Descriptions of Egyptian cities in European languages during the second half of the 19 th century contain many references to the term okelle and its derivatives. They were used to designate profit making buildings which organization reminds the ancient architectural type of wakala. Whereas the origin of this word and the main function of the building relate back to a more ancient model, the okelle in the second half of the 19 th century differs in several ways. First, okelle in Cairo and Alexandria are substantially different. In Alexandria, the term refers to a clearly-identified architectural form while, in Cairo, it seems defined by the activities it houses rather than architectural features. Arnaud 29 – Okelles et activités économiques à la fin du XIX e siècle au Caire