18 Unique Egyptian gifts and souvenirs to buy in Cairo !
silver jewelry
cotton scarfs - linen scarfs - silk scarfs
oriental rugs
engraved brass items for decor in your home
incense
ancient egyptian gods and kings replica statues
khayameya ( Tent-makers applique designs )
egyptian theme printed t shirts
jewelry boxes
egyptian pottery
fayoum pottery
akhmim textiles
oriental sweets
papyrus
glass ornaments
Bedouin rugs
Bedouin shawls
wood carving
siwa oasis products
Tourists are already visiting Egypt for centuries . Egypt is a wonderful destination, considering the variety of mesmerizing sights to see and many activities to perform.
You continue a holiday or business trip to Egypt so you arrive the place to find your loved ones bearing Egyptian gifts include them as happy to see the joy inside their eyes. There are so many beautiful gifts in Cairo that you can certainly carry back. Egypt has a great crafts and weaving industries which are back 1000's of years ago.
The business and economy of Cairo has evolved dramatically in the last decade. Where both business and cultural life was previously concentrated in Downtown Cairo as well as environs, now it's dispersed in outlying satellite cities and suburbs as people decide to escape the location. Shopping has additionally largely been relocated to huge malls near or within these new communities. A trip for the mall isn't likely to feature on the wish listing of any tourist visiting Cairo wanting authentic Egyptian souvenirs, gifts, or collectibles . A far more likely desire should be to rummage in specialty authentic shops. Despite Cairo s changing geography this is still the very best possibility and will reap great rewards. Few places on the globe have this kind of rich and productive cultural heritage as Egypt. Pharaonic, Greek, Roman and European periods of influence and religious and ethnic diversity have gone a legacy of fabulous artisans and craftsmen. This makes contemporary Egypt a paradise for shoppers. Unique Egyptian gifts to consider home are a novelty and unique. If you are unclear about what souvenirs to acquire to look at home, check our mini listing of 18 unique Egyptian gifts to help you decide !
1- Silver jewelry
Obviously the main attraction for tourists may be the legacy of Ancient Egypt and many workshops, both small and big focus on producing faithful reproductions of Pharaonic artifacts. Of these jewelry will be the most popular - being not merely beautiful and unusual but in addition extremely portable. While shopping in Egypt, many visitors choose a personalized Egyptian Cartouche which can be made to order in silver or gold. The Egyptian ankh necklace or ‘key of life’ is among the most recognizable Pharaonic symbol and another popular with shoppers since it is a well-loved amulet which spans cultures. There are many beautiful variations of Ankh jewelry there are actually from which to choose.
Egyptian silver jewelry in general is great value. The level of craftsmanship is high and also the option is very wide, as well as Pharaonic designs the souks are packed with Bedouin, Coptic, fellahi ( country ), Islamic, Nubian and contemporary pieces. Traditionally, Egyptian silver jewelry is 800 silver but a majority of shops now stock some items in 925 to focus on international taste. Indeed silver jewelry is really a great Egyptian gift to spouse and children.
2- Cotton scarfs
If you prefer your textiles to be of carry-on size and a smaller cost then the handwoven cotton scarf could suit your purposes. Super soft Egyptian cotton scarfs are one of the most effective gifts you can carry back. Woven in Upper Egypt inside a rainbow of colors along with a wide collection of sizes a cotton scarf is really a great gift or even a treat to self.
Egypt features a long reputation weaving amazing cotton scarfs for several years. Upper Egypt is renowned for hand-looming exquisite Egyptian cotton scarfs for girls and then for men designs that stick out. Specialty shops in Zamalek have some unique excellent Egyptian cotton scarfs items which will impress the visitors.
3- Oriental rugs
Rugs weaving is among the most ancient arts and crafts worldwide .The ancient Egyptians were pioneers in weaving textiles and amazing oriental rugs. Furthermore, Egypt location played a huge role in spreading weaving techniques of oriental rugs with civilizations for years and years.
A typical good demonstration of an excellent handmade items are the wonderful Oriental Rugs.
You have likely realized that they do not come cheap. Handmade rugs cost a lot, however, there is a
good cause of this. Anything handmade may be valued at over it's machine-made counterpart.
4- Engraved brass decor in your home
For centuries Egypt artisans happen to be creating amazing hand engraved brass and copper trays and also other home decor items including brass lamps .
5- Incense
The burning of incense was central to the worship with the gods of Ancient Egypt and enormous quantities of incense were burned each day in temples throughout Egypt.
Shops that cell incense in Cairo are known as ( El Attar ) They are located adjacent to Khan El Khalili bazaar.
6- Ancient Egyptian stone carved statues and symbols
Egyptians believed their kings (Pharaohs ) to get the mediator between your gods and also the arena of men. After death the pharaoh became divine, identified with Osiris the dad of Horus and god from the dead, and transferred his sacred powers and position to the new pharaoh, his son. The pharaoh’s divine status was portrayed in allegorical terms: his uraeus (the snake on his crown) spat flames at his enemies; he was able to trample thousands in the enemy on the battlefield; and the man was all-powerful, knowing everything and controlling nature and fertility.
