Private Tour of Khan El-Khalili Bazaar & The Historic Tentmakers

• Bab El-Fotouh or Bab El Nasr
• Khan El Khalili Bazaar
• Tentmakers Bazaar

About the Tent Makers

To begin with, these talented artisans create colorful and elaborately patterned appliqués used to decorate tents, serving a dual function of shelter and ornamentation. Notably, the Street of the Tentmakers (Shari’a al-Khayamiyya, or Suq al-Khayamiyya) is located in the Qasaba of Radwan Bey, a historic covered market built in the 17th century in Cairo, Egypt.

Furthermore, the tentmakers of Cairo are predominantly male, and historically, they fabricated and decorated tents for royalty and nobility. In particular, Khayamiya features hand-stitched cotton appliqué over a heavy cotton backing, and it is one of the surviving specialty quarters in Islamic Cairo. 

Therefore, this market is in the heart of Islamic Cairo as a popular destination for tourists to witness these art pieces being made firsthand and to purchase Khayamiya as souvenirs. Moreover, the tradition of tentmaking continues today, with contemporary artisans creating and selling Khayamiya textile art in Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili Souk.

Khayamiya Arts

Additionally, the art form of Khayamiya has influenced other contemporary artists in their mixed-media works, showcasing its ongoing relevance. Overall, the tentmakers of Cairo and their Khayamiya artwork highlight Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and artisan talent. 

Consequently, the Street of the Tentmakers is a must-visit for those seeking to explore tentmaking traditions and beautiful art.