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Time Business News
a day ago
- Time Business News
Walking Tour in Khan el-Khalili: A Journey Through Time and Culture
Khan el-Khalili is more than just a marketplace—it is the beating heart of Islamic Cairo, a place where history, tradition, and commerce blend into an enchanting tapestry of culture. Located in the old city of Cairo, Egypt, this bustling bazaar has existed since the 14th century. Stepping into Khan el-Khalili feels like entering a time capsule, with its labyrinthine alleyways, colorful shops, aromatic spices, and vibrant street life. Walking through this iconic market isn't just about shopping—it's about connecting with a deep and ancient culture. A walking tour in Khan el-Khalili gives visitors a firsthand experience of Egyptian hospitality, traditional craftsmanship, and the architectural legacy of the Mamluks and Ottomans. This vibrant area offers a glimpse into the past while remaining an essential part of modern Egyptian daily life. A typical walking tour in Khan el-Khalili begins at one of the grand stone gates that mark the entrance to the souk. From there, you're led by a guide or wander at your own pace, greeted by a wave of colorful stalls and friendly vendors. The air is filled with the scent of incense, roasted nuts, and freshly brewed mint tea. Expect to encounter shops selling traditional goods like handwoven carpets, brass lanterns, alabaster statues, glassware, and silver jewelry. Many artisans still work with techniques passed down through generations, creating authentic and unique souvenirs. Along the way, you may come across a small workshop or a man hammering away on copperware in the open air. The walking tour usually includes stops at historic mosques, such as the Al-Hussein Mosque, and at cultural landmarks like the El-Fishawy Café, which has been serving drinks for over 200 years. This deep cultural immersion makes Khan el-Khalili one of the most enriching areas in Cairo to explore on foot. For those who want a more personalized and informative experience, private guided tours Egypt are the best way to go. These tours often include in-depth commentary on the historical background of Khan el-Khalili and surrounding sites. A private guide can tailor the tour to suit your interests, whether it's history, art, religion, or shopping. With a private guide, you can visit hidden gems that are often missed by tourists. They may take you into ancient caravanserais (old merchant inns), traditional Egyptian perfumeries, or hidden courtyards where time seems to stand still. Their insider knowledge brings the area to life in a way that no travel book or website ever could. Private tours often incorporate other attractions nearby, such as the Al-Azhar Mosque or the Sultan Al-Ghuri Complex, adding layers of historical depth and architectural beauty to your walking tour. No walking tour in Khan el-Khalili is complete without sampling local Egyptian street food. Vendors offer an array of delicious snacks and meals that capture the essence of Egyptian cuisine. Popular choices include koshary (a mix of lentils, pasta, rice, and tomato sauce), falafel, shawarma, and freshly fried desserts like zalabia. The traditional El-Fishawy Café, open 24/7, is a perfect stop to sip on strong black tea or coffee while soaking in the ambiance. This café is a living museum of Egyptian literary and cultural life, once frequented by the famous writer Naguib Mahfouz. Dining in Khan el-Khalili isn't just about food—it's about sharing stories, embracing hospitality, and experiencing life as locals do. While Khan el-Khalili offers the charm of bustling urban culture, the nearby Mysteries of the Great Pyramid of Giza provide a spiritual and architectural counterpoint. Many tourists pair their walking tour in Cairo with a day trip to the pyramids for a full