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Juergen Stryjak
Al Khatoun
The first time I entered this little shop next to the bazaar
Khan Al-Khalili, I had the strange feeling that there was
something wrong, but I couldn’t identify it immediately. The
fine selection of artworks? Yes and no. The complete absence of
all that tacky, omnipresent tourist stuff, which you find
everywhere in the old Islamic neighborhood of Cairo? Yes and no.
The quiet atmosphere, with no blaring tape recorders? Yes and no.
The place was different because of something else, because of a
very special reason: No shop owner or salesclerk rushed at me,
showing me things I didn’t want to see, offering me a discount
before I even asked for a price, urging me to buy things in which
I had no interest. The »Al Khatoun« gives you a completely
hassle-free shopping experience, watching and enjoying plenty of
fascinating handmade artwork, which is, over and above that,
displayed in an almost meager, but very effective and stylish
interior design. It was a great relief to shop in such a refined
and uncluttered atmosphere, and I lingered in Al Khatoun much
longer than I usually do at a Khan el Khalili shop.
Being a merchant is not the primary concern of the owners of
»Al Khatoun« and their friends. They are enthusiastic artists,
who also happen to be agricultural, or electrical engineers, as
well as an accountant or a painter, and they are, lastly,
salespeople. Their technical professions helped them to redevelop
the building, the ruins of a workshop when they took over. For
three months they worked almost around the clock, bringing forth a
place, which is, as they say, dedicated to the promotion of local
arts and crafts.
Which neighborhood is more suitable for that than old Fatimid
Cairo around the Hussein Square? »Al Khatoun« is located behind
the world-famous Al-Azhar Mosque, near to the Zeinab Khatoun House
and the Beit Al-Harrawi cultural center, two interesting buildings
of medieval Cairo. Many of other historic sights are within
walking distance, which makes »Al Khatoun« the perfect finishing
point after a long tour through Fatimid Cairo. In its little
backyard, the visitor finds benches and chairs for taking a rest
while drinking a cup of tea.
The shop sells different kinds of crafts, many of them unique
masterpieces, which combine traditional and modern styles –
glassware, leatherworks, mirrored patchwork tapestries, marvelous
letter openers, linen lampshades with Arabic calligraphy, little
wooden furniture pieces or items from brass and copper or other
metals. Every single piece is produced in Egypt, by a local
craftsmen. At »Al Khatoun« there is much to discover and buy,
and it is definitely worth the visit before you spend your money
elsewhere for the standard souvenirs.
Al Khatoun. 3, Mohamed Abdou Street, behind Al-Azhar
Mosque. Cairo. Telephone: 51 47 164. E-Mail: khatoun@wadada.net.
Open daily from 12:00 am till 9
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