Khan ElKhallili Souqe

The souk dates back to 1382, when Emir Djaharks el-Khalili built a large caravanserai's (خان khan in Arabic) in Cairo under the Burji Mamluk Sultan Barquq; the eponymous khan is still extant. By the time of Barquq, the first Circassian Mamluk Sultan (1382–1399) much reconstruction needed to be done within the walls of the city in order to repair the damage incurred as a result of the Black Death. When Barquq started his madrassa in Bayn el-Qasrayn, markets were rebuilt, and Khan el-Khalili was established. It was also known Turkish bazaar during the Ottoman Empire.

Bustling doesn't begin to describe this souk, located in a dense network of twisting alleys. Every corner is jam-packed with stores and stalls that sell everything from Nefertiti busts to spices. This souk has been a center for craftsmen and trade since it was built in 1382 by Amir Jarkas al Khalili. The former Fatimid cemetery site was a place where caravans of traveling merchants could rest and engage in trade, and though in recent years it has focused mainly on the tourist trade, it retains much of its character and feel of a genuine Arab souk.
That said, it's hard to recommend actually shopping in the Khan if you're serious about getting something specific. Prices are higher than in other less-touristed parts of town, and quality is not always the best. On the other hand, this is the place to get a genuine Egyptian shopping experience. The crowds are dense, and the pressure to buy can be intense. You will be serially accosted by dealers in everything from shisha pipes to tea.
A couple of things to remember: First, keep your wallet somewhere safe; the only confirmed incident of pickpocketing that I know of happened here. Second, the black basalt carvings that they insist are real aren't. Third, have fun. You may find bargains or get ripped off, but as long as you have a sense of humor, you're in for a great time.
Allow for several hours of wandering the narrow alleys and exploring the different sections. Don't be afraid to wander beyond the main tourist areas into the spice souk or the narrower, darker areas toward the back -- in fact, I positively recommend it. Except for the odd pickpocket, the whole area is very safe.
Book your tour to old Cairo

Comments

Tomb of Pabasa (TT279)

Pabasa, who was also called Pabes, has a large tomb at Asasif, just outside the entrance to Hatshepsut’s temple at Deir el-Bahri. Like Ankh-hor, who held this important title after him, he was the ‘Chief Steward of the God’s Wife Nitocris’ (Neitiqert) during the reign of Saite king Psamtek I. Pabasa’s tomb still has a large mudbrick superstructure. A steep flight of stairs leads down to the entrance of the subterranean levels and on the lintel above the doorway is a fine relief of a barque, adored by the souls of Pe and Nekhen, by the God’s Wife, Nitocris and by the deceased. A small vestibule leads to a larger pillared sun court. The vestibule shows scenes of Pabasa’s funeral procession, including mourners and the ‘Abydos Pilgrimage’. There is a long text of Pabasa and depictions of his son, Thahorpakhepesh, who acted as sem-priest at his father’s funeral. On the inner lintel of the entrance to the court, a relief shows Osiris and Re-Horakhty, in the cent...

Visite au quartier des potiers à Fustat

Visite au quartier des potiers à Fustat Eau, terre et feu, font la passion du potier Les poteries sont toujours là pour parler au cœur de l'homme, lui renvoyer le geste éternel de la main qui modèle, façonne, pétrit et décore. La tradition du travail de la terre se perpétue, en Egypte, grâce à des maîtres potiers ou des céramistes, qui reprennent souvent les techniques ancestrales. Le quartier des potiers au Caire, tout près de Salah Salem (quartier de Fustat), est un centre important de production d'objets en terre cuite et en argile. Découvrez au fil d'une rapide visite des lieux, ces nombreux artisans, leurs ateliers primitifs et les salles d'exposition de leurs produits, qui ne sont que les trottoirs mi-pavés, mi-détruits. Ils créent de nouveaux pots culinaires, des objets décoratifs d'une grande variété, d'inspiration classique et résolument moderne, du même coup. Plus qu'aucune activité de l'homme, la poterie est conservatrice de la mém...

US authorities return eight stolen ancient Egyptian artifacts

US authorities agreed to return eight ancient Egyptian artifacts stolen and illegally smuggled out of the country. Today, upon his arrival from the United States, Minister of Antiquities Mohamed Ibrahim announced that US authorities agreed to return eight ancient Egyptian artefacts stolen and illegally smuggled out of the country. The objects are to arrive next month. The pieces include the upper part of a painted anthropoid wooden sarcophagus from the Third Intermediate period depicting a face of a woman wea ring a wig decorated with coloured flowers. Two linen mummy wrappings covered with plaster and bearing paintings showing winged amulets pushing the sun disc are also among the artefacts. Hieroglyphic text showing the name and titles of the deceased are also found on the plaster cover. The third piece is a cartonage painted mummy mask from the Third Intermediate period while the fourth and fifth items are Middle Kingdom wooden boats. The other three items are lim...

Search This Blog