Al-Qabil: Al-Mudayrib. Documentation and Heritage Management Plan by ArCHIAM

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This Heritage Management Plan contains a complete vision for the sustainable redevelopment and revitalization for the oasis settlement of al-Mudayrib in the Wilayat of Al-Qabil. Extensive fieldwork campaigns, detailed documentation and analysis of the built environment, as well as in-depth study of historical sources and anthropological data, have been brought together to provide a high-quality multidisciplinary examination of the settlement’s past, present and possible future. Drawing on previous experience and cooperation between the Ministry of Heritage and Culture and Nottingham Trent University, this study is to set the potential for future public-private partnerships in the field of heritage Management Salim M. almahruqi Undersecretary for Heritage Affairs

AL-QĀBIL : M UDAYRIB

AL-QĀBIL: AL-MUDAYRIB

AL-QĀBIL: Al-M• UDAYRIB

MINISTRY OF HERITAGE AND CULTURE SULTANATE OF OMAN COMMITTEE FOR THE REGISTRATION AND PROTECTION OF HISTORIC BUILDING CLUSTERS

NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY

MINISTRY OF HERITAGE AND CULTURE SULTANATE OF OMAN COMMITTEE FOR THE REGISTRATION AND PROTECTION OF HISTORIC BUILDING CLUSTERS

NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY

Commissioned by M INISTRY OF HERITAGE AND CULTURE S ULTANATE OF OMAN COMMITTEE FOR THE R EGISTRATION AND P ROTECTION OF HISTORIC B UILDING CL USTERS

Developed by NOTTINGHAM T RENT UNIVERSITY CENTRE FOR THE S TUDY OF A RCHITECTURE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA , A RABIA AND THE MAGHREB

AL-QĀBIL: Al-MUDAYRIB

AL-MUЏAYRIB - DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

SUMMARY

The ministry would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Nottingham Trent University research team in carrying out the research and documentation leading to this management plan

RESEARCH TEAM: PROF SOUMYEN BANDYOPADHYAY Principal Investigator and Project Director DR GIAMILA QUATTRONE Research Fellow and Project Coordinator DR MARTIN S. GOFFRILLER Research Fellow and Project Member PAUL MACMAHON Research Assistant JONATHAN WREN Research Assistant SMARANDA GHINITA Fieldwork Assistant ДAITHAM AL-ΚABRĪ Project Student

MINISTRY PARTICIPANTS: ALI BIN HAMOUD BIN SAIF AL MAHROUQI AMNAH BINT KHADIM BIN ALI AL-SHEHI MAHMOUD BIN ABDULLAH BIN ALI AL-KIMZARI ALI BIN AHMED BIN ABDULLAH AL-KATHIRI MOHAMMED BIN AMR BIN SALEM AL-AMRI

Figure 0.1 View of Al MuΡayrib from old fort

AL-MUЏAYRIB - DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

SUMMARY

This Documentation and Heritage Management Plan is dedicated to the large and well-known oasis settlement of Al MuΡayrib and builds upon the extensive fieldwork documentation carried out on site, as well as on the interim field report submitted in February 2014. Alongside providing comprehensive drawn documentation resulting from the survey carried out in Autumn 2013, this report includes a Master Plan which addresses issues of heritage management, conservation and development, as well as approaches for its implementation.

The Master Plan illustrates zones and categories of development and conservation to be carried out, which builds on a statement of significance, and assessment of the state of conservation and the threats to heritage management at Al MuΡayrib, drawing on the experiences of researching and developing Master Plans for Дārat al-Yemen, Izkī (2011) and Дārat al-Aqr, Bāhla WHS (2012) among others. The report also includes a comprehensive inventory of structural and non-structural defects present at the settlement as well as a study of the oasis context.

The Master Plan is informed by extensive documentation, analysis and interpretation of the urban structure, morphology, building typology and social conditions of the present and the immediate past. On this basis, a culturally and technically informed development plan is proposed, which advocates a sustainable revitalization centred on re-habitation, heritage tourism, education, training and skill development programmes with emphasis on traditional knowledge of the built environment and the crafts. As already suggested in previous submissions for Birkat al-Mawz, Fanja, Izkī, ΚIbri and Bahlā, here too the intention is to move away from an entirely tourism-focused development and towards a more sustainable alternative. Key zones are identified in the Master Plan for protection, restoration, rebuilding, consolidation and redevelopment. Due to the current degree of habitation of Al MuΡayrib, with over 80% of the dwelling still inhabited, it was decided to pursue a selective approach to the documentation of the site. Relying greatly on aerial photography and drawn documentation the key buildings of the hārah were surveyed in a detailed fashion, together with an extensive survey of the oasis, palm groves and falaj network. Figure 0.2 Left: View from old fort overlooking Zone D Figure 0.3 Opposite: Unit D8 with old souq in foreground

