Ever feel like you were born in the wrong era? My daughters sure do. One of them in particular feels certain she was Audrey Hepburn in a former life.
All joking aside, nostalgic films and photos of Cairo in the 1950s reveal an entirely different vibe. I’m not just talking about the prevalence of polyester; everything from hemlines (shorter) to sleeves (absent) to hair (uncovered) was different.
If you ever wanted to imagine downtown Cairo as through the eyes of our dear diva Audrey, I have a treat for you. Head on down to the Diana Antique Market anytime between 6am to 3pm on a Saturday and you’ll find yourself transported back to a bygone era.
The market, named after a cinema located at the heart of the neighborhood, is nestled within Cairo’s downtown (wast al-balad) district. The neighborhood surrounding the Diana Cinema couldn’t be a more fitting place for an antique market. As my daughters would say, the area positively “gives” Audrey Hepburn, probably thanks to the presence of an old-timey movie theatre on nearly every corner. We lost count after fifteen.
Within such a nostalgic setting, it only seems natural to find the streets of this old movie theatre district lined with vintage televisions, projectors, record players, and the like. You’ll also find old books, coins, and other knick knacks. It would be difficult to leave the Diana Market disappointed.
Audrey may have breakfasted at Tiffany’s, but you can breakfast at a delicious, no-frills fuul and ta’amiya restaurant located at one of the entrances to the market at the intersection of the famous Emad al-Din and 26th of July streets. There’s nothing like a crispy ta’amiya and salad sandwich to give one the energy needed for making a vintage haul. Heck, who cares about the haul; you had me at “ta’amiya.” I’ll see you there!
