Islamic Cairo :Bayt Al Sihaymi

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After the visit to Al-Hakim Mosque, my guide, Lamia, and I walked towards the Bayt Al Sihaymi. Bayt in Arabic means house. This place is a fine example of what Ottoman merchant houses used to look like. For those who've been to Intramuros in Manila, it's like a visit to the old house of Illustrados where you get to see how they lived. So here we go!



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I really do like the Arabesque design particularly because you can see its influences on Philippine architecture



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I also like how they use a lot of colors in their design. This somehow makes it feel a bit more modern.


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The courtyard garden.


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Painted on the ceiling are words from the holy Qur-an. 






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Stained glass windows.





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I see this in most establishments and houses


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Look at that ceiling!I love the little stars and flowers. The high ceilings also provide good ventilation.


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These Arabesque windows remind me of windows in old Manila houses.


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Fountain. Those tiles are so pretty. They look like a woven mat! (banig)


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Every house used to have this. This is where you place the Qur'an, which should always be open.



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Another beautifully designed ceiling.


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We went outside.



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In one of the "cottages" the ceiling looked like this. I want this for my own house.


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The Ottoman really loves colors. Don't you just love the blue on those plates.


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And on these wall tiles!!!!!!!!!!!!! 


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Yes, I match with the walls. And I'm all sweaty.



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But I'm happy.


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More stained-glass ceilings. This is a really good idea for a kids room.



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The outside of the house looked like this.



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On our way out, I just to take a picture of this sign.



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Are there no clouds in Cairo?



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Cobble stoned streets. 


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Just walking around Islamic Cairo is a delight. I'm definitely going back to this place to explore and take more pictures.


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It's just a little far from Garden City where I live. Around 45 minutes.


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Oh and I was able to buy some souvenirs for friends! Yay. I just need to look for something to bring home to my nieces. Any ideas on what to get kids when you're coming from Cairo?

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