“Bashtak palace” is located on Al Mu’izz Li-Din Allah Street which is a well-known part of Islamic Cairo.
The palace was built by prince “Amir Seif El-Din Bashtak Al-Nassiri” one of the commanders of the Mamluk Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad Ibn Qalawun and the husband of one of his daughters between 1334 and 1339.
four Iawns with wooden ceiling
Some parts of the Amir Bashtak Palace that are still preserved stand witness as to the grandeur and beauty of building, these parts include the western facade which overlooks El-Muizz Street and the northern facade which overlooks Darb Qurmuz. The present entrance to the palace is on the northern facade and is formed of a three-lobed arch.
Bashtak palace
“Bashtak palace” consists of three floors a ground floor that has a stunning hall stables, stores and servant’s rooms, the second floor which consists of the bed rooms and a hall for celebrations and special occasions. The architect took advantage of the location of the palace on El-Muizz Street, being the main thoroughfare in medieval Cairo, and built shops below it.
fountain
The most attractive part of the palace is the courtyard that consists of four Iawns with wooden ceiling which is decorated with marvellous wooden Islamic ornaments. “Bashtak palace” is the House of Arab Singing which is one of Cairo’s creativity centers.
The materials that was used in the construction of this palace were adapted to the environment and the hot weather of Cairo, stone was the principle material for building to provide insulation from the heat. In addition to marble was used for the floors and to line the inner walls and to further cool the hall it was provided with a fountain at the centre.
It is always introducing new talented singers and musicians performing traditional music for all Egyptians to recognize their unique musical heritage and history that really enriched the Arabic music. The house hosts various cultural activities to attract the Egyptian youth to enrich their knowledge about their musical heritage.
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