抄録
This paper refers to a few observations on architectural features and historical changes of wakala-s in Cairo, reporting some results based on a field survey of 73 existent examples in 1994 and 1995. Wakala-s in the Mamluks period were constructed rather on a large scale and well-Organized, having a groin vaulted entrance passage-way and a trifoliate stalactite portal, as probably state facilities. From the 16th century onward. under the Ottoman, while the wakala-s remained to have the same arrangement of cells with vaulted alcoves, they adopted some peculiar features like a sgemental vaulted portal and corbelled salients, playing commoner roles ad urban commercial facilities.