Egyptian experience. The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, holds secrets that have fascinated archaeologists and tourists alike for centuries. Whether you're pondering how it was built or gazing up at its massive scale, the pyramid complements the cultural depth you experience in Khan el-Khalili. Some private guided tours Egypt companies offer combined itineraries, allowing you to explore both the pyramids and the market with expert guidance. This way, you get to witness the grandeur of ancient engineering and the vibrancy of traditional Egyptian life—all in one trip. To fully enjoy your walking tour in Khan el-Khalili, here are a few practical tips: Wear comfortable shoes , as you'll be walking on cobbled streets and uneven terrain. , as you'll be walking on cobbled streets and uneven terrain. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds. or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds. Bring small bills , especially when shopping or tipping guides and vendors. , especially when shopping or tipping guides and vendors. Be ready to haggle —bargaining is part of the culture and often expected. —bargaining is part of the culture and often expected. Stay hydrated and take breaks at local cafes to rest and absorb the atmosphere. and take breaks at local cafes to rest and absorb the atmosphere. Ask questions during private tours; guides often have fascinating stories that make your experience richer. The origins of Khan el-Khalili date back to the 1380s, when it was founded by the Emir Djaharks el-Khalili during the rule of the Mamluks. It quickly grew into a major trading hub where merchants from all over the Islamic world would come to trade spices, textiles, and precious metals. The market has seen centuries of transformation—from the Ottoman era through to modern times—but has always retained its essence as a cultural crossroads. Walking through Khan el-Khalili is walking through hundreds of years of trade, tradition, and tales that shaped Cairo and, by extension, Egypt itself. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Cairo or returning for another adventure, a walking tour in Khan el-Khalili is an unforgettable journey. It's an immersive experience where every turn reveals something new: a hidden courtyard, a master craftsman, or an ancient stone wall whispering stories of the past. Pairing this with a visit to the Mysteries of the Great Pyramid of Giza and booking one of the many private guided tours Egypt offers ensures your journey is as educational as it is inspiring. It's not just about seeing the sights—it's about feeling the soul of Egypt. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Al-Ahram Weekly
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
El Dor El Awal band gives a concert at Room Art Space - Music and dance - Al-Ahram Weekly
Arab Oud House (Beit Al-Harrawi) Mohamed Abdu St, behind Al-Azhar Mosque, Tel 02 2510 4174 Every Sunday, 8pm (Free entry): The Nile Troupe for Folk Instruments, founded by artist Zakariya El-Hagawy, performs dances and songs from Upper Egypt on mizmar, tabla and other traditional musical instruments. Wed 9, 8pm: Oud recital by Mario Said, accompanied by his ensemble. Amir Taz Palace 27 Al-Syoufiya St, off Al-Saliba St, Al-Khalifa District, Tel 02 2514 2581 Sat 5, 8pm: A concert of religious chanting by students of Al-Enshad Al-Dini (religious chanting) School, supervised by Sheikh Mahmoud El-Tohamy. Thurs 10, 8pm: Voice band, led by artist Islam Gad. Beit Al-Seheimi Al-Moez St, Al-Darb Al Asfar Alley, Al-Gamalya District, Tel 02 2787 8865 Every Friday, 8pm (Free entry): 'Alaragouz wa Khayal Al-Zel' (The Karakouz and The Shadow Puppet), a free public performance by clowns in Al-Muaaz Street, presented by Wamda and directed by Nabil Bahgat. Cairo Opera House Gezira Exhibition Grounds, Tel 02 2737 0602/2736 