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Bat Al-Suhaymi
A captivating architecture example during the Ottoman period, located in the Al-Darb al-Asfar Street. This street is in the historic Cairo heart and a branch of the famous Al-Muizz street. This house offers you the glimpse of the living style of the Ottoman rulers and serves as a historic museum nowadays. It showcases the woodwork, spacious courtyards, and elegant mashrabiya screens which allow you to experience the grandeur of Egypt's past. Bayt Al-Suhaymi, also spelled Beit Al-Suhaymi and famous for its architecture.
Historical Background of Bayt Al-Suhaymi - 17th Century
Sheikh Abdel Wahab el-Tablawy built Bayt Al-Suhaymi in 1648, Sheikh was a notable figure in the Ottoman empire. At this time the islamic art was flourishing in the region due to which this house was constructed to showcase these aesthetic values. The house structure was designed in the traditional style of Ottoman and Mumloks by using materials like wood, stone and marble. Its strategic location was in the bustling district of Gamaliya, which makes the residents a part of the urban environment without hurting the privacy and serenity of the home.
Architectural Additions by Sheikh Ahmed Al-Suhaymi
In the 18th century the house was purchased by one of the prominent islamic scholars Sheikh Ahmed Al-Suhaymi. Under his hold the house went through some expansion without hurting its original structure. He added some adjacent houses and renovated some structures in order to make it more luxurious and spacious. They enhanced its woodwork, add some rooms to accommodate the family and guests. Due to its splendor design and artwork, this house was named as Bayt Al-Suhaymi during this period. The expansion and enhancement groom its reputation and are considered as one of finest homes in historic Cairo.
Key Features of Bayt Al-Suhaymi
A remarkable example of the islamic domestic architecture is Bayt Al-Suhaymi. It showcases numerous features but one of the notable is mashrabiya wooden lattice screens which allows the person, especially women, to observe the street life from inside the house without being seen. The aesthetic charm of the house is maintained by Elegant wooden ceilings, carved doors, marble flooring, and intricate stucco designs. Bayt Al-Suhaymi designed in a traditional way in order to maintain the privacy and ventilation. The house has cooling fountains, and shaded passageways which represents the practical genius behind Islamic architecture.
Social and Cultural Life of Bayt Al-Suhaymi
The house was also connected with the social works like the religious lectures and business meetings also conducted in this house. There is a salamlik (reception area) in the house to receive the guests and the harem section has quarters for the families. The architecture was desgined in order to provide a comfortable environment and also to adhere to Islamic customs of modesty and hospitality. Nowadays, this house allows the visitor to take a look at the living style of the elite of old Cairo during the 17th & 18th century.
Decline of Bayt Al-Suhaymi in the 19th Century
Due to the increase of urban development and modernization shift in the district the house was neglected in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The maintenance of the house and environmental damage was ignored and a large number of families started to live in once-grand homes. In this time the house came at the risk of loss due to the structural damages and loss of ornamental details. In that period there was a rare funding for the preservation of this kind of historic house due to which it did not go through renovation and preservation.
Restoration and Preservation Efforts
In the end of the 20th century a renovation project was given to the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. The Egyptian government and international conservation experts provided funds in order to revitalize the surrounding area as part of Historic Cairo’s cultural heritage. The team of experts was used to rebuild the copy of its damaged architecture sections, restoring its woodwork and masonry repair. This effort became successful in preserving the house and making it a museum and cultural center.
Bayt Al-Suhaymi Nowadays
In these modern days, tourists or visitors can walk through its various rooms, courtyards, and passageways. This house serves as a museum by showcasing the live style, art and architecture designs of the bygone era. There are many cultural events, exhibitions and traditional music performances held in this house in order to maintain the charm of the old cairo. Visitors can also hire tour guides for understanding the rich history of the Bayt Al-Suhaymi and islamic architectural values. The house is open to the public and has an entrance fee for foreigners is 200 EGP - adults and 110 - students. You can explore the house on a self base but there are many professional tour operators available on the spot. You can expect an hour trip of the house in which you will visit the private rooms, lush courtyards and intricate woodwork. There is no restriction for photography, it is advisable to visit in the morning or late afternoon for an amazing light experience for photography. Nearby cafes and souvenir shops facilitate a smooth experience.
Bayt Al-Suhaymi Nearby Attraction
The house is situated nearby the other iconic landmarks of historic Cairo. Some of them are:
- Al-Muizz Street to see centuries-old mosques, madrasas, and palaces
- Al-Hakim Mosque
- Khan El Khalili Bazaar
- Al-Azhar Mosque
All these nearby attractions are located on a walking distance which allow you to observe Cairo’s Islamic heritage in a single afternoon.
Bayt Al-Suhaymi, a historic house that allows visitors to understand the lifestyle of the islamic elites and islamic architecture designs. Bayt Al-Suhaymi is a shining example for the new generation to understand how thoughtful restoration can breathe new life into old stones and woods. If you are going to Cairo, we suggest you add it to your itinerary list for enhancing an islamic Cairo trip.
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