Amidst the crazy noisiness and the direct poisonous smoke exhaled from cars and busses jamming the streets of Cairo , who would believe that few steps down either bank of the Nile would make you enjoy a unique, magical quietness and relatively cool, fresh air. Couple of hours sailing in the iconic falouka of Egypt is a living proof that no Cairean or visitor to Cairo hasn't experienced, while washing out the stress of a hectic day during such a short river trip.

Now try to imagine what if this joyful and cheerful trip over the page of the sacred Nile  doesn't have to come to an end!

Those who live in riverine homes, "3awamat" or "Dahabeyat", as a relative common used name, seems to be lucky enough and blessed with life-time falouka syndromes-if we can call it that way.

They only hear that beautiful sweeping sound of the tree leaves embracing their homes, and enjoy watching immigrant and local birds flying around. They don't enjoy the Nile view away from a 15th-floor apartment's window; they are simply living inside the view itself and somehow are part of it.

Beside the breath taking view you would open your eyes to see in the morning if you are living in a dahabeya, when you get out for work, you won’t have to drive your car or to take a cab in the heated crowd on asphalt! A very affordable small boat with 15 hp outboard engine would get you anywhere you like along the river in no time. You can go to Sudan if you like without a single traffic stop. 

Quite number of those homes now became coffee shops and anything else but homes. Unfortunately not all these floating homes are in good shape, some of them you would think twice before stepping inside. Yet some others, you would wish to stay in as much as you can.

Not long time ago, it was said there were around 300 "Dahabeya" scattered along the Nile of Cairo. Now there are only around 40 left. (you can count them from the sat image). Also the government restricted their location in the area between May bridge to Imbaba bridge aside "Tag el Dewal" street.

It was also mentioned that Turkish aristocrat used them as an entertaining summer homes. Queen Nazly herself had a "dehbeya" aside Zamalek island for treating herself.

Not much that far, the tradition of having extra riverine home seemed to be followed by some artists and those who leaded a bohemian life style. Farid El Atrash famous "dahabeya" was once an example.

The reason behind the name of "Dahabeya" was due to official resolution in which golden paint became mandatory for all riverine homes.

Hany el Zorkany.

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