Thursday, May 04, 2006

Tentmaker Street

Life got hectic on me this week. A friend in town only briefly, a sick husband, and a new jewelry making class. Aiyee. Hubby is better and off to work, so this is my chance to play catch-up.

My friend LC and I visited Tentmakers' Street on Tuesday. It's located in a very old part of Cairo known as Islamic Cairo. It's also not too far from the Khan al Khalili, the giant souq/bazaar I've told you about previously. This time I was paying attention, so I can actually get back there without a guide - hurrah.

This is the mosque that is located at one end of the street. You walk through the gateway there on the left to enter the street unless you come from the other, less picturesque, direction.

The shops are pretty small and narrow. Each of the appliques hanging on a door indicates a different shop. The street itself is narrow (and, unbelievably, not closed off to traffic) with a wooden "roof" stretching across to block out the sun somewhat.


The latest trend seems to be making miniature tents - or at least I'm now paying attention to them. The one on the lower left is made out of a material printed in the style of the old, typical tents. Back then it would have been appliqued. These are traditional colors: the reds, blues and yellows.

Isn't this one a beauty? I didn't crop the photo so you could see the rest of the shop. There were a couple of very tempting pieces in this shop - I might have to buy one the next time I'm down there.

11 comments:

Joyce said...

That street looks amazing!The colors are dazzling. Very inspiring for a quilter, I'd say.

YankeeQuilter said...

Love everything on that street to include the little white Vespa! The mini-tent is adourable. Is the fabric it sits on batik? The final photo has your colors...did it make it way home with you?!
Sio

ForestJane said...

That last pic is ...wow. I'd never have the patience to hand applique all that down, but I can sure admire it!

What do people use the mini tents for? Are they expensive enough for tabletop display or are they the summer home of Barbie-from-Egypt?

At my house, they'd become little kitty tents, quite quickly! lol

Laura said...

What inspiring pictures, sounds like you had a wonderful time.

Finn said...

Great pictures Tonya, and what fun to go shopping with you. I love that last pic..I'm guessing that was the temptation..LOL

I think I'd have a hard time resisting. Might as well take advantage of being there, right? *VBS*

Judy said...

The tentmakers place constantly amazes me each time you visit and show us pictures. Don't crop, I love to see all the "stuff" in the background. I wonder what the little tents are for? They would be great for a kid in the back yard...like a little doll/play house?

Great photos!

Quiltgranny said...

Oh, thanks so much for taking us with you today! How awe inspiring are the colors and the shapes! Love them all, and I sure hope you get one for all of us next time you go! (Dream on, right? LOL!)

Quilts And Pieces said...

I am constantly amazed like everyone else at all the colors and designs in Egypt and the markets. And your teasing me aren't you!!!!....

I just can't even imagine being able to see things like that in real life! I love your tours you give on your blog!

Cher said...

totally fun - thanks for the tour...fantastic colors-those are my sort of tents.

Ann said...

I also loved taking this tour with you! Thanks so much for sharing!

Bonnie K. Hunter said...

These are just MIND BOGGLING! WOW!

Bonnie