Cairo's Darb1718 center faces demolition for road expansion

Egyptian authorities have ordered the immediate evacuation of Darb1718, a contemporary art and culture center in Cairo's Fustat district, to make way for a road expansion linking to the Museum of Civilizations. Founded in 2008 by artist Moataz Nasr, the center has been a vital hub for Egypt's contemporary art scene, supporting local artists and artisans while hosting international exhibitions and community festivals. The demolition threat has sparked outrage in the cultural sector, with a petition #saveDarb1718 launched to urge the government to reconsider. Galleria Continua has already joined the campaign in Italy. Moataz Nasr described receiving a surprise phone call from local authorities demanding immediate evacuation without official notice, highlighting the center's contributions to artists across all cultural fields since its founding. The petition warns that demolition would devastate the unique creative ecosystem of Old Cairo's artisan community and calls for alternative urban development solutions that preserve cultural heritage.