Khan El-Khalili speaks: El-Sisi, Macron's symbolic stroll that echoed beyond words - Society
For years, the mint tea seller had poured steaming cups without a second thought, but today, he stood in awe as the presidential motorcade passed by. This occurred when President El-Sisi accompanied Macron to Old Cairo's Khan El-Khalili market on Sunday evening, marking the beginning of Macron's three-day visit to Egypt.
Later, wiping his brow with a rose-embroidered cloth, Mustafa said, 'Of course, I felt joy. It's a message to the world: Egypt is safe.' He quietly recited a Quranic verse: 'Enter Egypt, God willing, in safety and security.'
This was no random visit. Khan El-Khalili was chosen with intention—not just for its charm but to deliver a message that contradicted headlines of unrest. Amid the scent of cardamom and the clinking of metal, the two presidents walked side by side, blending into the crowd, their security details almost unnoticed.
Khan El-Khalili, a historic district in Old Cairo, has long drawn visitors with its bustling bazaars, traditional eateries, and vibrant street life. Known for its centuries-old architecture and enduring charm, the 600-year-old market remains one of the oldest in Egypt and the Middle East. Despite the passage of time, it has retained its Mamluk-era character.
File Photo: Bab al-Ghuri and shops in the market area in Khan El-Khalili. Photo courtesy of my guide cairo website.
Video clips and photos captured the two presidents also walking through Al-Hussein Square, where the public greeted them warmly outside the iconic Al-Hussein Mosque and Shrine, engaging with the crowd as they passed.
Nobel's Café
El-Sisi and Macron later dined at one of the renowned local restaurants in the market.
At Nagib Mahfouz Café and Restaurant, named after Egypt's Nobel laureate, the air hummed with the gentle melodies of oud music.
Ashraf Attia, the owner, had coordinated closely with French embassy officials. 'Our goal was to offer the best service,' he said, gesturing to the high-ceilinged hall adorned with oil paintings and Arabic calligraphy. The presidential delegation, nearly 80 strong, had reserved the entire place for a traditional Egyptian meal: lentil soup, grilled meats, baba ghanoush, and oriental sweets.
Kamel, a soft-spoken waiter in his thirties, recalled Macron's simplicity: 'He pointed at dishes like any tourist would.' He indicated the table where the leaders sat, which the next day hosted a Texan tour group. Their guide, Nashwa Awad, said she insisted they dine there after seeing footage of the visit. 'I told them: This is a historic moment!'
One tourist, a white-haired woman in a purple blouse, whispered, 'You have a beautiful, safe country.' Then, as if sharing a secret, she added, 'We didn't come just for the pyramids. We came to see the people—how they live together despite everything.'
Egyptian Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and French President Macron dining at Nagib Mahfouz Café and Restaurant in Khan El-Khalili. Photo courtesy of Khan El Khalili Restaurant Facebook page.
The silent pride of artisans
Down a narrow alley, Samir's handmade paper shop glimmered, its sheets dyed in rich hues. 'I gifted the president a notebook I made,' he said, smoothing a page with care. 'The visit was diplomatic, yes, but also a message: Egypt stands strong and safe.'
Nearby, Ahmed, an elderly fabric merchant, remembered the president's roots: 'He is from here, from El-Gamaleya. His family worked in arabesque woodwork. I remember his father and grandfather crafting mother-of-pearl inlays. Back then, our neighbourhood had Jews, English, and Armenians. His cousins still work in the trade, with a workshop nearby.'
Two streets over, an old mother-of-pearl workshop displayed frames etched with Arabic script. Mahmoud, the craftsman, reflected, 'Maybe the president worked here as a boy in this fading craft. If so, it gave him a deep knowledge of art and trade.'
At Arabesque Ali Hamama's workshop, antique wooden balconies and other relics stood prominently. Haj Ali Halawa, the elder, interjected: 'This is one of Cairo's oldest workshops. Even the TV series Arabesque, starring Saleh El-Saadany, was inspired here.'
Tea and unscripted moments
At Umm Kulthum Café, owner Magdy seemed in disbelief. 'They walked in like regular customers,' he insisted. 'No crowds—just families enjoying tea.' The two presidents lingered over their cups, with Macron appearing enchanted by vintage radios playing the songs of the Star of the East.
Behind this warmth, heavier matters lay. Sources confirmed talks on Gaza aid and economic partnerships. But in Khan El-Khalili, the message was clearer: Egypt's streets, often reduced to headlines of crisis, could still host a quiet stroll between old friends
The two presidents greeted vendors and passersby while strolling through the Khan El-Khalili market.
As the sun set over Khan El-Khalili, lanterns flickered on, casting a warm glow over the centuries-old market. The presidents departed, the tea was cleared, and tourists resumed their visits. But for a brief moment, between sips of mint tea and handshakes with artisans, Egypt was seen not through headlines but as it truly is: enduring, vibrant, and welcoming. Some messages speak without words.
Tourism is one of Egypt's key sources of foreign currency, along with remittances from Egyptians abroad, Suez Canal revenues, and foreign direct investments.
In 2024, Egypt welcomed 15.7 million tourists and generated $14.1 billion in total revenue, exceeding the previous record of 14.9 million visitors set in 2023.
To boost tourism, the Egyptian government has developed a national tourism strategy to attract 30 million visitors by 2028.
