Textile Tales of Historic Cairo: Guided Tour in al-Darb al-Ahmar & Khiyamiyya Workshop

Join us on our upcoming tour of al-Darb al-Ahmar to discover this remarkable neighbourhood and explore how its stories have been passed down through generations.

We’ll begin our tour at one of Cairo’s historic gates — a site that has witnessed major events over the centuries and still stands today. As we go along the route, we’ll visit the renowned Khiyamiyya district, where the traditional textile art of appliqué continues to thrive in the heart of Historic Cairo. We’ll then explore al-Darb al-Ahmar neighbourhood, uncovering the stories and legends that have shaped the memory of Historic Cairo.
After the tour, we’ll head to the Heritage Workspace for a hands-on khiyamiyya workshop, led by the women of al-Khalifa neighbourhood. We’ll delve into the stories of this traditional craft and discover how fabrics can be used to tell them.

Time & Date: Saturday, 17th May 2025, from 9 AM till 4 PM

Tour Itinerary:

Bab Zuwayla
Qijmas al-Ishaqi Mosque
Al-Mardani Mosque
Umm al-Sultan Shaʿban School
The Blue mosque
Khayir Bek complex
Aytmish al-Bagassi School
Turabay al-Sharif Dome
Remains of Salah al-Din’s Wall
Entrance of Sikkat al-Mahjar Street
Al-Qal’a Square

Tour Guide: Ahmed Fathy
The tour will be conducted in Arabic.

Register here

This event is a part of al-Khalifa Tours program run by the Built Environment Collective, and all proceeds allocated will support the sustainability of the initiative’s educational and community programs in al-Khalifa neighbourhood.