Description of the attraction
Khan Al-Khalili is a large market in the Muslim region of Cairo, one of the city's striking attractions. The square occupied by Khan-al-Khalili was originally the site of the "Shafran Tomb" mausoleum, the burial place of the Fatimid caliphs. Emir Al-Khalili in 1382 ordered the destruction of the Fatimid cemetery in order to build a large caravanserai. At the time, it was the central region of Cairo, the center of trade and economic activity. Later, numerous trading establishments were built here. By the end of the 15th century, the area had become a major center for foreign trade, which included the sale of slaves and precious stones.
Sultan Al-Guri (1501-1516) carried out a large-scale campaign for the demolition of dilapidated, chaotically located buildings and the reconstruction of the city, in connection with which the project of the quarter was changed. Al-Khalili was destroyed along with all the religious and burial complexes built by this period. In 1511, a shopping complex with monumental gates and perpendicular streets was erected in its place, reminiscent of similar establishments in Ottoman cities. The arches of the gates and the upper floors of the adjoining ancient office building, the vikala al-Kutn (cotton gates), have been partially preserved from the original market and caravanserai of the 14th century. Two other monumental structures - the gates of Bab al-Badistan and Bab al-Guri, date from the beginning of the 16th century.
With the beginning of the rule of Al-Guri, the district became associated with Turkish merchants, during the Ottoman period, the Turkish community of Cairo settled here. The Khan El Khalili market is now dominated by Egyptian rather than highly tourist-oriented foreign vendors. The shops usually sell souvenirs, antiques and jewelry, there is a separate "gold market".
In addition to shops, the market has several cafes with traditional cuisine, many stalls with street food, coffee shops offer an Arabic version of the popular drink and hookah. One of the oldest and most famous cafes is Fishavi, opened in 1773. Al Hussein and Al Azhar Mosques are nearby.