Follow us on:
Short link:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily News Egypt
2 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
Industry minister, automakers discuss localizing car sheet metal production
Egypt's Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel Al-Wazir has held an extensive meeting with leading steel producers and representatives from automotive and bus manufacturing and assembly companies, as part of the state's strategy to promote local manufacturing and deepen production chains. The Monday discussions focused on exploring practical mechanisms to localize automotive sheet metal production in Egypt. Al-Wazir underlined the government's firm commitment to supporting the iron and steel sector, given its critical role in sustaining key industries—particularly the automotive industry. He stressed that localizing automotive sheet metal production is currently a top priority, as it would significantly reduce import costs, increase the proportion of local content, and enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian products in domestic and global markets. The Minister explained that the ministry is developing an integrated strategy based on two main pillars. The first pillar aims to ensure a sustainable legislative and incentive framework, alongside clear implementation plans to support long-term industrial investment. The second focuses on identifying vehicle components that can realistically be manufactured locally, supported by skilled human resources and defined timelines. Al-Wazir noted that the ministry will continue close coordination with all relevant parties—including private sector stakeholders and government institutions—to ensure the efficient and timely execution of this national initiative. He emphasised that localizing automotive sheet metal production is not only a critical step in reducing imports but also serves as a launchpad for broader efforts to expand local manufacturing of vehicle components. This will pave the way for new industrial partnerships aligned with Egypt's economic development goals. The Minister highlighted that the domestic market has solid demand that could underpin the establishment of various feeder industries. He pointed out that Egypt already produces some automotive components that are exported to international markets, reflecting the competitiveness and quality of local manufacturing. Al-Wazir also identified promising opportunities to localize additional key components—including tires, glass, and sheet metal—and affirmed that the ministry is working to capture these opportunities by fostering effective public-private partnerships and creating a supportive environment for sustainable industrial investment. During the meeting, participants reviewed the perspectives of major steel producers on the feasibility of supplying sheet metal tailored to the design and structural needs of different vehicle types. Discussions also addressed production methods for exterior sheet metal, relevant design standards, and technical specifications. The meeting further examined the strategy and estimated production volumes needed to align with the state's broader plan to localize the automotive industry. Al-Wazir announced plans to hold a larger follow-up meeting with vehicle manufacturers and feeder industries to deepen technical discussions. The goal is to ensure that local sheet metal production matches the specifications required by automotive manufacturers. He called for closer coordination between steel producers, car assembly firms, and component manufacturers to integrate supply chains and advance the localization process in line with the national vision. The Minister concluded by stating that localizing automotive sheet metal production represents a qualitative step toward increasing local content and improving the effectiveness of the incentives offered to the automotive sector. This move is expected to boost the sector's regional and international competitiveness by reducing reliance on imports, improving supply chain stability, and enhancing investor confidence in Egypt's industrial landscape—all of which support manufacturers' capacity to meet production and export targets.
Daily News Egypt
3 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Foreign Minister discusses Nile water security with Ugandan president
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Entebbe on Monday to discuss Egypt's 'existential' concerns over its water security and ways to boost bilateral ties, the Egyptian foreign ministry said. Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, also attended the high-level meeting during the official visit to Uganda. In a statement, the ministry said Abdelatty conveyed Egypt's concerns regarding the Nile River and stressed the need to adhere to international law for shared water resources. He voiced Egypt's rejection of 'unilateral actions' in the eastern Nile Basin and affirmed that Cairo 'will take all necessary measures under international law to protect its water security.' 'The waters of the Nile are an existential issue for Egypt,' Abdelatty told the Ugandan president. The minister of water resources and irrigation reiterated that respect for international law on the Nile River is the basis for positive cooperation to achieve the common interest of all basin countries. During the meeting, Abdelatty, who conveyed greetings from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, also called for the formation of a joint Egyptian-Ugandan business council to boost investment in sectors like construction, energy, and pharmaceuticals. He highlighted the potential for joint projects through a financing mechanism recently established by Egypt to support development in southern Nile Basin countries. The officials also discussed regional security developments, including the situation in the Horn of Africa and counter-terrorism efforts. For his part, President Museveni asked for his greetings to be passed to President Sisi and stressed his country's keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation, the statement said. Separately, Abdelatty and Sewilam also met with Ugandan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello, in Kampala. In that meeting, they discussed similar issues of economic cooperation and regional security, and Abdelatty delivered a grant of agricultural equipment and light transport vehicles to a Ugandan non-governmental organisation that supports youth and small-scale farmers.
Al-Ahram Weekly
8 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt supports Lebanon's sovereignty, national unity: El-Sisi to Aoun
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's unwavering support for Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity during a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday, according to a statement from the Egyptian Presidency. El-Sisi expressed Egypt's categorical rejection of any violations against Lebanese sovereignty and reaffirmed support for Lebanon's national institutions in their efforts to maintain security and stability. He also reaffirmed Egypt's support for Lebanon's national institutions in their efforts to ensure security and stability and expressed Egypt's readiness to assist the Lebanese government in reconstruction efforts—an offer that the Lebanese President appreciated. The two leaders discussed ways to bolster bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, and investment, in line with the aspirations of both peoples. Regional developments were also on the agenda, with both presidents emphasizing the need to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. On Gaza, El-Sisi and Aoun stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, an end to Israeli aggression, and the swift delivery of humanitarian aid. They also emphasized the importance of releasing all hostages and detainees and launching a rapid reconstruction process in Gaza. Both leaders reaffirmed their countries' longstanding support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate right to establish an independent state, while firmly rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians from their land. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
