The latest addition to the Wafi Collection is Khan Murjan, a traditional souk with an Islamic theme and architecture. This unique marketplace environment in Wafi is now officially open, offering customers a whole new sense of shopping with more than 150 bazaar shops with vendors from across the Arab world.
Khan Murjan is part of Wafi's recent extensive developments and it's most authentic. The inspiration for this project is an original souk that was designed and built in Baghdad in the 14th century and served as an inn for travellers and traders. Wafi's souk covers 50,000 square feet and is a two level subterranean structure drawing on a diverse range of Islamic architectural influences.
"We have been extremely careful to ensure the look and feel of the souk is as respectful to the tradition of the original Khan Murjan as possible, always focusing on the finer details," stated Dib Bader, General Manager. "Materials such as carved stone have been brought from Egypt; woodcarvings from Syria, hand painted Moroccan mosaic tile designs, Turkish ornamentation and handcrafted marble floors. Basically the best work from every Islamic country with influences drawn from as far away as Moorish Andalusia in Spain to the mountains of Afghanistan have been used on this creative project"
Khan Murjan brings together talented craftsmen from Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Jordan, Oman and Afghanistan. Dib Bader regularly travelled to Egypt to supervise the production of the elements that are used for the souk's design. "I worked with Dr Mabrouk, the designer, and his team from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, who followed all the souk's details from a historical perspective," said Dib. "We made sure everything is in line with the design of the original souk."
A centrepiece of this diverse architectural wonder is a kaleidoscope of colour in the form of one of the longest stained glass ceiling's, 64 metres in length and 4 metres in width. It illustrates the tales of ancient Arab traders moving goods from overseas and across the desert to exchange with other merchants and travellers in the region. The intricate coloured glasswork accentuates the detail of the figures, plants and animals, portrayed throughout the panes. The stained glass imagery is inspired by the paintings and illustrations of Iraqi artist Yahia Ibn Muhamud Al Wasti depicting 14th century life of the trade and travellers in Arab and Muslim countries.
Dr. Mahmoud Mabrouk the Project Manager for Khan Murjan stated, "This stained glass artwork has been painstakingly assembled by hand using the skills of 35 artisans collaborating to create this striking work of art over many months. Any visitor to Khan Murjan will discover something different around every corner as there is an endless supply of fascinating intricate designs to gaze upon throughout the alleys and passageways of the souk, each created using traditional materials and techniques".
Visitors will be able to stroll through the Moroccan, Syrian, Egyptian and Turkish quarters and marvel at their rich cultural contribution that will keep craftsmanship and traditions alive for generations to come.
Khan Murjan unites artistry, culture, cuisine and a feast for the senses with the rich colours of glasswork and lanterns, the serenading sounds of live musicians and an aromatic air of oud, exotic spices and shisha.
At the heart of the souk there is an open-roofed, yet fully air conditioned, courtyard restaurant that offers a backdrop of Umawi Age architecture to the social scene of Khan Murjan, with a traditional water wheel; it is a place where people can gather to enjoy an authentically cooked meal with kiln baked breads.
The stores offer a wealth of works of art from artisans behind some of the Arab world's most famous crafts; many of whom who will be happy to share their experiences with guests. There is luxurious Turkish gem-stone jewellery, intricate Persian rugs; hand carved Moroccan furniture and Damascene mother of pearl mosaics.
"With its rich architectural detail and devotion to authenticity, Khan Murjan is the jewel in the Wafi crown", stated Victoria Smith Group Marketing Director for Wafi Group of Companies. "Wafi has recently undergone extensive retail developments to improve its retail offer; developing beyond what average shopping malls offer in order to be unique; Khan Murjan is a key aspect of this pioneering project.
A souk has been an integral part of Arabic life for centuries and the ancient Khan Murjan inspired our artistic haven that we are sure will capture the imagination of a whole new generation. Khan Murjan tells us so much about Islamic traditions and we believe that it is worth protecting these ancient techniques and heritage".
Khan Murjan is a major landmark in Dubai. It is a souk of outstanding architectural beauty, alive with the bustle of craftsmen creating and displaying their wares. Located at the heart of Wafi, it is another aspect of the site, offering residents and tourists even more variety of shopping and impressive experiences. It is open daily from 10am until 10pm and until midnight on Thursday and Friday's.
-Ends-
Wafi is a unique destination in the heart of Dubai offering an unrivalled collection of art, food, fashion, entertainment and lifestyle:
ART: Wafi is renowned for the beauty of its architecture, stained glass windows and hand carved statues. Regular art exhibitions are held for public appreciation.
FASHION: Wafi offers a unique retail experience with over 350 stores providing the world's most original, revered and influential fashion brands, many of which are exclusive to Wafi.
FOOD: Wafi offers a distinctive collection of dining opportunities with over 20 restaurants and an excellent choice of cafes.
ENTERTAINMENT: Wafi is designed to entertain, from the Encounter Zone with its virtual rides, and games, to a variety of late night venues and live musical performances.
LIFESTYLE: From Cleopatra's Spa to Pharaohs leisure club, with the highest indoor climbing wall in UAE and the new Medi Spa, Wafi offers a complete lifestyle experience, complemented by the prestigious 5* hotel, Raffles Dubai.
WAFI is owned and operated by MKM LLC.
Sally Meech,
Public Relations Manager, WAFI.
P.O Box 6850,
Dubai.
Tel: 04 3244426
email: sally.meech@wafi.com
For more information please visit www.wafi.com
© Press Release 2008
