Artisan shops in Cairo’s Khan Al-Khalili Souk are experiencing a major financial crisis. Since the September terrorist attacks on the United States, local shopowners reported that only a very small number of tourists visit their artisan booths, according to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat.
Recent sales have declined substantially, putting the future of the historical market in jeopardy. The new situation also influences the many traditional handicraft manufacturers, who are laying-off skilled labor.
The hand-crafted sculptures produced in Al-Khalili require talented workers who are difficult to replace. Many shop owners are concerned that they will not be able to find adequate staff once business picks up again.
Located in Cairo’s Al-Azhar Street, the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar is the largest outdoor market in the world, offering a great variety of traditional artistic goods. Purchases in the bazaar include silk or wool carpets and hand-woven tapestries, Mouski glass which is hand-blown from recycled bottles, a large variety of handmade alabaster items, gold and silver jewelry, water pipes and spices. — (Mena Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
