In 2019 I spend four weeks in Cairo, to visit my family who had temporarily moved there. My project started by doing research on tent makers in Islamic Cairo.
Research
Shop closed off with fabric
Street of the Tent Makers
Tent Maker working on Khayamiya Fabric
Rolled up Tent Fabric
Bedouin Tent Model
Tent Fabric covering Restaurant
Functional Tent Fabric
Khayamiya shop
Tent-making is a traditional craft that is passed down from father to son. Bedouin tents are built up out of straight pieces of cloth which have strings attached at the edges to tie them. They have specific decorations which are made of simple geometric shapes or complex patterns which are stitched onto a cotton fabric by hand. This technique is called Khayamiya.
Today the traditional bedouin tents are still used in different contexts and occasions like funerals, weddings or Ramadan. The fabrics are also used in the street to close off shops or construction sides.
Today the traditional bedouin tents are still used in different contexts and occasions like funerals, weddings or Ramadan. The fabrics are also used in the street to close off shops or construction sides.
My Tent
I was interested in the simple geometric patterns which are usually made of basic colours like red, blue, yellow, white, and green. Also, the multi-functionality of a simple piece of cloth fascinated me. After learning about the craft of the tent makers I designed a tent and had it produced by them in the traditional way. It consists out of one piece of fabric and can host one person. As stakes, I use my camera tripod which I would have with me on a trip anyway so no further objects are needed. Furthermore, the fabric can be used as a picknick blanket or sunshade.
Production
