Latest news with #Mamluks
Time Business News
7 days 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
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why an Xbox Video Game Franchise Is a Partner in a Major Exhibit at The Louvre Museum
While it's now accepted by many that video games are an art form, it still might be hard to believe that one is featured in an exhibit at the same museum that's home to Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa': The Louvre in Paris. But this week, Xbox and World's Edge Studio announced a partnership with what is arguably the most prestigious museum in the world for its new exhibition, 'Mamluks 1250–1517.' More from Variety Xbox Ally Handheld Console to Launch This Year From Microsoft Xbox Hikes Consoles Prices More Than 25% Amid Trump Tariffs Xbox Content, Services Drive 5% Overall Microsoft Gaming Revenue Growth, Hardware Sales Down 6% For those who are unaware of how the gaming studios connect to this aspect of the Egyptian Syrian empire: The Mamluks cavalry are among the many units featured in Xbox and World's Edge Studio's 'Age of Empires' video game franchise. The cavalry is a fan favorite choice in the game centered around traversing the ages and competing against rival empires, particularly in 'Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition.' Presented at the Louvre until July 28, the exhibit 'Mamluks 1250–1517″ recounts 'the glorious and unique history of this Egyptian Syrian empire, which represents a golden age for the Near East during the Islamic era,' per its official description. 'Bringing together 260 pieces from international collections, the exhibition explores the richness of this singular and lesser-known society through a spectacular and immersive scenography.' This marks the first time a video game franchise has collaborated with the Louvre Museum, with installations and events that occur both in person at the museum and online through the 'Age of Empires' game: Official 'Louvre Museum' scenario in Age of Empires II: Definitive EditionPlayers can embody General Baybars and Sultan Qutuz at the really heart of the Ain Jalut battle(1260), which opposed the Mamluk Sultanate to the Mongol Empire. This scenario, speciallycreated for the occasion, is already available in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (see onhttp:// for instructions on finding the map in the game) [LiveTuesday 10th at 9am PT/6pm BST]. Exclusive Gaming Night on Twitch Live from the LouvreOn Thursday, June 12, at 8 PM, streamer and journalist Samuel Etienne (1.1M FrenchStreamer) will replay live from the exhibition 'Mamluks 1250-1517' at the Louvre the official'Louvre Museum' scenario to relive the famous Battle of Ain Jalut on the game Age of EmpiresII: Definitive Edition, in the presence of Le Louvre Teams and one of the studio's is an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Mamluks and their representationin the various episodes of the saga. Cross-Interview: The Louvre x Age of EmpiresTo discover more, an interview featuring Adam Isgreen, creative director at World's Edge, thestudio behind the franchise, and Souraya Noujaïm and Carine Juvin, curators of the exhibition,is available on the YouTube channels of the Louvre and Age of Empires. Mediation and Gaming Sessions at the MuseumMuseum visitors at the Louvre are invited to test the scenario of the Battle of Ain Jalut,specially designed for the Mamluk exhibition, in the presence of a Louvre mediator and anXbox representative during an exceptional series of workshops. The sessions will take place onFridays, June 20, 27, and 4 & 11 of July. All information and registrations are available here: 'World's Edge is honoured to collaborate with Le Louvre,' head of World's Edge studio Michael Mann said. 'The 'Age of Empires' franchise has been bringing history to life for more than 65 million players around the world for almost 30 years. We've always believed in the great potential for our games to spark an interest in history and culture. We often hear of teachers using 'Age of Empires' to teach history to their students and stories from our players about how 'Age of Empires' has driven them to learn more, or even to pursue history academically or as a career. This opportunity to bring the amazing stories of the Mamluks to new audiences through the Louvre's exhibition is one we're excited to be a part of. We hope that through the excellent work of the Louvre's team, the legacy of the Mamluks can be shared around the world, and that people enjoy their stories as they come to life through 'Age of Empires.'' 