Oriental Rugs Glossary

<< Back to Glossary List

Cairene

In Arabic Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is called "Misr-el-Kahira" and it is the largest city of Africa. During the 18th and 19th century Cairo (besides Istanbul) has been the main emporium of Oriental rugs. During the reign of the Mamluks (1250-1517) Mamluk rugs have been made here, then later Cairin rugs. These antique rugs achieve peak prices in today's markets. The work in the carpet manufactories run by the Ottomans in Cairo has been ceased in the 19th century. Since 1975 carpet making has been resumed.