It is a trip in the world of classic art, and not only a visit to an ancient palace or a unique architectural model from the Mamluk era in Egypt. Cairo’s Prince Bashtak Palace embraces a hub of creativity that truly pleases its visitors: it is the “House of Arabic Singing”, which presents charming voices and great Arabic songs.
While in Egypt, you can satisfy your crooning cravings in many prestigious places such as the Cairo Opera House and the Institute of Arabic music, yet, at the Bashtak Palace, it is a different experience, where delight goes beyond the limits, and music and singing meet civilization and history.
The connection between music and historic landmarks in Egypt is not nascent. While touring the Bashtak Palace before attending a concert, you can see engravings of cemeteries and temples on a varied collection of instruments. And if a touristic guide accompanies you on the tour, they will definitely link the palace to Egyptian musical history.
During my last visit to the “House of Arabic Singing”, guide Ahmad Abdul Samih told me: “Music was an integral part of the ancient Egyptian civilization. Many dead were buried with instruments, which indicates that music was a major aspect of the ancients’ daily life, as well as religious rituals.” Abdul Samih describes this cultural center specialized in singing as a “touristic destination boasting the Arabic musical heritage and a vital tool to preserve it.”
It offers an insight into the restoration and exploitation of the historic houses around old Cairo, which transformed the area into a special destination for cultural tourism. The palace also hosts concerts and workshops that aim to preserve the artistic identity and elevate the musical taste of visitors.
The House of Arabic Singing offers a monthly program of concerts that entertain visitors with diverse music colors including poems, religious chants, and crooning.
It also hosts emerging, highly-skilled talents who sing some of the greatest Arabic songs, as well as concerts that recall the masterpieces of Arab legends including Umm Kulthum, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Farid al-Atrash, Abdel Halim Hafez, Wadih el-Safi, and Fairuz.
All you have to do before visiting is to check the concert program on the website of the Cultural Development Fund. You will be so lucky if you get the chance to attend a special concert that commemorates an esteemed singer, or if your visit overlaps with the monthly event, the “Maqamat Salon”.
You are also advised to inquire about the workshops held by the palace to preserve the musical heritage, which allow you to study music with some of the best young musicians, and get the chance to explore different music genres and rare oriental instruments. And if you are a fan of paintings, you will be delighted to visit the art gallery.
You might be surprised to see such an artistic momentum in the old, popular region known as “Darb Kormoz”, but it is not a coincidence. The Egyptian culture ministry wanted to introduce the popular Arabic singing in a way that brings it closer to the mainstream audience, and upscale their musical taste.
Before leaving the place, don’t forget to stop by the library which includes rare books and valuable encyclopedias on Arabic music and singing, or you can pass by the recording store to buy some rare releases.
From the magic of music, the palace, described by Al-Maqrizi as “one of the greatest establishments in Cairo,” takes you on a trip in history. Located in Al-Muizz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi Street, the palace was built by Prince Sayf al-Din Bashtak al-Nasiri on a part of the “Grand Eastern Palace Land”, between 1334-1339 AD.
When you wander in it, the palace triggers your imagination and prompts so many questions about it and its owner, especially when you hear some of the relevant anecdotes, such as what Al-Maqrizi said about “Prince Bashtak who never lived in this palace despite its breathtaking beauty, and that he felt horrible every time he visited it, until he sold it.”
Tickets of concerts at the House of Arabic Singing sell for 65-100 Egyptian pounds ($1=31 Egyptian pounds).
