It was established as a trading center in 1382 during the rule of sultan Barquq. Erected at the ruins of the Fatimid mausoleum (Turbat az-Za’faraan) by his Master of Stables, Jaharkas al-Khalili, it has significantly grown over the years to become the most important trading post in the Middle East. It covers 5,000 square meters and is basically a separate district full of shops, stalls, cafes, and restaurants.
