Wikala of al-Ghuri (Tanoura Dance)
وكالة الغوري
The caravanserai of the last Mamluk sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri, where Sufi whirling (tanoura) performances are held at night for free or a low price, one of Cairo's most classic evening shows.
The al-Ghuri complex was built in 1503–1505 by the last Mamluk sultan, Qansuh al-Ghuri. It straddles both sides of Al-Azhar Street and includes a mosque, a school, a mausoleum and a caravanserai (wikala). The caravanserai courtyard is now run by the Ministry of Culture and hosts tanoura Sufi whirling performances about three evenings a week (commonly Saturday, Monday and Wednesday, around 19:00). Dancers in multilayered coloured skirts spin for dozens of minutes to traditional live music. Tickets cost about EGP 100–200 and are cash only, so arrive about an hour early to queue for a seat. The show lasts about 1.5 hours. The complex sits next to Al-Azhar Mosque and Khan el-Khalili, so you can browse the night market afterwards.
Opening hours
Evening shows at approx. 19:00, several per week (check on-site notices)
Nearby sights
- Al-Muizz Street
- Khan el-Khalili
- Al-Azhar Mosque
- Bab Zuweila
- Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo
- Al-Azhar Park
- Abdeen Palace
- Al-Rifa'i Mosque