0361, box office 02 2739 0132/0144 Main Hall Thurs 10, 9pm: The Talents Development Centre concert. Al-Ghouri Dome 111 Al-Azhar St, Al-Ghouriya, Tel 02 2506 0227 Al-Tanoura whirling dervishes perform to live Sufi music (Performances every Sat and Wed, 7pm). Makan 1 Saad Zaghloul St, Al-Mounira, Cairo, Tel 2792 0878 Every Tuesday, 8pm: Mawawil features vocalists Hend and Sara in a repertoire of traditional music of the Nile Delta, Al Jaafra music played by Arab Tribes from Aswan and Nass Makan band. Every Wednesday, 8pm: Zar music and songs by Mazaher ensemble featuring Umm Sameh, Umm Hassan and Nour Al-Sabah. Room Art Space & Café 10 Etihad Al Mohamin, Garden City, Tel 01000 068 159 Thurs 3, 9pm: A night of music with the singer Mahmoud Fadl and his band. Fri 4, 8pm: El Dor El Awal band presents an avant-garde mixture of Jazz and Oriental tunes. The band is known for its rich and prodigious melodies that capture your sensation and its unusual band member formation rooting from different cultural and musical backgrounds. Sat 5, 8pm: Ahmad Hani jazz fusion trio represents compositions by the bass player and the band leader Ahmad Hani in addition to some jazz standard pieces rearranged by him. The project contains the musicians: Ahmad Hani (Bass Guitar), Arsan Ezzat (Piano), and Ayman Mabrouk (Percussion). Tues 8, 8pm: Karaoke night. Thurs 10, 8pm: Jeff Buckley's Grace remains a singular work of art haunting, intricate and emotionally explosive. On this special night, Ahmed Tawfik and Youssef Amarey come together for an intimate, unplugged performance of the album, in quiet tribute to its emotional and musical depth. The Spot mall, infront of AUC Gate 4, New Cairo Thurs 3, 9pm: Karaoke night. Sat 5, 9pm: Unsecret Men's Club stand-up comedy show. Sun 6, 9pm: Comedy Gang stand-up comedy show. Mon 7, 9pm: After two sold-out nostalgic nights, Radio 2000 is back with its final and most epic volume, Hits. A night dedicated to the unforgettable songs of the 2000s — the tunes that defined a generation. Tues 8, 9pm: Open Mic. Wed 9 and Thurs 10, 9pm: Karaoke night. El Sawy Culturewheel End of 26th of July St, underneath the 15th of May Bridge, Zamalek, Tel 2736 8881/6178/2737 4448 River Hall Thurs 3, 7pm (standing): Brooklyn Babies is a tribute band devoted to bringing Lana Del Rey's iconic music to life. With meticulous attention to detail, they flawlessly recreate Lana's unique sound and enchanting aesthetics. From haunting vocals to lush instrumentation, their performances offer a nostalgic journey through Lana Del Rey's discography, capturing her cinematic charm and emotive storytelling. Wed 8, 8pm (standing): Radio band. Thurs 10, 8pm: Sufi chanting by El-Hadra troupe. Wisdom Hall Fri 4, 8.30pm: Singing recital by Ali El-Helbawy. Thurs 10, 6.30pm and 8.30pm: El Sawy Culturewheel Puppet Theatre show revives the concerts of diva Umm Kolthoum performing two of her much-loved songs. Teatro Arkan Arkan Plaza, El-Sheikh Zayed, Giza, Egypt Thurs 10, 8pm: A concert of dancing, singing, and music straight from the heart of Egyptian folklore with Tablet El Sitt band. ALEXANDRIA Alexandria Opera House (Sayed Darwish Theatre) Fouad St, Mahatat Al-Raml, Alexandria, Tel 03/486 5106 Thurs 3, 9pm: World of Arts ballet company concert. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
El Dor El Awal band gives a concert at Room Art Space - Culture - Al-Ahram Weekly
