The relationship between Syria and Egypt is a long and complicated one, with cultural and economic exchanges dating back centuries. However, the recent wave of Syrian migration began in earnest around 2011, when the civil war in Syria escalated. Many Syrians fled their homes to escape violence, persecution, and economic hardship, finding refuge in neighboring countries such as Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. Egypt, with its relatively liberal visa policies at the time, became a natural destination. It is estimated that 156,191 Syrians are registered as refugees in Egypt as of April 2024, according to the UNHCR. However, Egyptian authorities estimate the actual number to be much higher, with about 350,000+ additional Syrian refugees who remain unregistered. The disparity in numbers can be attributed to the lengthy and complicated process for registering with the UNHCR, which often takes years for refugees to be recognized as such. Thus, many Syrians choose not to register altogether. Despite these facts, many Syrians are nonetheless drawn to Cairo due to their familiarity with the Arabic language, the Islamic religion, and a shared sense of Middle Eastern identity.

Over time, communities began to form, with Little Damascus emerging as a focal point for Syrian life in Giza. Syrians were welcomed with open arms, but as the number of refugees increased and Egypt's economic situation worsened, the Egyptian government began to tighten its immigration policies. This represented a challenge, since Egypt does not formally recognize local integration as a durable solution. This policy results in refugees having temporary residency without a path to permanent residency or citizenship, limited labor rights, and restricted access to public services. This left Syrian communities with only two options to consider: resettlement to a third country or “informal integration” into the Egyptian society. This meant that refugees had to resort to unofficial and often unacknowledged ways to attempt to build their lives within local communities. This process occurs outside of formal legal frameworks and recognition, meaning that refugees integrate into society without official support or status. In practical terms, “informal integration” can involve refugees finding work in the informal economy, where they typically take low-paying and unstable jobs without legal protections. They may also rent housing under precarious conditions, often without formal leases or tenant rights. Additionally, this often means accessing education and healthcare through unofficial channels or local community support networks, rather than through state-sponsored services. Since voluntary repatriation is not a possibility due to the ongoing Syrian conflict, this meant that Syrians would have to either adapt into the Egyptian society informally or wait for resettlement for many years. Many decided to create their own work opportunities and establish social connections on their own, finding these opportunities in places like Little Damascus in Giza.