//Skip to content
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

In Photos: Discover Hidden Gems in Egypt’s Oldest Pharmacy in Downtown

March 14, 2021

What is truly distinctive and unique about Cairo is its authenticity. No matter where you are, whether in a local market or a local restaurant, you are always greeted with an aura of rawness that is rooted in its long history. Tucked away in Downtown Cairo on Abdel Khalek Tharwat Street is Stephenson Pharmacy, Egypt’s oldest pharmacy. Founded in 1889, the pharmacy is currently owned by the Samman Family and was refurbished by Yasmine El Meleegy and Marwa Abdelbenhelim in 2021. The pharmacy is currently holding an exhibition displaying its old artifacts, including through audio and visual guides, until the 18th of March. “I wanted to create an exhibition experience beyond the gallery, in an accessible public setting. I also wanted this to be a practice in breaking into closed spaces, and a questioning of what museology entails, and whether old spaces should be classified as museums or sanctuaries,” El-Meleegy tells Arab News.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cairo Says (@cairo.says) Popular Instagram account @cairo.says, which documents Egypt’s urban sites, paid a visit to the pharmacy recently and shared its experience online. “Many items…


Hi guest,

You've read all of your free articles.
Subscribe now to support independent journalism and to enjoy:


Unlimited access to all our articles

Exclusive events and offers

First access to new premium newsletters

Ability to comment on articles

Full user profile