This study adopts the Geographic Information System to overview patterns of urban change for the historical European Quarter in Cairo. The method overlays the chronological formation of the European Quarter (1867-1951) with its current nationalization (1952-present) in terms of: 1) urban tissue, 2) nodes and landmarks, and 3) function. The core plaza of 'Ezbekieh' in 1867 is recognized to valve the flow of urban patterns between the traditional Islamic Town and the analogical model of European Cairo by the Nile. The unity of boulevards cut through Islamic Cairo, while segregated a new radial pattern in the outskirts under cultivation. The composition of nodes echoed in the 'Ezbekieh' spot of major landmark encloses. The functional entities, nevertheless, filtered through the same 'Ezbekieh' according to the Municipal 'Insurance Plan' policy in 1905. The nationalization plan since 1952, however, has transformed the variety of open spaces into monotonous vehicular circulation on the expense of pedestrian amenities and gardens. The change of figure-ground bylaw plurals the uniform proportions designed in each zone of the colony. In default of conductor (Ezbekieh) the nodes and landmarks lost credibility without compensation. In addition, the functions intermingle in interference to the supposed regulatory classifications.
Keywords: Cairo, European Quarter, Ezbekieh Plaza, Municipality, GIS