The Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
The Khan El-Khalili: an open market known to tourists and locals as a Souk, or a Bazaar, caters to those interested in spices; Gold jewelry; oriental lanterns; fabric; Arabian carpets; antiques and more while located in the midst of the historic, and royal, Islamic District of Cairo. Although founded in 970AD by Al-Khalili, and rebuilt in 1511 due to demolition; the Bazaar introduces its modern visitors to the Ancient grounds that were once graced by the Royal Fatimid Caliphs (an archaic Islamic family who were intrigued by Astronomy; research and Science); it is also in this location where the Fatimid were laid to rest at the Saffron Tomb—now known as the Mausoleum, before the demolition of the tomb by general Al Khalili, (in 1382) who saught to build a Khan (Caravanserai) where merchants could reside with their goods. The Caravensarai was then later defaced, and rebuilt, by Sultan Al-ghuri (in 1511) who added roofed streets that were parallel and the Islamic Bab al-Badistan; Bab al- ghuri and the Wikala al-qutn gates that still stand ground today.
The Bazaar’s history extends to the Ottoman period where Turkish merchants traded their goods with the market’s shop-owners due to their importance, high demand, and unique trade of slaves and marvelous stones. The Khan now boasts with local Egyptian shop-owners who continue to serve to tourists, and locals, who are fascinated by the large, and diverse, quantities of items that are available for negotiable purchase, varied from the expensive to the affordable. In this large, and open Bazaar, one could either lounge at one of the many cafe’s (including the Fishawi’s cafe built in 1773) whilst enjoying shisha and gahwe (Black turkish/Egyptian Coffee); explore the diverse stores while surrounded by exquisite chandeliers, luxurious fabric, dazzling gems and gold , or discover the Bazaar’s Islamic background that once was cherished by the archaic Sultan’s who were known for their intellect and entrepreneurship.
However, due to the unfortunate and inconvenient incidents that occurred at The Khan al-Khalili in 2005, and 2009, and lead to 21 deaths and non fatal injuries; the Bazaar, and Egypt, were both slightly avoided by tourists who feared yet another destructive incident. Nevertheless, the Khan now continues to function in a hopeful and inviting manner that has not only attracted visitors, but has also assisted in the growth of employment.
