The Gayer Anderson Museum is a medieval building and one of the best-preserved historical architecture in Islamic Cairo that houses a collection of oriental artefacts.
Tourism In Egypt has some of the most attractive Egyptian Sites and an interesting contemporary culture, the trove of antiquities is what attracts most visitors. Egypt has listed above 50 museums and still many have still to find their way to the list as it has reached the heart of tourist worldwide.
Nile Holiday brings you some very remarkable and ingenious Egyptian Museums that Egypt has to offer. Let’s break them up according to their locations:
General Info
| Name: | Bayt al-Kritliyya |
| Established in: | 1631 |
| Location: | 30° 1′ 42.24″ N, 31° 15′ 2.52″ E |
| Opening Hours: | 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Place: | Islamic Cairo |
| Type: | Architectural Preserve |
| Collection: | Oriental items |
| Friday: | 8:00am-noon & 1:00-4:00pm |
History
The building was first built in 1632 by Hajj Mohammad ibn al-Hajj Salem ibn Galman al-Gazzar, a wealthy Islam but was passed on to a very wealthy muslim lady from Crete. And was called Beit al-Kritliyya, or “House of the Cretan Woman”. A second house was added to it was named after its builder Abdel-Qader al-Hadda and was called Beit Amna bint Salim. These two houses were joined by a bridge and totally called Bayt al-Kritliyya.
In 1935, Major Gayer Anderson was allowed to live here who saw to the renovations, plumbing and restorations of the building and started collecting oriental artefacts. However, he was forced to leave Egypt in 1942 due to illness. The museum is used for film making sets such as The Spy who loved me.
Architecture
The building is divided into 2 sections.
- Haramlik: The family residence
- Salamlik: The guest-house
- 5 Main Entrances:
- One for the ladies,
- Sebil,
- Entrance through the garden
- 2 doors of honour
The Courtyard
- The floor is made of marble that can be overlooked by with windows in the Haramlik.
- Bats’ Well also known as Bier el- watawit
- A stairway
The Maq’ad or Loggia: It is a reception room with a Durkah, pathway from a door to another where guests put their shoes.
Qa’a: The Reception Room in Haramlik with marble tables and holy carpet.
Service Room: Famous for the dresses and cupboards modelled in Turkish designs.
The Khazna: The Safe- Room or Coffee room between men and women room which displays miniature Persian buildings nowdays.
The Harem: A very large room supported by four columns have some Persian cupboards each with a different collection.
Makhba: A Secret Chamber above the magic well that was used as hiding place for people or objects.
The Main Stairs: A series of Persian Kashan, also known as velvet prayer-hangings, are hung on the main stair walls here.
Reading and Writing Rooms
- Reading room was very small with a window-seat and shelves, inspired by Islamic designs.
- Writing Room also serves as a study room is now used as an office for the museum’s curator.
The Roof Garden: The flat roof of main house is turned into roof garden by Mashrabias enclosure is inspired from Coptic designs.
The Persian Room: The objects in this room dates back to Persian period.
The Byzantine: The Bridge Room links Haramlik to Salamik.
The Ancient Egyptian Room: Originally used as study room contain items belonging to Ancient times.
The Mohamed Ali Room: This Ottoman apartment houses items belonging to Rocco period and Khedives period too.
The Damascus Room: The room made of wood with a collection of candlesticks spread across the room.
Facts
- It is believed that the house was built on the remnants of an ancient mountain called Gebel Yashkur, the “Hill of Thanksgiving.”
- One important legend pertaining to Noah Ark is that it came to rest here and last of the floodwater was drained through the well in the courtyard of the house.
- This well-known belief inspired him to build a sailing boat on the Nile and gave a French name La Marée now called Dahabiya meaning “the tide”.
- The well is also believed to have miraculous qualities.
These classifications are not ending alls. We can also divide them into Egyptian Sites, where we can get into details. That is why we offer guides with multiple language skills and experience in Egyptology to help you see your dream destination with new eyes and fall in love with Egypt as we do… Egypt Tour Packages give you the chance to experience Egypt’s history and best attractions.
For detail viewing, come and witness the glorious history of Gayer Anderson Museum with Nile Holiday today.
