Name of Monument:Khan al-Khalili Also known as:Bab al-Ghuri or Bab al-Badistan Location:Khan al-Khalili is located close to al-Husayn Mosque in the Husayn Quarter. The site of the khan was originally the burial place of the Fatimid caliphs known as the Za’afran Tomb, which was once part of the Great Fatimid Eastern Palace (built AH 358 / AD 968), Cairo, Egypt Date of Monument:Hegira 917 / AD 1511 Period / Dynasty:Mamluk Patron(s):Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri (r. 906–22 / AD 1501–16). Description:Khan al-Khalili is a world-renowned market and tourist landmark to which most visitors flock in order to buy products and gifts of the East. It also contains the largest gold and silver market in Egypt. In AH 786 / AD 1384, during the reign of al-Malik al-Zahir Barquq who ruled twice (AH 784–91 / AD 1382–9 and 792–801 / AD 1389–98), Amir Jaharqas al-Khalili set up an inn (khan) on the site of the Za'afran tomb. In AH 917 / AD 1511 Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri destroyed Khan al-Khalili and constructed rubu' (small hotels) in its place, as well as warehouses and shops, which are known today by the name of Wikalat al-Kotn (Cotton Caravanserai). There were three principal entrances to the khan but little remains of these today except for one gate: Bab al-Ghuri, also known as Bab al-Badistan (Badistan being Turkish for cotton or linen), which is located at the west end of the road leading from al-Husayni Shrine to the interior of Khan al-Khalili. View Short DescriptionA world-famous name in the heart of Fatimid Cairo, this is one of the oldest markets in Egypt. It is a tourist attraction and a meeting place to buy souvenirs and antiques. This historical area, with its narrow streets, alleys and old buildings, allows the visitor to enjoy the feel and smell the aroma of history, while watching craftsmen at work on their traditional products. How Monument was dated:The monument was dated with the help of historical sources such as Bada'i al-Zuhur by Ibn Iyas; the presence of both the name and titles of the sponsor is seen on the blazon at the entrance. Selected bibliography:Prisse d'Avennes, é., L'Art arabe d'après les monuments du Caire depuis le VIIe siècle jusqu'à la fin du XVIIIe, Paris, 1877. Citation of this web page:Tarek Torky "Khan al-Khalili" in Discover Islamic Art, Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. 2024. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;eg;Mon01;18;en Prepared by: Tarek Torky
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