Khayamiya appliqué panel, Egypt, 2012 (TRC.2013.0314).Khayamiya is a textile that is omnipresent in Egypt. The word itself is derived from the Arabic word for tent, namely khayma. Originally, this appliqué technique was mostly used for making hand-sewn tents. Nowadays, khayamiya can also be created using other techniques, such as machine sewing or (digitally) printing.
In addition to, for example, tents in (ritualistic) contexts such as weddings and funerals, khayamiya can be used in various shapes and variations. Especially before and during Ramadan, khayamiya tents and decorations are ubiquitous in the Egyptian streets.
During this study day, we will discuss the historic and technical background of khayamiya. The participants will get a guided tour through the TRC exhibition on khayamiya, and learn the basic stitches of khayamiya. Participants do not have to bring materials.
Khayamiya appliqué panel, Egypt, 2013 (TRC 2013.0615).This workshop is given by visual artist and textile researcher Christina de Korte. She learned how to make khayamiya in the Street of the Tentmakers in Cairo whilst doing her research on the technique and the contemporary khayamiya usages before and during Ramadan.
Christina recently graduated from the research master’s programme in Religious Studies at Utrecht University and holds bachelor’s degrees in Fine Art from the HKU University of Arts Utrecht and Language and Culture Studies from Utrecht University. Christina gives a TRC Sunday lecture on 22 March on the same subject.
See also two TRC blogs by Christina de Korte:
- Khayamiya textiles from Egypt
- Arabic texts on the TRC’s khayamiya collection from the Street of the Tentmakers, Cairo, Egypt
There is also an online TRC exhibition:
Column:
- Date: Friday, 3rd of April 2026.
- Time: 10.00 - 15.00.
- Venue: TRC Leiden, Boerhaavelaan 6, 2334 EN, Leiden.
- Instructor: Christina de Korte
- Language: Dutch and English.
- Costs: 85 euro. Coffee, tea and materials are provided. Please bring your own lunch
- Maximum number of participants: 8. Minimum: 4. If the minimum number of participants is reached, confirmation and invoices shall be send.
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