Summary

• Bayt Al Suhaymi, built in 1648, is a prime example of Ottoman architecture located in Islamic Cairo.
• The house features a unique design with a central courtyard, Mashrabeya windows, and Ottoman-influenced interiors.
• Visitors can learn about medieval Cairo’s history, culture, and artistic innovation through the artifacts and architecture on display.
• Originally owned by Sheikh Mohamed Amin El Seheimy, the house was bought by the Egyptian government in 1930 and restored to serve as a museum.

Bayt Al Suhaymi, for over 370 years, has echoed rays of pure extravagant allure and hypnotic wonder branching from the enchanting Al Muizz street that showcases the majestic greatness of the Islamic Ottoman architecture that graced the epic landscape of old Cairo with heavenly forms of arts that carries a lot of history, facts, and meaning.

By walking and exploring all the pieces that bring this majestic castle to life, everyone will get to learn a great deal about the history of medieval Cairo during one of the most phenomenal days of the Ottoman kingdom. It has been transformed into a golden museum filled with some of the most magnificent artifacts and styles of architecture that shed light on the rich culture, artistic innovation, and imagination of all the brilliant artisans who lived in that glorious time period.

Bayt Al Suhaymi History

Within the majestic El Muizz Street in Islamic Cairo, on the corner of the yellow lane, “Darb Al-Asfar” lies Bayt Al Suhaymi. The house was built in 1648 AD by a man called Adel Wahab El Tablawy. After various centuries, it was bought and occupied by Sheikh Mohamed Amin El Seheimy, a Turkish sheik from Al-Azhar who lived in it until his death in 1929 and whose family held it for several subsequent generations.

The Sheikh massively extended the house by incorporating neighboring houses into its original structure, which gave it a unique design. Afterward, the Egyptian government purchased the house for 6,000 and a restoration fee of 1,000 in 1930. The house is being used today as a museum, and foreign visitors can tour it as all the enchanting decorations and original structures are still intact.

Who Built Bayt Al Suhaymi

Bayt Al Suhaymi was originally built in 1648 AD by Abdel Wahab El Tablaway in the most expensive and prestigious section of Islamic Cairo. Later, it was purchased by Sheikh Ahmed as-ٍuhaymi, whose family owned it for several subsequent generations, which explains why the house got the name. Muhammad Amin Al-Suhaimi, the original holder for the longest period, was born in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and came to Egypt in the 17th century to make the house his own home, where he set up Ramadan nights.

He transformed the house into a secular and religious arena for consultation and made it a shelter for general passersby before he died. The Egyptian government contacted his family to transform the house into a museum in 1931 AD to showcase the most ancient Islamic artifacts from the start of the Ottoman Empire to the current era.

Bayt Al Suhaymi Location & How to Get It

The mesmerizing house of Al Suhaymi is located in Al Darb Al Asfar in Al Gamaliyya. It branches from the radiating Muizz street and consists of two houses, covering a massive 2000 square meters.

There are many ways to get to this immortal wonder, but the best way includes booking a guided tour with a travel agency that will provide a private vehicle, a seasoned driver, a skilled tour operator, and a professional tour guide who will uncover the celestial greatness and beauty of this phenomenal museum.

Bayt Al Suhaymi Architecture

Bayt Al Suhaymi is regarded as a perfect model of Ottoman-era architecture; it holds a very prestigious and expensive part of Islamic Cairo, as the house plan is highly influenced by Ottoman architecture, which is allocated on the ground floor. “The Salamlek” is a place reserved for men. The house consists of three sections: in the middle, there is the Dorqa’a, which is the entrance to a covered courtyard, and the floor is designed with colorful marble. The ceiling contains a ventilated dome, allowing fresh air to circulate around the house.

On the right and left, there are two iwans, rectangular spaces usually vaulted and walled on three sides, with one end entirely open. The Salamlek also included the Takhtabush, a covered outdoor sitting area with benches that opens onto the courtyard. A luxurious feature is the Hammam, a Turkish bath located in two rooms. One has a wooden bed for massage, while the other has a small basin with two taps, believed to act as a sauna.

The walls of the house are covered with Lebanese cedarwood, and Qur’anic verses are written straight under the ceiling. The house’s inner atmosphere is quite magical, as the effect of the stained glass and incredible painted ceilings combined with the dappled light from the windows covered in Mashrabiya’s “Wooden Latticework“.

What to See inside Bayt Al Suhaymi

A visit to ٍuhaymi House offers a glimpse into the affluent lifestyle and architectural marvels of historic Cairo during the Ottoman Empire, dating back to the 17th century. All visitors will get to witness a collection of the most marvelous artifacts and structures that show the pure extravagant. Since the house is located on Mu’iz Le Din Allah Street, everyone will get to cast their eyes on the surrounding Islamic landmarks like the Al Aqmar Mosque and the Madrasa of Sultan Barquq. All will get to discover a splendid representation of 17th-century Islamic architecture, which exhibits both public and private spaces with intricate designs and functional considerations.

The house features a central sahn or courtyard, surrounded by Mashrabeya windows and a lush garden. Visitors can explore various rooms, including servant quarters, guest halls, and private chambers. Highlights of the house that are open for all include the summer guest room with its remarkable Mashrabeya screen, balconies for cooling off, and the private Maq’ad chamber adorned with ornate ceilings. The Haremlek section is known to be reserved for women and is filled with unique Mashrabeya screens and intimate resting areas.

The house also features a fascinating bath section with cold and hot water areas, massage rooms, and traditional toilets. One of the rooms open for the public includes the main sleeping room, adorned with elegant blue tiles and Persian-style ceilings, showcasing the opulence of the era. The next garden is complete with a summer dome and an old waterwheel that provides a serene retreat.