Wikala of Qawsun, Caravanserai in Cairo, Egypt.
The Wikala of Qawsun was a multi-story trading complex in Cairo with residential quarters, storage areas, and interior courtyards for merchants and their animals. The structure combined marketplace, warehouse, and lodging functions within a single building.
The building was constructed before 1341 during the Mamluk period and served as a key trading hub for merchants in medieval Cairo. It remained part of the city's commercial network until its demolition in the 1960s.
The building brought together merchants and travelers who conducted business and social interactions within its spaces. Its layout shows how people from different places gathered to trade and exchange goods on a daily basis.
The site is located in central Cairo and is accessible to visitors, though only remains of the original structure are visible today. It is useful to check local conditions before planning a visit, as the site's current state may vary.
The building was demolished in the 1960s, removing an important example of medieval trading architecture from the city. Its original plans and written records help scholars understand how commerce functioned in historical Cairo.
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