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

Cairo is home to some of the most beautiful historic houses in the world, each one of them like a museum that transports you to a different historical period. Beit Yakan is not only a historical house in Darb El Ahmar but also one that carries stories across generations that are most certainly worth telling. Here are some facts about this incredible piece of Egyptian patrimony.

 

The House of The Sister 

Like the many houses that Mohamed Ali Pasha gifted to his sister in the same area, Beit Yakan was yet another gift Mohamed Ali Pasha granted to his nephew. This event is the main reason behind the Turkish name “Beit Yakan,” which means “House of The Sister.”

 

From The Gift of a King to a Meat Storage Room 

As time passed, the area’s features and characteristics changed, but Beit Yakan held the same historical value as its ownership was passed from one person to the next. Landing in the hands of a butcher, the historical site was turned into a meat storage room. The environmental wear and tear, along with the neglect of many owners, affected the structure of the house. 

 

A History Enthusiast on a Mission

The ownership eventually fell into the hands of a great Egyptian history enthusiast, a connoisseur of the value and heritage of the house. He proceeded to take up the mission of reinstituting the house to its former splendour. However, he didn’t stop there as he transformed it into a hub for cultural exchange, radiating into the heart of old Cairo. “I worked on many projects to restore monuments in old Cairo, specifically in the area where Beit Yakan resides. During my work in the area, the house constantly grabbed my attention as it was at the time owned by a butcher and used as a storage area. When I received information that the owner intended to sell the house, I started contemplating the idea of buying it myself”, said Doctor Alaa ElHbashy, president of the Architecture department at Mouneifia University, consultant of restoration and maintenance of historical buildings, as well as being the man behind Beit Yakan’s renovation.

 

The Renovation Journey

Purchasing a house that size and in dire condition needed a lot of effort and renovation to re-establish its original essence. Dr Habashy was driven by love for the area and its heritage and successfully managed to deliver these results and conquer many obstacles in his way. Beit Yakan was then turned from a neglected space to one of the most well-established historical houses in Cairo, so much so that the inhabitants of the area began referring to it as “the palace”. 

Beit Yakan, the Cultural Centre

Beit Yakan is currently playing host to many cultural events and workshops that help its audience develop different skills. Visited by Cairo’s culture enthusiasts, today, Beit Yakan is a crossroad where art and culture meet, forever reflecting its original heritage. Most of the events held at the house reflect its character and history, and workshops and exhibitions aim to restore old traditions of craftsmanship by teaching working on canvas, carpentry, and more. Workshops are available in many artisanal specialities and for both kids and adults.