Qasaba of Radwan Bey, Ottoman market structure near Bab Zuwayla, Cairo, Egypt.
The Qasaba of Radwan Bey is a market street stretching approximately 150 meters with wooden roof structures and skylights providing light to the covered passage. Stone-built shops line the ground floor while upper levels once served as living quarters.
This marketplace was built around 1650 during the Ottoman period by Radwan Bey, who held the position of amir al-hajj overseeing pilgrimages to Mecca. His administrative authority and resources allowed him to develop this significant trading venue.
The market is home to the tentmaker guild, where artisans work in specialized workshops creating decorative textiles following methods passed down over centuries. This living craft tradition remains central to the daily rhythm of the bazaar.
The market lies just south of Bab Zuwayla gate, making it easy to reach from the main pathways through medieval Cairo. Plan your visit for early morning when artisans are actively working in their shops and the street is less crowded.
This is one of the few remaining covered market streets in Cairo with original stone foundations dating to the 17th century. Its design features a skylighting system that originally served workshops and shops, demonstrating practical solutions developed during the Ottoman era.
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