Khan El-Khalili is a major souk that is located in the heart of Islamic Cairo. It is an open-air bazaar that is considered to be one of Cairo’s main attractions as tourists come from the whole world to visit it and buy different antiques and items from it. Khan El-Khalili bazaar is crowded with different types of goods, cafes, restaurants, and clothes shops. The location of this huge market was, in fact, the burial site of the Fatimid Caliphs. Here are all things need to discover about Khan El-Khalili:
Khan El-Khalili
- 1. Khan El-Khalili History
- 2. Where to Go in Khan El Khalili
- 3. Things to Do in Khan El-Khalili
- 4. Items to Buy from Khan El-Khalili
The History of Khan El-Khalili
Khan El-Kahlili Bazaar was built by Emir Dajaharks Al-Khalili in the 14th century on the site of the Za’afran Tomb. This gorgeous construction occurred during the rebuilding process under the leadership of Sultan Barquq, who ruled from 1382 till 1399 to help the city in the recovering process from the Black Death throughout the 13th and the 14th centuries. It was located close to Al-Azhar in Cairo’s economic center.
Later after Sultan Qaytbay at the end of the 15th century, this area became the most important foreign trade center. In the early part of the 16th century, Sultan El-Ghuri modified the whole district. He built his own funerary complex and a Wikala. He destroyed the previous Khan that was built by El-Khalili and rebuilt the new one in 1511. It became a central bazaar, where most invaluable goods can be sold. Moreover, the alley of Khan El-Khalili is the place where the novel of Nagib Mahfouz “Midaq Alley” is set in 1947.
Where to Go in Khan El Khalili
There are many unique and interesting places you can find in Khan El-Khalili starting from a spice market, where you can find different types of fresh spices. There is also a perfume market that is full of mixing scents. Deep inside the bazaar, there a lot of antique shops, fabric shops, and carpet vendors.
Things to Do in Khan El-Khalili
There are a lot of different activities to be done while being in Khan El-Khalili such as going at Mawlid Al-Hussein celebrations through which you can attend different types of Sufi celebrations. You can also enjoy the Tannoura show at Wekalet El-Ghouri. You also shouldn’t miss going to El-Lord Café, where you can enjoy the best while listening to Um Kulthoum’s songs at the time of enjoying the best of the Egyptian food.
A Variety of Items to Buy from Khan El-Khalili
In Khan El-Khalili you can find gold artifacts and antiques, stained glass lamps, handmade accessories, and numerous pharaonic souvenirs. The gold market around Sharia al Muizz li-Din Allah is another magnificent place to go to where you will lose your mind from the beauty of the surroundings.
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FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
Why book Trips in Egypt?
We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
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