Arab Oud House (Beit Al-Harrawi) Mohamed Abdu St, behind Al-Azhar Mosque, Tel 02 2510 4174 Every Sunday, 8pm (Free entry): The Nile Troupe for Folk Instruments, founded by artist Zakariya El-Hagawy, performs dances and songs from Upper Egypt on mizmar, tabla and other traditional musical instruments. Wed 9, 8pm: Oud recital by Mario Said, accompanied by his ensemble. Amir Taz Palace 27 Al-Syoufiya St, off Al-Saliba St, Al-Khalifa District, Tel 02 2514 2581 Sat 5, 8pm: A concert of religious chanting by students of Al-Enshad Al-Dini (religious chanting) School, supervised by Sheikh Mahmoud El-Tohamy. Thurs 10, 8pm: Voice band, led by artist Islam Gad. Beit Al-Seheimi Al-Moez St, Al-Darb Al Asfar Alley, Al-Gamalya District, Tel 02 2787 8865 Every Friday, 8pm (Free entry): 'Alaragouz wa Khayal Al-Zel' (The Karakouz and The Shadow Puppet), a free public performance by clowns in Al-Muaaz Street, presented by Wamda and directed by Nabil Bahgat. Cairo Opera House Gezira Exhibition Grounds, Tel 02 2737 0602/2736 0361, box office 02 2739 0132/0144 Main Hall Thurs 10, 9pm: The Talents Development Centre concert. Al-Ghouri Dome 111 Al-Azhar St, Al-Ghouriya, Tel 02 2506 0227 Al-Tanoura whirling dervishes perform to live Sufi music (Performances every Sat and Wed, 7pm). Makan 1 Saad Zaghloul St, Al-Mounira, Cairo, Tel 2792 0878 Every Tuesday, 8pm: Mawawil features vocalists Hend and Sara in a repertoire of traditional music of the Nile Delta, Al Jaafra music played by Arab Tribes from Aswan and Nass Makan band. Every Wednesday, 8pm: Zar music and songs by Mazaher ensemble featuring Umm Sameh, Umm Hassan and Nour Al-Sabah. Room Art Space & Café 10 Etihad Al Mohamin, Garden City, Tel 01000 068 159 Thurs 3, 9pm: A night of music with the singer Mahmoud Fadl and his band. Fri 4, 8pm: El Dor El Awal band presents an avant-garde mixture of Jazz and Oriental tunes. The band is known for its rich and prodigious melodies that capture your sensation and its unusual band member formation rooting from different cultural and musical backgrounds. Sat 5, 8pm: Ahmad Hani jazz fusion trio represents compositions by the bass player and the band leader Ahmad Hani in addition to some jazz standard pieces rearranged by him. The project contains the musicians: Ahmad Hani (Bass Guitar), Arsan Ezzat (Piano), and Ayman Mabrouk (Percussion). Tues 8, 8pm: Karaoke night. Thurs 10, 8pm: Jeff Buckley's Grace remains a singular work of art haunting, intricate and emotionally explosive. On this special night, Ahmed Tawfik and Youssef Amarey come together for an intimate, unplugged performance of the album, in quiet tribute to its emotional and musical depth. The Spot mall, infront of AUC Gate 4, New Cairo Thurs 3, 9pm: Karaoke night. Sat 5, 9pm: Unsecret Men's Club stand-up comedy show. Sun 6, 9pm: Comedy Gang stand-up comedy show. Mon 7, 9pm: After two sold-out nostalgic nights, Radio 2000 is back with its final and most epic volume, Hits. A night dedicated to the unforgettable songs of the 2000s — the tunes that defined a generation. Tues 8, 9pm: Open Mic. Wed 9 and Thurs 10, 9pm: Karaoke night. El Sawy Culturewheel End of 26th of July St, underneath the 15th of May Bridge, Zamalek, Tel 2736 8881/6178/2737 4448 River Hall Thurs 3, 7pm (standing): Brooklyn Babies is a tribute band devoted to bringing Lana Del Rey's iconic music to life. With meticulous attention to detail, they flawlessly recreate Lana's unique sound and enchanting aesthetics. From haunting vocals to lush instrumentation, their performances offer a nostalgic journey through Lana Del Rey's discography, capturing her cinematic charm and emotive storytelling. Wed 8, 8pm (standing): Radio band. Thurs 10, 8pm: Sufi chanting by El-Hadra troupe. Wisdom Hall Fri 4, 8.30pm: Singing recital by Ali El-Helbawy. Thurs 10, 6.30pm and 8.30pm: El Sawy Culturewheel Puppet Theatre show revives the concerts of diva Umm Kolthoum performing two of her much-loved songs. Teatro Arkan Arkan Plaza, El-Sheikh Zayed, Giza, Egypt Thurs 10, 8pm: A concert of dancing, singing, and music straight from the heart of Egyptian folklore with Tablet El Sitt band. ALEXANDRIA Alexandria Opera House (Sayed Darwish Theatre) Fouad St, Mahatat Al-Raml, Alexandria, Tel 03/486 5106 Thurs 3, 9pm: World of Arts ballet company concert. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