SUMMARY

AL-MUЏAYRIB - DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY

3.2.2 Hārat Al MuΡayrib

1 INTRODUCTION

3.3 Falaj

1.1 Objectives and approaches

3.4 Architecture

2 FIELDWORK IN AL-MUЏAYRIB

3.4.1 Dwellings

2.1 Introduction

3.4.2 Sablahs

2.2 Preparatory work

3.4.3 Mosques

2.2 Reconnaissance

3.4.4 Fortifications

2.3 Documentation

3.4.5 Souq

2.4 Fieldwork in Al MuΡayrib

4 ARCHITECTURAL VALUES AND THREATS TO SITE’S SIGNIFICANCE

2.5 Aerial Documentation

4.1 Urban and Architectural values of Hārat Al MuΡayrib

2.6 Training

4.2 Historical Values of Hārat Al MuΡayrib

2.7 Ethnographic Study

4.3 Social Values

3 DOCUMENTATION OF AL-MUЏAYRIB

4.5 Threats to sites’ significance

3.1 Introduction

5 FAILURE AND STATES OF PRESERVATION

3.2 Context and Topography

5.1 Guiding principles to conservation and rehabilitation

3.2.1 The Al MuΡayrib Region, Past and Present

5.2 Guiding principles to repair actions

SUMMARY

5.3 Failure Analysis and Repair Guide 5.4 Guidance Notes 6 PRINCIPLES AND APPROACHES TO HERITAGE MANAGEMENT 6.1

Philosophy of Development and Conservation Principles

6.2

Approaches to Development and Conservation

6.3

General Policies for Development and Conservation

6.4

Guidelines for Development and Conservation

6.4.1 General Guidelines 6.4.2 Design Guidelines for Redevelopment 6.5

Additional Studies and Analysis

7 DESIGN PRECEDENTS 7.1 introduction 8 MASTER PLAN 8.1

Introduction

Appendix A1, Bibliography

AL-MUЏAYRIB- DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION This Heritage Management Plan is supported by extensive fieldwork and off-site drawn documentation, and was undertaken to provide integrated conservation and development strategies and a preliminary Master Plan for the settlements of Hārat Al MuΡayrib in the Wilayat of al-Qabil, Ash Sharqiyah Governorate.

The project was undertaken by commission from the Ministry of Heritage and Culture (MHC) of the Sultanate of Oman and with logistical support from Nottingham Trent University in order to develop cohesive strategies for four oasis settlements in the Ash Sharqiyah Governorate of Oman, including also the Hārat al Al Bū Rāshid and as-Сuwawfah in Sinaw and the small mountain settlement of Hārat Al-Jīlahh (its aflaj irrigation system listed under UNESCO WHS). The report aims to maximise tangible impact from sustained high quality research in the field of Oman’s vernacular settlement study undertaken at Nottingham Trent University. This is part of a longer term aim to debate, collaborate, contribute and influence heritage, architecture and urban design policy in Oman at the levels of the government, public and private sectors, charitable organisations and the local stakeholder communities, with additional benefits becoming available to the UK and international learned bodies, heritage institutions, industries and communities. The work has been undertaken at the Centre for the study of Architecture and Cultural Heritage of India, Arabia and the Maghreb (ArCHIAM), based at Nottingham Trent University, UK, which aims to provide an interdisciplinary research platform for historical and contemporary cultural Figure 1.1 Opposite: View to fortified unit in Zone D

INTRODUCTION

developments across three interconnected global regions. The Centre consists of an international team of researchers from a variety of academic backgrounds in architecture, social history, architectural technology, archaeology, conservation and digital documentation, among others. In this sense one of the fundamental themes underlying the Centre’s research aims is the multidisciplinary study of how human culture and social practices are expressed spatially, and how in turn space affects the cultural practices of groups and communities.

The Ministry of Heritage and Culture of Oman has recently established an inventory of over one thousand vernacular settlements of which 86 have been identified for immediate attention. Heritage Management Plans (HMPs) are the first step in the process.

