Rooted in El-Khayamiya, El-Darb El-Ahmar
باب زويلة — إرث الأجداد في قلب القاهرة الفاطمية
From our family workshop facing the historic 14th-century El-Kurdy Mosque, we have preserved and created authentic Egyptian handmade Khayamiya and Cairo heritage craft since our grandfather’s era.
In Front of El-Kurdy Mosque (Est. 1395)
Our workshop and store are nestled along historic El-Khayamiya Street in El-Darb El-Ahmar, right under Cairo’s last covered medieval market. The street itself is centuries old, carrying the fragrance of textiles, seasoned wood, and antique brass.
We are situated directly facing the renowned El-Kurdy Mosque (جامع الكردي), a majestic Mamluk monument constructed in the year 1395 by Amir Mahmud al-Kurdy. For hundreds of years, artisans in our street have gathered in the shadow of this historic minaret, practicing one of the world’s most mesmerizing appliqué crafts.
Stepping into our shop is stepping into Old Cairo as it has lived for generations—where history is not behind glass, but woven with human hands every day.
Handed Down Since Our Grandfather
This trade is our family heritage. The knowledge of cutting intricate geometric patterns, hand-stitching intricate calligraphic curves, and layering canvas textiles was taught to us by our grandfather, who spent his entire life in the workshop.
Every piece we create—from monumental wall tapestries and hand-sewn floor cushions (puffs) to table runners—is stitched entirely by needle and thread, following authentic Egyptian handwork techniques that have resisted industrial mass production.
Alongside Khayamiya, we also celebrate the cultural treasures intrinsic to El-Darb El-Ahmar and Ramadan traditions: handmade Egyptian lanterns (فوانيس), copper and brass lamps, and festive seasonal objects crafted by the local artisans of our district.
Living Heritage for the Contemporary Home
We believe that authentic heritage should be lived with, not just remembered. Whether it is an embroidered Khayamiya puff in a modern living room or a handmade Cairo lantern casting warm geometric shadows, our objects carry the warmth, soul, and pride of Egyptian craftsmanship.
When you welcome a BAB ZUWEILA piece into your home, you support the families of El-Darb El-Ahmar and help keep Cairo’s centuries-old artisan traditions flourishing.
Scenes from Our Workshop
El-Kurdy Mosque (Est. 1395)
Facing our store across the historic covered lane
Handmade Khayamiya Puffs
Detailed geometric appliqué and dense canvas stitching
Traditional Appliqué Tapestries
Arabesque motifs stitched by Cairo’s master artisans
Ramadan Lanterns & Fawanees
Handcrafted Egyptian metalwork and colored glass
Family Workshop Tools
Awls, needles, chalk patterns, and heritage shears
El-Darb El-Ahmar Life
Centuries of living culture in Old Cairo