Khan El Khalili

The Khan el-Khalili market.

Khan el-Khalil issa famous marketplace and bazaar, is situated in the historic center of Cairo, Egypt. Initially established as a center for trade in the Mamluk era and named after one of its numerous historic hostelries, the bazaar district has evolved into a well-liked spot in Cairo for both residents and tourists. Numerous Egyptian artisans and workshops are located in the area, aiding in the production of traditional crafts and souvenirs. In the past, Khan el-Khalili only described a single structure in the area; today, it includes the entire shopping district.

In the period of the Fatimid empire (10th-12th centuries), Khan el-Khalili was a notable site.

Cairo was initially founded in 969 CE as the primary city for the Fatimid Caliphate, which governed a vast region encompassing North Africa, the Levant, and the Hijaz. Jawhar al-Siqilli, the military leader responsible for seizing Egypt for the Fatimid rulers, was assigned to construct a large palace complex to accommodate the caliphs, their personnel, and the administrative offices. In the end, two palaces were constructed - one bigger in the east and a smaller one in the west, separated by a plaza named Bayn al-Qasrayn. 'Between the Two Palaces'. The present location of Khan el-Khalili used to be the southern section of the Fatimid palace and was also where the Fatimid caliphs were buried, including the mausoleum Turbat az-Za'faraan. In this vicinity, there was also a smaller palace known as al-Qasr al-Nafi'i, which is currently the site of the Wikala of Sulayman Agha al-Silahdar dating back to the 19th century.