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Dubai’s Khan Murjan: Where the Past Comes to Life | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Dubai’s Khan Murjan: Where the Past Comes to Life


Dubai's Khan Murjan: Where the Past Comes to Life

Dubai’s Khan Murjan: Where the Past Comes to Life

Dubai, Asharq Al-Awsat- The Khan Murjan Souq that lies in Wafi City in the heart of Dubai will awaken the imaginations of its visitors when it opens in autumn 2007, depicting a true representation of Islamic and Arab architectural designs of the 14th century. Khan Murjan is yet another addition to the various fascinating architectural projects in Dubai.

Covering an area of 50,000 square feet, the Khan Murjan project will include shops, restaurants, cafes and meeting areas and will be accessible from Wafi Shopping Mall and Raffles Dubai. It will be home to 240 purpose-built retail units spread over two underground floors. The mix of outlets will reflect the high standard of traditional arts and crafts hosted by the souq.

Those in charge of the souq say that once it is completed, the most talented artists in the world will be able to utilize the 140 stores of the souq. Visitors and tourists can also watch them as they work on their glassware, Persian rugs and pottery. One will also be able to enjoy the 7 century-old Islamic ceramic works of art. Khan Murjan will provide colorful traditional stalls and Arabic-style seating areas for those who love the Arab traditions and culture.

The General Manager of Khan Murjan, Deeb Bader stated that Khan Murjan souq that is currently being built is a re-creation of the 14th century’s legendary souqs in accordance to Islamic architecture of that age. He pointed out that the design is the product of extensive research into the souq by historians and architects. Wafi Property recreates Khan Murjan as a historical and cultural structure to host artisans and craftsmen.

Dr. Mahmud Mabruk, professor of architecture and project designer, said, “A team from the Egyptian National Museum in Cairo is supervising every detail of the project from a historical perspective. Much of the stone work is done on-site. Experts are overseeing the various details to differentiate between what is authentic and what is not. We reject any idea that does not conform to the method of traditional work. We are accurate and strict and always ensure that everything is in line with the original souq.” Mabruk added that the project is creative work in its style and an ideal destination for the lovers of arts and handicrafts as it will accommodate craftsmen who will breathe new life into the traditions and customs that they inherited from their forefathers and will present their masterpieces to visitors.