Venturing into the streets of historic Cairo can lead the most curious of travelers to Khan el Khalili. Symbol of the old city, it is the oldest souk in the entire city. It is the ideal place to take part in the life of the community, but above all, to find the best holiday souvenirs in Egypt.

Founded in 1382 by Emir Jaharkas al Khalili, its streets continue to attract hundreds of visitors from all over the city. Dashing and colorful, the market is full of traditional shops, restaurants and emblematic places that are sure to amaze tourists from all over the world.

History

In 970, the site of the current Khan el Khalili was a mausoleum where the remains of the Fatimid caliphs, the turbat az-za’faraan, rested. But faced with the strong economic growth of the region, Emir Jaharkas al Khalili razed the cemetery to build a large caravanserai. Caravans and merchants from all over the world met there to sell and buy all kinds of precious stones but also to obtain various oriental spices.

Around 1511, the Mamluk Sultan al-Ghouri began a major campaign of demolition and reconstruction to modernize the entire expanse, giving the buildings the air of a Turkish market. Over the years, the Khan has continued to grow, modernize and shape itself according to market demand. Thus, today, tourists from all over the world continue to jostle there to buy the best traditional products “made in Egypt”.