Bayt Al-Suhaymi: Inside Historic Cairo’s Domestic World
Bayt Al-Suhaymi stands in Al-Darb Al-Asfar Lane in Al-Gamaliyya, just off Al-Muizz Street. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities describes it as one of the finest examples of Cairo’s domestic architecture.
The first section was established in 1058 AH / 1648 AD by Shaykh Abd al-Wahhab al-Tablawi. A later section was built by Haji Ismail Chelebi in 1211 AH / 1796 AD, and the two parts were eventually joined into a single residence.
The house takes its modern name from its last resident, Shaykh Muhammad Amin al-Suhaymi. In 1931, the family sold it to the Committee for the Preservation of Arab Antiquities, helping secure the survival of this exceptional Cairene home.
Ten Details That Bring Bayt Al-Suhaymi to Life
The house is best understood through its details: spaces for receiving guests, private family quarters, woodwork, water systems and practical features that made a large Cairene residence function.
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Bayt Al-Suhaymi
Bayt Al-Suhaymi has its own admission and timetable, separate from the Al-Muizz Street area ticket.
09:00–17:00 Most Days
The Ministry currently lists 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Sunday–Thursday and Saturday, and 9:00 AM–4:00 PM on Friday.
EGP 220 Adult
The Ministry currently lists EGP 220 for foreign adults and EGP 110 for foreign students. Recheck before travel.
1–1.5 Hours
Allow enough time to look beyond the courtyard and notice the interiors, mashrabiyyas and domestic details.
Al-Darb Al-Asfar
The house is in Al-Darb Al-Asfar Lane in Al-Gamaliyya, just off the historic Al-Muizz Street corridor.
Ask on Arrival
Rules can change by room or event. Confirm current photography guidance with site staff when you enter.
Morning
Morning gives you more time to combine the house with Al-Muizz Street and Khan El Khalili before the area becomes busier.
Al-Muizz & Khan El Khalili
The location makes it easy to pair Bayt Al-Suhaymi with the wider historic street and the Khan El Khalili market area.
Separate Ticket
The Ministry explicitly notes that the Al-Muizz area ticket does not cover Bayt Al-Suhaymi; the house has its own admission price.
Travel note: Public viewing conditions, plateau hours and private-access arrangements can change. Reconfirm current official visitor information before travel.
See Historic Cairo Beyond the Monumental Mosques
Add Bayt Al-Suhaymi to a private Cairo day and experience the domestic side of Islamic Cairo — the architecture of privacy, hospitality and everyday life.
What Makes Bayt Al-Suhaymi Extraordinary
Its importance comes from both architecture and survival: the house preserves an unusually complete picture of elite domestic life in Ottoman-era Cairo.
First Section
Shaykh Abd al-Wahhab al-Tablawi established the earliest section of the house in 1058 AH / 1648 AD.
Later Expansion
Haji Ismail Chelebi added the later section in 1211 AH / 1796 AD before the parts were joined.
Preservation
The al-Suhaymi heirs sold the house to the Committee for the Preservation of Arab Antiquities.
Domestic History
Mashrabiyyas, a maq’ad, bathroom, wells, waterwheel, mill and storage vessels preserve the practical life of the house.
Add Bayt Al-Suhaymi to a Cairo Journey That Fits You
Three different programmes from your live collection. Bayt Al-Suhaymi is presented as an optional Cairo addition unless the published itinerary explicitly includes it.
Nearby Attractions Around Bayt Al-Suhaymi
Continue through Historic Cairo with places that fit naturally into the same day.
Al-Muizz Street
Step directly from Al-Darb Al-Asfar into one of Cairo’s great historic streets, lined with medieval monuments and traditional market life.
Coming Soon
Khan El Khalili
Continue into Cairo’s best-known historic bazaar for craft shops, atmospheric lanes and traditional café culture.
Explore →
Saladin Citadel
Pair domestic architecture with Cairo’s monumental military and religious heritage at the hilltop citadel.
Explore →
Old Cairo
Contrast Islamic Cairo with Roman, Coptic, Jewish and early Islamic layers in the historic district of Old Cairo and Fustat.
Explore →Bayt Al-Suhaymi Visitor Questions
Practical answers for planning a visit to one of Historic Cairo’s finest surviving houses.
Where is Bayt Al-Suhaymi?
It is located in Al-Darb Al-Asfar Lane in Al-Gamaliyya, just off Al-Muizz Street in Historic Cairo.
When was Bayt Al-Suhaymi built?
The earliest section dates to 1058 AH / 1648 AD. A later section was added in 1211 AH / 1796 AD and the two parts were eventually joined.
Who was Al-Suhaymi?
The house is named after its last resident, Shaykh Muhammad Amin al-Suhaymi, a senior scholar and Shaykh of the Turkish riwaq at Al-Azhar Mosque during the Ottoman period.
What can I see inside?
Highlights include courtyards, wooden mashrabiyyas, a large maq’ad, a furnished reception hall, bathroom, wells, a waterwheel, mill, storage vessels and a historic birthing chair.
What are the current opening hours?
The Ministry currently lists 9:00 AM–5:00 PM on Sunday through Thursday and Saturday, and 9:00 AM–4:00 PM on Friday.
How much is the current foreigner ticket?
At the time of checking, the Ministry lists EGP 220 for foreign adults and EGP 110 for foreign students. Prices can change, so recheck before visiting.
Is Bayt Al-Suhaymi included in the Al-Muizz Street ticket?
No. The Ministry specifically states that Bayt Al-Suhaymi is not covered by the Al-Muizz area ticket and has its own admission price.
How long should I allow for the visit?
Around one to one and a half hours is comfortable for the house itself, longer if you enjoy architectural details and photography.
What is Al-Darb Al-Asfar?
Al-Darb Al-Asfar is the historic lane in Al-Gamaliyya where Bayt Al-Suhaymi stands. It branches from the Al-Muizz Street area and preserves the atmosphere of Historic Cairo.
What should I combine with Bayt Al-Suhaymi?
Al-Muizz Street and Khan El Khalili are the easiest nearby additions. A longer Cairo day can also include the Saladin Citadel.