The ArCHIAM projects, beginning with a proposal for Дārat as-Saybanī in Birkat al-Mawz produced in 2011, deliver detailed models and guidelines relevant to Oman and the Middle East, as well as develop appropriate, cost-effective and expedient methods for producing HMPs. While HMPs are fundamental to the shaping of historic settlements by suggesting methods of management and conservation of historic fabric, this research group strongly believes that the success of such approaches is only limited if not fully integrated with addressing developmental needs and aspirations of future generations. By developing new models and methods, the projects aim to contribute extensively to sustainable modernisation in Oman and the Middle East. Findings are to be disseminated also to and via local institutions, stakeholder communities and international presence in Oman.

The existing UNESCO HMP guidelines are focused on World Heritage Sites and are mainly Eurocentric (i.e., mainly derived from and addressing European heritage sites), making their approach inadequate for sites of regional and national significance in the Middle East facing significant pressures of development. The project will reshape, refine and adapt UNESCO guidelines and methods for the key aspects of the HMP: a) detailed documentation, b) establishment of significance, c) integrating development and heritage management, and, d) sustainable built environment development guidelines. In this sense the aim is to develop a heritage management strategy that is tailor made to the conditions and requirements of the Gulf Region. The contribution will underpin and inform future heritage management policy and budget allocation in the region.

The project’s eventual success will be measurable from its impact on heritage policy, processes and methods, change in socio-cultural attitude and greater awareness of issues related to integration of heritage with development.

1.1 OBJECTIVES AND APPROACHES The objective is to prepare an HMP for two oasis settlements of importance, possessing significant characteristics, including a distinctive setting, to develop: a.

HMP and appropriate management guidelines;

sustainable built environment developmental guidelines;

Expedient and cost effective documentation methods and related best practice guidelines.

This has been undertaken by:

conducting fieldwork documentation throughout Autumn 2013;

producing relevant drawn documentation (maps, plans and photographic documentation);

analysing data for establishing significance;

producing a strategic HMPs as model and guideline;

considering wider issues of design, culture and society for developing sustainable building and developmental guidelines;

using alternative, cost effective and expedient methods of documentation.

AL-MUЏAYRIB- DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

RECONNAISSANCE AND FIELDWORK

2 RECONNAISSANCE AND FIELDWORK AT ALMUЏAYRIB

2.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter outlines the process and methodologies employed in the documentation process at the settlement of Al MuΡayrib in the oasis of the same name. The comparatively large settlement was not documented in its entirety as about 70% of dwellings are modern or still inhabited. Instead, it was decided to take a selective building-specific approach to the documentation of Al MuΡayrib, which included large expanses of the oasis itself and several adjacent dwelling clusters and structures associated with agricultural production.

2.2 PREPARATORY WORK Extensive preparatory work was carried out at Nottingham Trent University and in Oman during the weeks leading up to fieldwork to develop a cohesive documentation strategy and implementation procedures. With these aims in mind the following efforts were undertaken: • Preparation of detailed fieldwork documentation and drawing of production guidelines for use on site;

Figure 2.1 Map of Oman with cut-out of the study area

AL-MUЏAYRIB- DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

• Procurement and preparation of aerial photographs for on-site use; • Developing inventory data sheets appropriate for use on designated sites drawing on previous work on Oman’s traditional hārat, focusing especially on states of preservation; • Creation of schematic components map including main building types and zoning derived from aerial photographs; • Establishing a data handling and storage strategy, as outlined in the ‘Fieldwork Guidelines 2012’, which was subsequently distributed to our contributors from the MHC to standardize proceedings; • Preparation of detailed fieldwork plan and logistics making provision also for the expected training of ministry employees. A number of aerial photographs were acquired from the NSA (National Survey Authority of Oman) by the MHC, with the liaison being carried out by the doctoral student from NTU

2.2 RECONNAISSANCE While the majority of the team were conducting data collection and documentation at Al MuΡayrib two team members (Prof. Soumyen Bandyopadhyay and Dr. Martin Goffriller) carried out a preliminary reconnaissance of Al MuΡayrib to assess size and condition of the relevant sectors of the settlement. The largely still inhabited and modernised condition of settlement determined that the documentation effort would concentrate on the area around the souq, the Hisn al-Khanajira, the Fortifications (Towers and Hisn Al MuΡayrib) as well as the large houses located within and around the urban core. Apart from a few isolated structures such as mosques and dwellings much of the mud brick section of the ancient hārah were not documented due to their very advanced state of decay. Further, due to the excellent state of preservation of the agricultural lands it was decided to engage in a more exhaustive study of the oasis context, including the falaj channels and outlying dwellings. Following arrival on site of the entire team on December 2nd a further reconnaissance tour was carried out to acquaint the team with the site and proceed to develop a comprehensive zoning plan based on the aerial photography procured during the preparation work. Minor corrections were made to the previously developed zoning plans and areas of concentration were re-appraised on

