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Where's it's at
The famous bazaar of Khan al-Khalili, by one of the
five original gates of the city, is located on one of Cairo's
oldest street. Known as the Turkish Bazaar in the Ottoman
period, it's now simply called Khan. It represents
the market tradition that established Cairo as an international
centre for trade and the 'river of gold' which ran through
Egypt. Khan is one of the Middle East's greatest bazaars and
has been doing business since the Middle Ages. Today it exists
mainly for the tourist trade and is a hotspot for bustle,
bartering and bargains, as well as the site of many tombs
and mosques.
Shoppers Paradise
A lot of local goods are made in the tiny workshops hidden
in the maze of the bazaar. It's easy to get lost in the labyrinth
of narrow winding streets and razor sharp vendors watch you
keen eyed to impress their trade on you, as odours of exotic
spices and smoke encompass you.
The west of the Khan is the street of the goldsellers
where the best deals for gold and silver are to be had, and
the brass and coppersmith markets lie beyond this. The street
of the tentmakers is a covered market for a centuries
old tradition, and here it is cool under canvas. The tents
on sales are not for camping but decorative for weddings and
occasions, created in intricate shapes and mesmerising arabesque
designs. This street is the centre for the trade in camel
hair rugs - cheap but colourful gifts.
Remember: Egypt is a Muslim country, and women should keep
their arms, neck and legs covered when shopping.
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