News — Cairo

The Citadel of Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi, also known as the Cairo Citadel, is a medieval Islamic fortification in Cairo, Egypt. It was constructed by Salah al-Din (Saladin) between 1176 and 1183 to protect the city from potential Crusader attacks. The Citadel served as the seat of government and the residence of Egypt's rulers for nearly 700 years. It played a crucial role in the military history of Cairo and witnessed many significant events throughout Egyptian history. It is surrounded by robust defensive walls and numerous towers, designed to withstand sieges and attacks. The Citadel houses several museums, including the...

Khan el-Khalili is a historic marketplace in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. It's one of the city's oldest and most famous souks (marketplaces), dating back to the 14th century. The vibrant maze-like streets are filled with shops selling everything from spices, jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs to traditional crafts and antiques. It's not just a place to shop but also a cultural experience, where you can soak in the bustling atmosphere, enjoy traditional Egyptian tea and interact with vendors. The architecture reflects centuries of history, with narrow alleys and intricately designed buildings. Many visitors to Cairo find Khan el-Khalili an essential stop to immerse themselves...

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is an extraordinary cultural institution that showcases the rich history and heritage of Egypt. Located in Cairo, it serves as a comprehensive repository of artifacts, artworks, and archaeological findings that document the evolution of Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum opened in the Spring of 2021.  The museum provides visitors with a captivating journey through Egypt's ancient past, highlighting key periods such as the Pharaonic era, the Greco-Roman period, and the Islamic period. Its exhibitions feature a diverse range of objects, including statues, sarcophagi, pottery, jewelry, and religious artifacts, offering insight into various aspects of Egyptian life, culture, and belief systems. One of the museum's most...

Khan el Khalili is a famous marketplace located in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. It has a rich history dating back to the 14th century when it was established as a major hub for trade during the Mamluk period.  As you enter Khan el Khalili, you'll find yourself surrounded by a maze of narrow streets and alleyways lined with shops, stalls, and cafes. The bustling atmosphere is filled with the voices of merchants calling out to customers, bargaining, and the occasional sound of traditional Arabic music. The market is especially lively at night, with the glow of lanterns and colorful...

We now offer many pieces from the Khayamiya (tentmakers) district of old Cairo in our Etsy store. For over 1,000 years, the tentmakers of Cairo hand-stitched huge panels (some as large as 10 x 20 feet) that were attached to the interior of tents. These were primarily used for funeral gatherings, with very bright green, orange and red colors.   The designs are created by the 'appliqué' process which is stitching layers on top of canvas backing. In recent years, the tentmakers began making smaller pieces to be used as bedspreads, wall hangings, and pillowcases, using much softer color tones. The...