Figure 2.2 Reconnaissance at Al MuΡayrib

RECONNAISSANCE AND FIELDWORK

site. In addition to the independent reconnaissance carried out by the ArCHIAM team, MHC organised a meeting with a local resident (Mr. Sultan al-Harthi) who provided a wealth of additional information regarding the hārat ’s history and social context, as well as an in-depth tour of the urban core as well as the agricultural grounds associated with the oasis.

2.3 DOCUMENTATION The fieldwork methodologies applied in the documentation of Al MuΡayrib are largely identical to those already employed at most previous projects by the NTU/ArCHIAM team in Oman. After an initial appraisal on-site of the size, condition and nature of the settlement and its environs the entirety of the settlement is split into alphanumerically designated units which are then drawn and measured in plan and, if deemed necessary, in section or isometrically. The drawing and measuring process is followed by exhaustive photographic documentation of every unit in the settlement, including open spaces, exterior and aerial views.

Figure 2.3 Photographic survey at Al MuΡayrib

In addition to the already mentioned ground work and usual data collection, at Al MuΡayrib the team also made use of an aerial photography UAV to acquire high resolution aerial image in the form of, both, still images and video. The resulting materials are not only expected to substantially accelerate the drawing-up process of the settlement, but they also provide a unique record of the condition of the settlement for future generations of researchers. The high quality materials are also of excellent use in the context of outreach projects such as exhibitions and for visually high-gain publications.

2.3.1 FIELDWORK AT AL-MUЏAYRIB Actual site work at Al MuΡayrib started on December 2nd 2013. After a number of meetings with a series of local inhabitants, namely Mr. Sultan al-Harthi and other residents, the team was given a guided tour of the settlement and a relatively thorough introduction into the region’s history and some of the threats facing the architectural and cultural heritage of the hārat . The overall

Figure 2.4 Sketch drawings of dwelling D8

AL-MUЏAYRIB- DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

impression was that there is a serious and candid interest in the preservation of Al MuΡayrib’s built legacy on the part of the local stakeholders. Unlike most other hārah’s ArCHIAM has studied since the inception of the MHC projects Al MuΡayrib is an almost completely inhabited settlement, with a substantial population and a wellfunctioning oasis environment. While there are some signs of abandonment in some peripheral sections of the settlement, certain demographic fluctuations are to be expected and in no way unusual. Unfortunately, it is these abandoned sections which retain the majority of the vernacular architecture in the settlement, and their condition is in a very advanced state of decay. The remainder of the settlement, which is still inhabited, has gradually been rebuilt in cement and concrete blocks. This has left only a small selection of buildings in their original condition, largely due the higher quality of the building materials and copious amounts of stone masonry. In some cases the grand nature of the architecture also made regular maintenance more likely than in the lower status dwellings on the edge of the hārah . The aerial documentation encompassed the entirety of the settlement, drawn and measured data collection was carried out on a selective basis, concentrating on those structures that were still salvageable and merited a more detailed study. These structures are located for the most part at the core of Al MuΡayrib in the area surrounding the souq, though some are outside the hārat proper and located within the palm groves. Following the drawn and photographic documentation a series of interviews were carried out with erstwhile inhabitants of the hārat . These interviews form the core of the ethnographic dimension which this project aims to address, by providing an expansive account of the oasis’ oral history, and to help establish the tribal ownership pattern of dwellings within the hārah and thus gain a deeper insight into the morphological development of the urban layout. The interviews are also of great importance in order to learn about the stakeholders’ expectations for their settlement and their future aspirations. Unusually for the case of many of Oman’s vernacular settlements in the case of Al MuΡayrib there appears to be a greater awareness of the settlement’s history, with verifiable historical data and dates which aid substantially in the understanding of the hārah’s past and formal evolution. In particular the East African links with Zanzibar, Kilwa and Pemba are still well understood and

Figure 2.5 Example of a flightpath of UAV over Al MuΡayrib Figure 2.6 Preparing the UAV for aerial survey

RECONNAISSANCE AND FIELDWORK

some cases still alive.

