Morums Timeline

Pre 1910

Humble Beginnings

Mr. Morum, a European entrepreneur with a keen interest in Eastern craftsmanship, begins collecting Oriental textiles, antiques, and curios during his travels to Egypt and Sudan. He operates informally, supplying diplomats, archaeologists, and travelers prior to establishing a formal store.

1910

First Established Store

Morums Oriental Goods formally opens in Cairo, with a small seasonal store near Midan El-Ataba. The store specializes in Persian carpets, brassware, embroidered robes, and travel gear, gaining popularity among European tourists on the Grand Tour.

1911–1913

Recognition and Prestige

The store becomes a favored destination for guests of prominent hotels such as Shepheard's, Continental-Savoy, and Semiramis. Morums is listed in elite travel guides and orientalist journals, enhancing its reputation.

1914

Opening at Boulak Avenue

A new and prominent location opens at the corner of Shareh Boulak (now 26 July Street) in Downtown Cairo. This signals Morums' expansion into the heart of the modern European quarter, enhancing visibility and commercial reach.

1915–1918

War and Adaptation

During World War I, tourism declines, but Morums adapts by supplying high-quality items to military officers, nurses, and diplomatic staff. The store begins offering postal and consular arrangements, catering to the shifting clientele.

1919

Expansion and Rebranding

Morums acquires S. Stein's Oriental Stores, a business established in Cairo in 1863. Following the merger, the business is rebranded as Morums Oriental Stores Ltd. with registration in London. The firm rapidly expands, opening branches in Alexandria, Tantah,Mansourah, Assiout, Jerusalem and Jaffa.

1922

Egyptomania Boom

The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb electrifies the world. Egyptology surges in popularity. Morums responds with themed window displays, pharaonic motifs, and tailored expedition kits for archaeologists and inspired amateurs.

1923-1929

The Golden Era

Morums launches its line of custom luggage labels, elegant travel accessories, and decorative souvenirs. The store becomes a must-visit stop for travelers arriving via steamship or overland tour.

Frequented by authors, society figures, and visiting dignitaries, Morums is mentioned in travel memoirs and expatriate letters. The store's blend of Ottoman, Egyptian, and Levantine goods reflects a curated colonial-era chic.

1933-1939

Shifting Times

Cairo's landscape changes with the rise of modern department stores.

Morums repositions itself as a boutique for "authentic and timeless Eastern treasures", focusing on craftsmanship over scale.

Mr. Arthur H. Morum passes away in 1939.

1940s

War and Quiet Closure

World War II causes another downturn in tourism and international trade.

Both Cairo locations are believed to have quietly closed during or shortly after the war, as colonial networks dissolved. The name Morums Oriental Stores begins to fade from public view, but the countless curiosities that once lined its shelves linger on. Each object, a silent ambassador of a bygone Cairo.

2025

Revival of the Legacy

A renewed interest in colonial-era ephemera and Orientalist design sparks a cultural revival of Morums Oriental Stores.

The brand reclaims its identity as a gateway to storied objects, honoring the original spirit of adventure, elegance, and craftsmanship.