Historic significance
Comparative significance criteria
Interpretive capacity
Well provenanced
Google Maps search term / URL
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWHZtRH1mm24SAjK8
Last modified
Tuesday, 30 June, 2026
Completeness
100
Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum

Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum

Postcard Front
Street in Old Cairo
Back View
Reverse of Postcard

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