13/12/2020
Khan el-Khalili
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The Khan el-Khalili today is occupied by local merchants and traders, and is significantly geared towards tourists where it is considered as one of the most popular souqs in the region. Shops typically sell souvenirs, antiques and jewelry, but the adjoining goldsmiths' souq, for example, is still important for locals.[5][9]:81 Although less widespread than in earlier days, many craftsmen' workshops continue to operate within the bazaar (usually in the courtyards or upper floors of buildings) or in the surrounding districts, manufacturing some of the products sold here or exported elsewhere.[7]
In addition to shops, there are several coffeehouses (مقهى maqha ), restaurants, and street food vendors distributed throughout the market. The coffeeshops are generally small and quite traditional, serving Arabic coffee and usually offering sh**ha. One of the oldest and most famous coffeehouses is El Fishawi's, established in 1773.[9]:109
The Khan al-Khalili proper is bounded by al-Muizz street to the west, al-Muski Street to the south, and the Mosque/shrine of al-Hussein (and its adjoining square) to the east, with its northern boundary less clear. However, in reality the souq/bazaar area spreads beyond these limits and is closely integrated into the surrounding districts.[7] For example, al-Muski street, which runs perpendicular to al-Muizz street and cuts across the south end of Khan al-Khalili, is a major souq street frequented mostly by locals for much of its length.[8]
In addition to the important Mosque and shrine of al-Hussein, Al-Azhar University and, with it, the Al-Azhar Mosque, are also nearby. The monumental area of Bayn al-Qasrayn is also just northwest of the district, and some of its historic Islamic buildings were once maintained with the help of revenues from designated shops and commercial buildings in the area.[4][6]
