Two days off for Khan El-Khalili to celebrate Imam Hussein’s birth

CAIRO – 16 January 2017: Khan El-Khalili in old Cairo will be closed for two days in celebration of the Imam Hussein’s Birth from the evening of Monday, January 15 to the night of Wednesday, January 17.

The General Administration of Tourism and Antiquities notified the Egyptian Travel Agencies Association (ETAA) to close Khan El-Khalili, meaning any tourists planning to visit will not be able to during the given time.


Vintage Photo of Khan El-Khalili- July 25, 2013 – Wikimedia / Sosimoth

The ETAA notified all travel agencies to reorganize all tours scheduled to visit the market during the celebrations, according to the General administration of tourism and antiquities.

Khan El-Khalili’s location means it has to be closed during the celebrations; it is situated next to Hussein square, the garden in front of Hussein Mosque and the market’s operation would therefore impede on the celebrations.

Built in the 14th century, Khan El-Khalili is a loud, crowded and colorful bazaar full of all kinds of Egyptian goods. It dates back to Emir Dajaharks Al-Khalili, he built the large market complex on the site of the Za’afran Tomb, which had been the burial place of the Fatimid rulers of Egypt. The market is in the original Mamluk style, which features great archways and vaulted ceilings.