Beshtak Palace

Welcome to the Beshtak Palace, a rare and magnificent example of 14th-century Mamluk residential architecture, standing proudly on Al-Muizz Street, the historic heart of Islamic Cairo. Built in 1339 by the powerful Emir Seif…

We begin our tour on Al-Muizz Street, facing the impressive northwestern facade of the palace. This is the primary entrance, and its design is intended to command respect. …

Upon entering the palace, the ground floor opens into a series of functional spaces that were the 'engine room' of the residence. To the right, you will see the large stables, which could accommodate dozens of horses. …

To reach the ceremonial heart of the palace, we ascend a grand wooden staircase. This is not the original staircase—which would have been made of stone for durability—but a beautiful restoration that follows the original layout. …

We now enter the jewel of Beshtak Palace: the main reception hall, or Qa'a. This is one of the most magnificent spaces in all of Islamic Cairo. …

As we walk around the upper levels of the Qa’a, notice the architectural solution for one of Cairo's greatest challenges: the summer heat. The palace features a 'malqaf,' or windcatcher, a traditional engineering device that…

While the third floor, which traditionally housed the 'Harem' or private family quarters, was largely destroyed in later centuries, we can still see the indications of where these spaces were located. The Harem was the private…

As we conclude our tour of Beshtak Palace, I hope you have been transported back to the golden age of the Mamluk sultanate. This building is more than just a collection of stone and wood; it is a witness to the ambition, the…