Creative Urban Chaos in Cairo’s Spaces after the January 2011 Revolution: The Nile Bridges and Maidan Tahrir

Abstract

This study examines Cairo’s Nile Bridges and Maidan Tahrir as examples of key urban public arenas and critical spaces where chaos crystalized in the context of Arab and Egyptian Revolution of January 2011. It adopts the concept of «creative urban chaos» rather than the conflicting political ideas associated with «urban chaos». The author suggests that this concept reflects a battle waged between hegemonic classes wielding control over the city’s spaces, and marginalized classes excluded from public space, in their struggle to regain access to these spaces, as well as fighting to improve their deteriorating economic and social situation.