Informations about Souk of Al Khayamiya

 tentmakers market Cairo  

Enjoying shopping tours is one of the most exciting activities that you can do in Egypt after visiting the most interesting ancient attractions & sightseeing.
 There are 10 top Cairo Shopping tours, open-air markets, and amazing bazaars that are located in different places, and among the most fascinating of them is the impressive Souk Al-Khayamiya "Tentmakers Bazaar". 

This street has existed since the days of the Fatimids, and it consisted of two floors. Bab Zuweila was closed at night and opened during the day, and merchants were allowed to enter in the morning to conduct their business. These merchants had tents that they used during their travels, and they were working on repairing them in that region, as each of them was keen that his tent differed from the other tents, and from here the tent profession began.

Bab zuweila

shopping in Cairo 

It is located across the street from Bab Zuweila behind the Fatimid Cairo’s southern walls. There have been lots of markets in the area that used to sell different types of goods but the tentmakers are the only remaining ones.

After visiting Bab Zuweila, you will see a narrow alley ahead and it is covered by a high roof. In that alley, you will find merchants who are specialized in selling textile goods and you will find thousands of amazing things to look at and buy during your vacation in Egypt.  Travel to Egypt while having a layover in Cairo and don't forget to buy gifts for your friends and your family!

Egyptian tent  

Khayamiya is Egyptian art and the term is derived from the word tents, which is the manufacture of colored fabrics that are used in the work of pavilions. The history of this profession may extend to the Pharaonic era, but it certainly became more prosperous in the Islamic era, especially the Mamluk era.

Khayamiya was associated in the past with the covering of the Kaaba decorated with gold and silver threads, which Egypt was manufacturing until the sixties of the last century and sent to the Hijaz in a solemn procession known as the Mahmal. This craft is found in abundance on Khayamiya Street near Bab Zuweila - the end of Ghouria Street in Cairo.

What Can Be Found in the Souk El-Khayamiya?

While being in the Souk of Al-Khayamiya, you will find lots of wall hangings, colorful tapestries & amazing carpets, and amazing colorful canvases that are decorated with amazing designs that reflect the Islamic era.

The tents that are being sold in that market are used for special occasions & outdoor activities for a long time ago including funerals, holiday celebrations, shop openings, and wedding feasts. It is the last remaining covered market that is in use in Cairo up to date and that is not all about it as the crafts that are being produced there are very valuable and of high quality at affordable prices.

You will find different textile pieces that are of more affordable prices than what you can find in Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. If you are walking around in Cairo’s famous neighborhoods, you will definitely see some of those tents and hear some loud music & the celebration sounds in Old Cairo’s Streets and avenues.

The art of making tents is one of the first crafts and handicrafts that people learned and practiced to make a shelter out of cloth, after making huts.

The tent industry has developed since the era of the Fatimid state, and the masters and masters of the tent-making profession in Egypt developed their products and began making them from colored fabrics using ancient Arab designs and decorations, and then introduced drawings and decorations derived from temples, mosques, and churches. He also developed his craft and made other things from this craft such as pillowcases, bedspreads, and wall hangings.

One of the most prominent people who developed this profession in Egypt was Hajj Hanafi Muhammad Ibrahim, nicknamed Sheikh Khayamiya.

What to Expect While Being in Khan El-Khalili Bazaar??

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar is the biggest and the most colorful crowded market you will ever witness in Egypt because of its magical shiny baubles, and amazing goods that attract all tourists from all over the world, especially with its breathtaking spice markets that include the best fresh spices you will ever find in addition to the largest perfume markets that has numerous essential oils’ scents.

Inside the market, you will be able to find some gold vendors & shops of antiques that are filled with priceless pieces of art. In addition to this, there are also some fabric shops & vendors of carpets that sell nearly all of the things that you may have a desire to buy while being in Egypt.

So while being in Egypt to spend your vacation, don’t miss that chance of visiting such glamorous markets and bazaars that have all of what may come to your mind while touring around the majestic land of Pharaohs.

Cairo Top Tours provides you with a lot of Egypt Travel Packages, to help you do an unforgettable tour in Egypt.