Journeys of African Muslim Elites in Cairo

Abstract

The socio-economic conditions of Azharis students from West Africa have become extremely harsh. Many of them will go on to act as intermediaries for more established economic entrepreneurs. Positing that religious teaching networks underpin particular economic roles as well as commercial networks between Arab countries, Africa and Asia, this article explores the different social spheres and spaces that interconnect these migrant students within this gigantic city. The paper examines the extent to which religious identity constitutes a structuring factor in the creation of specific commercial channels.