The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

With a passion and dedication to preserving Egyptian heritage and culture, Kahhal Looms has collaborated with the Egyptian Heritage Rescue Foundation (EHRF) for the past 12 months to restore the 18th-century ceremonial ceiling of the reception hall of Bayt Al-Razzaz. They have made it their mission to restore and raise awareness about the significance and history of Bayt Al-Razzaz.

Kahhal x EHRF

This October, Kahhal Looms proudly announced their initiative with the EHRF, where they gathered four internationally acclaimed designers, Azza Fahmy, Nada Debs, Abdulla Al Awadi, and Louis Barthélemy, to each draw inspiration and pour their creativity into designing four hand-knotted rugs that each reflect the architectural genius and the elaborate patterns of Bayt Al-Razzaz.

Egyptian artisans wove the rugs, emphasising the values of Egyptian identity and originality. The hand-knotted rugs were then auctioned and sold on the 23rd of October, 2024. Their proceedings went to the restoration of the 18th-century ceiling of Bayt Al-Razzaz. 

About Bayt Al-Razzaz

Bayt Al-Razzaz is a beautiful double courtyard palace in Al-Darb Al-Ahmar that dates back to the 15th century. The palace’s design combined the histories of the Mamluk and the Ottoman empires, making it a scarce historic building that exquisitely stood the test of time. 

The Minds Behind The Four Hand-knotted Marvels

1- Azza Fahmy 

Fahmy is known for her commitment to drawing inspiration from Old Cairo’s culture and architectural beauty and translating it into contemporary jewellery that speaks to a global audience. This project, being her first venture in rug design, was no different. She, once again, has transcended mere craftsmanship by capturing the charm of the Mamluk era and the palace and incorporating it into the design.

2- Nada Debs

Nada Debs is a Lebanese designer who was raised in Japan and has been travelling the world since. Debs has always seemed to refine different cultures and craftsmanship to create pieces of emotional resonance. After her visit to Bayt Al-Razzaz, Debs joined the collaboration to continue her work approach of telling stories that touch the heart, or as she calls it, handmade and heartmade.

3- Abdulla Al Awadi

Kuwaiti architect, artist, and designer, Al Awadi is deeply passionate about Arab culture and identity, focusing his designs on the narratives embedded within the architecture. He’s famous for choreography and costume design, and he has exhibited his work in various venues, including Dar Al Fonun and The Sultan Gallery, and participated in numerous international exhibitions.

4- Louis Barthélemy

Louis is a multidisciplinary artist and designer based in Marrakech, Cairo, and Paris. He’s also committed to preserving traditional crafts that are threatened by globalisation. Sharing a unique connection with Cairo made him so drawn to this initiative that he was inspired by the house’s grandeur, stained glass, and intricate ceiling. He gladly took on the collaboration with Kahhal Looms.

Kahhal Looms’ Legacy of Dedication

Similar to Bayt Al-Razzaz, Kahhal Looms is another example of successfully withstanding time. It’s derived from the remarkable El-Kahhal family business that has completed over 150 years of handmade rug production. They’ve been operating from the same factory and retail store in Khan El Khalili since 1936, honouring El-Kahhal’s family legacy and Egyptian heritage. 

Kahhal Looms at the Grand Egyptian Museum

To celebrate their commitment to promoting Egyptian culture and craftsmanship through the art of weaving, Kahhal Looms is proudly featuring a flagship store at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

The Noble Mission of EHRF

The EHRF is the first NGO in the Middle East and Africa to provide first aid for cultural heritage. Established in 2013, it has carried out 12 rescue and preservation projects for heritage sites. Their mission has deeply resonated with Kahhal Looms’ dedication to the preservation of historical sites. Together, they were able to flawlessly conduct the restoration initiative with a shared vision for the future.

The event was generously supported by the contributions of local sponsors Madinet Masr and Ulter by Valu.