'We are delighted to welcome 'Age of Empires' as part of the exhibition Mamluks 1250–1517, through a unique partnership that blends the pleasures of gaming with learning and discovery,' Souraya Noujaim, director of the Department of Islamic Arts and chief curator of the exhibition at le Louvre Museum, said. 'It is a way for the museum to engage with diverse audiences and offer a new narrative, one that resonates with contemporary sensitivities, allowing for a deeper understanding of artworks and a greater openness to world history. Beyond the game, the museum experience becomes an opportunity to move from the virtual to the real and uncover the true history of the Mamluks and their unique contribution to universal heritage.' See video and images below from the 'Age of Empires' in-game event and the in-person exhibit at the Louvre. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts? 25 Hollywood Legends Who Deserve an Honorary Oscar
The National
31-01-2025
- Sport
- The National
Photo essay: The ancient art of Mamluk archery brought to life in Umm Al Quwain
As the early morning mist clears with the sunrise, a unique group of international practitioners of the ancient art of Mamluk archery gathers on a dune top overlooking scattered camel pens and small local farms. They have come from the UK, Turkey and as far away as Austin, Texas, to participate in this year's Mamluk Games, held at Al Kaber Stables, Umm Al Quwain. The archery practised here today is an ancient form of the sport, with the heritage of the combat form that originated in the 11th century. Starting in 1171, most of the Mamluks under the Ayyubid Dynasty of the medieval Sultanate of Egypt were taken from the Turkic-Kipchaks of the Central Steppe. The Kipchaks, who already had a strong tradition of mounted combat and archery, contributed to the development of Mamluk archery in the medieval Near East, from where the style and traditions on show in the games were re-enacted in the first three-day Mamluk Games. Mahmoud Qalyoubi, head coach for Mamluk Academy UAE and the host of the first Mamluk Games, explains the cultural relevance. "The Mamluks ruled out of Cairo, parts of North Africa and the western side of the Arabian Peninsula. Their influence was significant in developing this region from all aspects of life, specifically their knowledge of horseback archery. Today, we preserve this knowledge by carrying on the tradition." The term "Mamluk", derived from Arabic, translates to "one who is owned", meaning "slave". It explicitly refers to non-Arab, ethnically diverse people who were enslaved mercenaries assigned to high-ranking military and administrative duties in service to the ruling Arab and Ottoman dynasties in the Muslim world. They often attained high ranks and garnered wide respect for their skills within their communities. Over time, they evolved into a powerful military knightly class in various Muslim societies under dynastic Arab rulers, particularly in Egypt and Syria, but also within the Ottoman Empire, the Levant, Mesopotamia and as far away as India. Mahmoud said: "The present-day Mamluk Academy is headquartered in Ankara, Turkey, with multiple other clubs across the world. The idea of the first edition of the Mamluk Games is a competition to bring all the different clubs together to revive traditional historical archery disciplines within the region. This competition included challenges on the ground but focused highly on the horseback aspect of the tradition. Our participants represented their respective clubs from countries such as Germany, Turkey, UAE, UK and US." The primary focus of the Mamluks' military prowess was their cavalry. The Arabic term "Furusiyya" refers to equestrianism, specifically military equestrianism. These talents were on show, with riders participating in various challenges involving a hand-made Mamluk-style recurve bow. Targets are set on a course and each rider is timed throughout several runs to hit as many targets as accurately as possible. "The uniqueness of the first Mamluk Games competition was that it combined both ground archery and horseback archery as opposed to one or the other," Mahmoud said. "Furthermore, all competition disciplines and tracks were true historical representations of how the Mamluks were training and testing the skills of their archers." Though small, the three-day event brings the ancient arts back to a region that could have seen the original Mamluk warrior cross it many centuries ago. "I wouldn't call it a sport; it is a tradition," he said. "This tradition is being revived through various efforts across the globe. At Mamluk Academy, we are committed to passing the correct historical knowledge to our students to keep the flow of expertise running for generations to come."
