ElKhalili

elKhalili is a historic district in Cairo, Egypt, best known for Khan el-Khalili, a sprawling complex of souks and caravanserais that forms one of the oldest and most famous market districts in the Middle East. The complex originated in the Mamluk era and was expanded through the Ottoman period into the 19th century, with individual khans and shops assembled into a single navigable network. The name Khan el-Khalili reflects the area’s caravanserai-style architecture and its long function as a trading hub.

The district includes a number of mosques, courtyards, and monuments associated with Islamic Cairo. The markets today offer a wide range of traditional crafts, jewelry, perfumes, spices, textiles, copperware, leather goods, and souvenirs. It remains a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience historic market life and to observe traditional crafts in operation.

Conservation and restoration efforts by Egyptian authorities have aimed to preserve the architectural and commercial character of the Khan el-Khalili area while accommodating modern tourism. The district sits within the broader historic fabric of Islamic Cairo and is frequently included in tours of Cairo’s medieval heritage, alongside nearby landmarks and other historic quarters.