It’s time for the 9th annual SDK! Spend the Day in al-Khalifa is a weekend-long event happening in Historic Cairo between al-Khalifa Street, al-Hattaba and al-Imam al-Shafi'i. As we visit the multiple community venues Athar Lina has been a part of, you’ll get a true sense of all that al-Khalifa’s community has to offer. Through tours, craft activities and mini-workshops, you will get to know all of al-Khalifa’s remarkable sites and be among its wonderful people.

The first day will begin at 10 am in al-Hattaba, where Tahra Tarek, one of Athar Lina Design School’s graduates, will take you on a film tour of al-Hattaba showing how it has been depicted in Egyptian cinema. After a short break in al-Hattaba Park, it’s time for our second tour, which will take you around the various murals that have been implemented in al-Khalifa over the past ten years. The tour ends in al-Khalifa Park where you actually get to work on drawing one of its new murals.. No worries if painting isn’t your thing, we’re also offering an urban gardening workshop where you can learn how to create your own sustainable garden.

The second day will start at 12 pm at al-Imam al-Shafi’i Dome, where Maissa Moustafa, the star of our monthly al-Khalifa Tours, will lead you on a tour of this beautiful mausoleum. At 3 pm, we’ll head to al-Khalifa Community Center, so you can Do It Yourself! Be prepared to get crafty because professional craftsmen and craftswomen will be there to teach you the basics of their crafts, including khiyyamiya, handmade leather products, stucco and ceramics.

Both days will end with a light entertainment segment, and don’t worry, the women of al-Khalifa will keep you well-fed all weekend!

Buses will be provided to transfer visitors from one location to the other. All events are free of charge and suitable for children. For the fourth year in a row, the event is organised under the umbrella of Athar Lina Heritage Design Thinking School, funded by Drosos Foundation, and under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Solidarity. It builds on Megawra | BEC’s work with the heritage of al-Khalifa since 2012 through Athar Lina Initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.