Khan el-Khalili, which during the Ottoman era was known as the Turkish bazaar is presently known by the name 'Khan'. This colorful market reflects the true culture of Egypt and is considered to be one of the favorite tourist attractions of the city. It was constructed in 1382 by the Emir Djaharks el-Khalili at a central place in the Fatimid City. Khan el-Khalili along with the al-Muski market, which lies to the west, forms the most important shopping areas of Cairo. This market tradition established Cairo as a major trade center and Khan is still visited by foreign merchants for trades.
At one corner of triangle lies Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, to its south is Bab Zuwayla and to its west is Azbakiyyah.
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The market place is encircled on the west by the Muski Market and on the south by al-Azhar Street. The entrance to the ancient courtyard located midway down Sikkit al-Badistan (street) has the old original gates.
Tourists can choose from the wide variety of shopping goods available at this market place, which includes articles made of brass, ceramic ware, clothes, dry fruits, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, essential oils, water pipes, souvenirs, handicrafts, glass ware and many more. To the west of Khan along the "street of the goldsellers", one can get better deals for gold and silver. The Khan el-Khalili at Cairo gives us a glimpse of the market place of the ancient period.
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