PHOTO CREDIT: Above photo by John Rickman Photography, San Jose, California.

This page contains a translation into English of the lyrics to the popular Greek song "Stin Agora Tou Al Halili" (Στην αγορά του Αλ Χαλίλι), which was sung by Alkinoos Ioannidis. Also included is a pronunciation guide for the Greek lyrics so you can sing along if you like.

About this Song

This song references Khan al-Khalili, a historic market in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. It was built in the 14th century, and served as a major caravanserai. Even today, Khan al-Khalili remains an important tourist attraction.

This song appeared on Ioannidis' highly successful debut album, Stin Agora Tou Kosmou (In the World's Market).

North American belly dancers might find this song to be a beautiful option for dancing with a veil in the vintage American belly dance style that arose in the 1970's.

Song lyrics are provided for educational purposes. If you like the song, please purchase either the album or a download from an authorized source.

About Alkinoos Ioannidis

At age 23, Alkinoos Ioannidis teamed up with composer / lyricist Nikos Zoudiaris to record a demo tape for an album titled Stin Agora Tou Kosmou (In the World's Market). It came to the attention of an established singer named Dimitra Galani, who helped them secure a contract with a record company. It was released in 1993.

The style of music Ioannidis is mostly known for is edehno. This is a genre of music that is newer than rebetiko. Vassilios "Billy" Chrissochos, UNESCO New York Director of Modern Music, describes it as "college light rock, usually played with acoustic guitars. They are usually romantic love songs."

Ioannidis has released 11 solo albums, most of which have gone gold or platinum. He has appeared as a guest singer on over 40 albums with other artists.

As a songwriter, Ioannidis has written songs for other artists, as well as writing music for dance and theater. His symphonic work has been performed both in Greece and abroad. His influences range from traditional Cypriot music, Greek composers of the last decades, Byzantine, classical, and rock.

Lyrics: Nikos Zoudiaris

Music: Nikos Zoudiaris

Στίχοι: Νίκος Ζούδιαρης

Μουσική: Νίκος Ζούδιαρης

Πρώτη εκτέλεση: Αλκίνοος Ιωαννίδης

Greek Lyrics

Pronunciation

English Translation

Verse

Verse

Verse

Verse

Verse

Verse

Chorus

Chorus

Chorus

Verse

Verse

Verse

Verse

Verse

Verse

Chorus

Chorus

Chorus

Chorus

Chorus

Chorus

This page was contributed by Panayiota Bakis, who is happy to share her culture and music she grew up with! Here's how Panayiota describes her background:

I always love engaging with intelligent like-minded people, especially artists. I love sharing anything and everything about my Hellenic culture and upbringing, especially music and dance. A conversation with me will bring you back to America's favorite Greek-American movie by Nia Vardalos called My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

I love investigating Greek culture, history, music, and dance. Speaking of investigating, I think I missed my calling, I probably should have been an investigator. Instead, I use those skills to dig and dig and dig tirelessly, often times falling asleep on my laptop... just to find the truth. But, most importantly, accurate truth. For me personally, and other respectable folklorists, my culture and accuracy are very important. Each generation of ethnic born artists has a duty to do the best it can to pass down our traditions as was taught to us. We have been given this artistic gift to be the gatekeepers of our heritage and culture.