22 CultureShock! Egypt
the southern part of the island. Gezira is home to Cairo’s
elite, including some leading diplomats. On the northern
half of Gezira Island is Zamalek, another expensive area
of town which houses embassies and modern apartment
buildings. The famous Gezira Sporting Club connects the
two suburbs.
Across the river from Gezira are several districts on
the west bank of the Nile. The southernmost district is
Giza (home of the Great Pyramids), which stretches to the
edge of the desert. Just north of Giza is Doqqi (Dokki). Doqqi
houses the rest of Cairo University, and several districts
including Imbaba (old home of Cairo’s camel market). The
camel market has now moved to Birqash about 32 km (20
miles) north-west of the city.The majestic Sphinx stands guard on the Giza plateau. The horseback riders
on the nearby ridge give you an idea of the immense proportion of the last
remaining Seven Wonders of the World.