The original Alcaiceria was built in the 15th century during the Nasrid period. It was known as the Silk Market, a place to buy silk, spices and other luxury products. It was destroyed in a fire in 1843, but it was rebuilt in a neo-Arabic style to evoke its original spirit. The origins of Alcaicerias are traced back to the time when Emperor Justinian granted the Arabs the right to trade silk. The Emperor or Caesar was called al-qaysar in Arabic – hence, Alcaicería became the name of this type of market. The Alcaicerías, like this one in Granada, were located in protected buildings, locked behind guarded doors. In fact, the Alcaicería of Granada boasted almost two hundred stores and had 9 doors in total.