The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Cairo is not just a city of crowds and history; it is also full of places that hold the stories of the people who lived there hundreds of years ago.

Among these treasures is Beit Al-Kharazaty in the Gammaliya district, one of the most beautiful houses that combines authenticity and storytelling. This house was built in the 19th century and has retained much of its spirit over the years.

Where to Find Beit Al-Kharazaty

Beit Al-Kharazaty is located in the heart of historic Cairo, in the Gamaliya district, specifically in Darb El Asfar, which branches off Al-Muizz Street, between Bab El Nasr and Bab El Futuh. The place itself transports you to Old Cairo, with its decorations, alleyways, and a unique atmosphere hard to find anywhere else.

History of the House and Its People

Beit Al-Kharazaty was founded in 1881, and it belonged to a bead merchant named Shehata Al-Kharazaty. The historic house was named after him. The name alone tells of a profession that was very widespread in old Cairo: the trade in beads and handicrafts.

The house witnessed the lives of many people, as it was home to 24 families from the general public and contained six small shops serving the area. Time took its toll on the building, especially since it was built of red brick, which made it susceptible to deterioration.

Archaeological Status and Restoration

Despite its beauty and history, Beit Al-Kharazaty was not registered as an official monument due to its structural condition at the time. It was classified as an “archaeological sanctuary” instead, belonging to Beit Al-Suhaymi and Beit Mustafa Jaafar, which are among the area’s heritage Islamic houses.

Between 1994 and 2000, a major project to restore Beit Al-Kharazaty began with a huge grant from the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. It resulted in restoring the historic house to its former glory after it had been on the verge of collapse.

Becoming The National Archive of Folklore

Today, Beit Al-Kharazaty serves as the headquarters of the National Archives of Folklore, established in 2001 under UNESCO supervision. This is a project that preserves the intangible heritage of Egypt — the stories, songs, customs, and folk arts that characterise Egyptian identity.

This archive is implemented under UNESCO supervision. Its goal is to document the popular memory of Egypt from all governorates and preserve it for future generations.

Activities Provided in Beit Al-Kharazaty

The house has two floors: the first houses a computer centre and a centre for puppetry and shadow theatre, while the second floor is home to the National Archives of Folklore. Today, the place is not just an old house but also a vibrant cultural centre that preserves a part of Egypt’s authentic spirit.