A lantern, cut and soldered
Tin, coloured glass and a soldering iron in the workshops that make Egypt's Ramadan lanterns.
- Where
- Old Cairo
- Proposed length
- 2–3 hours
- Nerve
- Nerve: Curious
The story
The fanous industry grew up in Taht el-Rab', below Bab Zuwayla, and much of it has moved to nearby Sayeda Zeinab and Khayamiya (Egyptian Streets, 2016). A few workshops supply much of the country, working through the year for one month's demand.
The lantern's association with Ramadan in Cairo is told through several stories reaching back to the Fatimid period; they are traditions rather than a documented origin (The National, 2022).
Our judgement: The market sells the finished lantern. The workshop shows you why a hand-soldered one is worth more than a pressed one.
What happens
- Walk the lantern makers' streets, where the fanous hangs in every size.
- Cut and fold tinplate panels with a maker, then set coloured glass into them.
- Solder the joints and fit the handle, with the maker's help.
- Light it once before you take it home.
A proposed shape, not a fixed programme. The host sets the order on the day.
What it asks of you
- Nerve: CuriousAnyone who is curious. You sit, watch, try and ask.This experience
- Nerve: BoldPhysically demanding or unnerving: steep, tight, deep, hot or remote.
- Nerve: QualifiedA certificate is required before you start. We ask for it, and so will the operator.
Patience with small sharp edges and a hot iron. Gloves are sensible; no skill is assumed.
What we confirm before you go
- Which workshop hosts, and in which months it has time for visitors
- Whether you make a whole lantern or a single panel in the time
- How a lantern with glass travels home
Where it fits
More in fire
Ask about it
Tell us your dates and where you will be. We confirm the host, the timing and the terms before anything is booked.
Your Egypt, your pace
Request a quote
Tell us your dates and party size. A quote will confirm the itinerary, total price, inclusions and cancellation terms before you decide.
Sending a request does not make a booking or reserve availability.
Sources and review
Reviewed on by Deluxe Trips Egypt. Facts are attributed to their sources; where we give a judgement, we say so. This page names no host, school, boat or workshop.
Photo: Alaazzpov, CC BY-SA 4.0
