The Palace of Beshtak is located on the famous al-Muizz street. It is a
historical palace that was built in 1339 and was bought by Emir Beshtak to live
in. Emir Beshtak was a powerful prince who was married to the daughter of the
Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammed.
The palace is a typical example of Cairo’s domestic architecture at the
time and one of the well-preserved ones. The palace is made up of two storeys,
however, there used to be a third one but it was destroyed. The first storey
has a hall, a stable, which also had access for water through a well, servants
rooms and storage rooms, while the second storey has the reception hall and
bedrooms. The third floor was for the women. The main hall is reached by stairs
and consists of four iwans (arches). The second storey’s ceiling is decorated
with beautiful geometrical shapes and is coated with marble. The second floor,
with its pointed arches, stained-glass windows and gilt and painted wood
paneling is what distinguishes this palace, as it is one of the most beautiful
private chambers of the period.