In the heart of Islamic Cairo, authentic Arabic music slips away from the Bashtak Palace, currently known as the House of Arabic Singing. Built in the 14th century by Prince Bashtak, this architectural gem is now dedicated to reviving and teaching Arabic and Egyptian classical music and singing schools.

The initiative is the brain child of the palace’s director and Arabic music lead singer at the Opera House, Mohsen Farouk.

“The idea came to me while I was on a tour in Paris, back in 2004. Renowned French/Algerian singer Enrico Macias wanted me to start in Paris, but to me it has to be from my homeland, Egypt. Hence I submitted the proposal to former Minister of Culture Farouk Hosny," remembered Farouk.

The House of Arabic Singing is the first international centre specialised in teaching and reviving various traditional Arabic singing schools: Egyptian, Shami (Levantine) and North African. It will include the first audiovideo library of all Arabic singing schools in their original dialects, in addition to hosting the first museum of Arabic musical instruments.

“The aim is to revive the playing of Arabic musical instruments that are demising, such as the oriental violin, the nai (oriental flute) and the qanoun,” added Farouk.

The house promises to showcase gems of classical Egyptian and Arabic music through regular concerts.