Historically, ancient Egyptians worshiped and honored many gods and goddess, they built amazing impressive huge temples and great statues like Ramsis II impressive statues. A lovely and many interesting for your generations and could be the Bastet - the wild cat goddess, defender of Lower Kemet ( Egypt ). Ancient Egyptians have always loved and safeguarded domesticated cats, keeping them in their homes as their farms' protectors from Rodents and Birds. A statue memorabilia of your favorite king or gods replicas can be bought easily in a few specialty shops
7- Tent makers ( Khayameya products )
Egyptian craft of tent making remains alive today. In Bab Zuwayla ( 10th Century) ,one in the oldest areas in Cairo - Khayameya St. or egyptian gifts Charieh El Khayameya in Arabic .Khayyam means "tent" in Arabic. Here, in the Street from the Tent makers, the standard craft of developing huge tent pavilions, out of appliquéd cloth patterns continues to be persisted for years and years. In that area Nomad Gallery has its own
makers producing Cushion covers , Wall hangings, bedding, and unique tents for your specifications. Such wonderful items can create a marvelouse unique Egyptian gifts
8- Printed cotton t shirts
No you should miss a excellent Egyptian cotton t shirt with Egyptian theme. And do stay away from the lower quality which you get in common inferior touristic areas. Shop at specialized shops.
9- Jewelry boxes inlaid with mother of pearl
A mother of pearls box is a lot more than minor location to store your precious jewellery . For a very long time they are already loved blessing things, and they are already especially prized as treasure endowments also. We should investigate the historical backdrop from the jewelry box and furthermore consider its job as being a treasure blessing. Some beautiful mother of pearl nuggets boxes happen to be passed down for generations. These treasured boxes are viewed as wonderful items not simply on account with the gems they contain put for that recollections which they symbolize and in many case, for your excellent workmanship from the cases themselves.
10- Egyptian pottery
The Egyptian pottery production in ancient kemet (Egypt) was a powerful industry that designed a number of items which were able to resolve the basic needs of ancient Egyptian culture. Appropriate containers for liquids and grains. Shapes of Egyptian pottery in middle ages times were diverse. The amphora pottery shape, that has been at a later date most frequent in all other ancient cultures, was one of the most practical and prevalent vase . It was made in all of the different sizes ; promising small to large to support items from grain to water, beer and wine. Among the countless great Egyptian potters, Fayoum pottery received great propaganda one of many rest due towards the location and good Fayoum Oasis.
11- Akhmim textiles
Hand loomed Akhmim textiles are egyptian gifts and souvenirs significantly recognized for that weaving what to buy in egypt and tapestry industries. Akhmim weaving is probably the oldest industry in Ancient Egypt. Woven product from Akhmim textiles were made specifically to the royal palaces with the kings. also its reputation persisted to the Ptolemaic generation. During Roman era Akhmim was popular by its magnificent silk products which were exported to many people countries overseas.
12- Oriental sweets
Oriental sweets result from a number of cultures due to civilizations that occupied the spot, like the Ottomans and Mamluks. These oriental sweets are very unique within their taste and special ingredients are employed when they are made. They are extremely popular item on Egyptian dining tables especially through the month of Ramadan on account of their nutritional benefits. Try Konafa with nuts or Basbousa ! It is irresistible .
13- Papyrus
Papyrus is a plant (cyperus papyrus) which once grew by the bucket load, primarily inside the wilds in the Delta but also elsewhere within the Nile River Valley, but is currently quite rare. Papyrus buds opened coming from a horizontal root growing in shallow fresh water and also the deeply saturated Delta mud. Stalks reached approximately 16 feet in height (5 m) ending in small brown flowers which regularly bore fruit. These plants were in the past simply part in the natural vegetation in the region, but once people found a utilitarian purpose for them, they were cultivated and managed in farms, harvested heavily, as well as their supply depleted. Papyrus still exists in Egypt today however in reduced number.
The papyrus of Egypt is most closely connected with writing - actually, the English word 'paper' arises from the phrase 'papyrus' - however the Egyptians found many uses for that unique egyptian gifts plant apart from a writing surface for documents and texts. Papyrus was used as a food source, to make rope, for sandals, for boxes and baskets and mats, as window shades, material for toys like dolls, as amulets to avert throat diseases, and also to create small fishing boats. At papyrus shops you'll be able to find a variety of unique Egyptian gifts.
14- Glass ornaments –mouth blown glass
Egyptians were on the list of first to make use of glass in their art and culture. As far back as 2500 BC, amulets and solid glass beads were stated in Mesopotamia. About 1000 years later, the Egyptians also began making glass. Glass is produced from your mixture of silica-sand, lime and soda. There are so many unique glass ornaments you are able to buy such as Christmas balls, perfume bottles, home decore and the like.
15- Bedouin rugs
If your luggage isn’t restricted then Bedouin rugs make beautiful souvenirs to adopt home. Woven in flat-weave on ground looms by women in Bedouin communities through the Western desert and Sinai these rugs are excellent around the floor or for the wall. The striking primary color palette using a predominance of red and black make Bedouin rugs striking inclusions in any interior.
16- Bedouin shawls
Bedouin women have become hard workers. Traditionally they do most in the work inside tribe or perhaps the village . Their duties included taking care of the sheep, weaving tents, bringing water through the far-off water bores, women were also the traditional healers, as well as this along with taking care with the family and embroidering their beautiful dresses, amazing Bedouin scarves and rugs. Traditionally, women embroidered hand-woven fabrics made from cotton or perhaps a mix of fibers to produce a ravishing Bedouin scarf or possibly a stunning Bedouin dress.
17-Wood carving
The art of wood carving can be an art that started in ancient Egypt using simple tools. Ancient Egyptian art included amazing beautiful sculptures and tools created from wood,
Egyptian images of woodworkers on temples indicate that they are using many useful tools that existed in many thousands of years at a later date . Axes and saws were utilised to roughly shape the wood into blocks. Awls and bow drills were chosen to make holes and chisels and mallets were utilised for fine work.
18- Siwa oasis products Located within the Egyptian Western desert nearby the Libyan border. It has been isolated for a lot of decades plus they are from Berber decent with unique embroidery style. They have great scarves and wedding gowns. Siwa oasis lavish items makes indeed an original Egyptian gift.