2.5 AERIAL DOCUMENTATION A novel element of the documentation of Hārat Al MuΡayrib was the use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for aerial photography and video. The 4kg quad-rotor aircraft was flown via an iPad ground station along predetermined flight paths allowing for a systematic coverage from single or variable altitudes depending on the required outcomes. A total of 8 flights were carried out from various location within and around the hārah, recording not only the build environment of the settlement itself but also substantial portions of the agricultural lands and fortifications surrounding the settlement. The resulting data, in particular the high resolution photography, has permitted the creation of 3D terrain models and textured rendering using GPS-linked imagery and AGIsoft photogrammetry software. This data processing technique is, to date, unique for Oman and much of the Middle East and is expected to significantly enhance visual communication of the collected data as well as complement outreach activities, while also providing highly accurate orthographic imagery and 3D-DEMs (Digital Elevation Models) of the terrain and topography. These can be used to better understand water runoff patterns for stormwater drainage, modelling wind interaction with the urban space and other climatic factors, while also visualising in three dimensions the form and textures of an entire village or town.

Figure 2.7 Composite aerial image of Al MuΡayrib post-processing

AL-MUЏAYRIB- DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

2.6 TRAINING Central to ArCHIAM’s fieldwork effort in the documentation of Дārat Al MuΡayrib was the training of local stakeholders in the current surveying techniques. The aim of this capacity building engagement was to impart to MHC employees the necessary skills for them to be able to carry out basic survey and documentation in an independent fashion. Over the duration of the fieldwork campaign at Al MuΡayrib a total four MHC employees were given around ten days of training in reading and drawing plans, basic sketching techniques for the accurate representation of the built environment, and photographic documentation of the vernacular architecture Particular attention was given to the establishment of a homogeneous architectural drawing convention, for which a series of guidelines were developed for use on site to establish a standard of representation. This was followed by in-depth analysis of the site’s morphology by accurately determining its geometry with measuring tapes and lasers. In this field the MHC workers were able to assist the ArCHIAM team and substantially accelerated the duration of fieldwork. One final aspect of the capacity building exercise undertaken on site was the induction of MHC employees into methods of systematic photographic documentation. Particular emphasis was given here to the creation of a stitchable photographic record that would permit the panoramic visualisation of architectural spaces. The expected outcomes of these capacity building efforts are twofold: on the one hand it is expected that with the skills imparted by the ArCHIAM team the trainees will be able to assist in future fieldwork campaigns. Secondly, it is hoped that a closer involvement with the sites and a better understanding of their past will give MHC employees a greater sensitivity and appreciation towards Oman’s cultural past, the stewards of which they are to become. While these past experiences can be considered to have been a success in terms of the aims initially set out by the research team, there is clearly great potential in expanding this practice to motivated individuals with a personal interest in the field of vernacular architecture and history. Furthermore, capacity building exercises and outreach projects pose the opportunity to sensitise the local communities to the values of cultural heritage, aid in its preservation and promote a shared identity.

RECONNAISSANCE AND FIELDWORK

2.7 ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY While a substantial amount of work on the historical and social-historical realities of the settlement of Al MuΡayrib had already been carried out in the 1970s by the team, Bonnenfant, Le Cour Grandmaison and others. The ArCHIAM team’s approach has been to complement and extend this past study with a more up-to-date investigation. A number of local inhabitants of various groups were interviewed over the course of about 7 days, talking about the past appearance of the settlement, its origins, historical relevance, social structures, urban growth and development, etc. Additionally, several tours of the palm groves and adjacent agricultural areas were also carried out in the company of the Falaj Wakil and other knowledgeable individuals. The owners of certain grand houses were also interviewed with a view to learning more about the architecture and design of their houses, as well and increasing the understanding of social representation of status within such a tight-knit community.

Figure 2.8 On site interview with inhabitants around the broader context of the oasis Figure 2.9 On site interview with inhabitants around the Souq area

AL-MUЏAYRIB- DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS

3 DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF AL-MUЏAYRIB

3.1 INTRODUCTION This section aims to address the main characteristics of Hārat Al MuΡayrib, comprising a discussion of the climatology and geography of the region and a description of the more immediate topographical context which has had a fundamental effect on the placement and morphology of the settlement. In historical terms the Hārat of Al MuΡayrib also played a central role in the Ash Sharqiyah region and beyond, with important trade connections stretching as far afield as India and the great ports of East Africa. The wealth and artistic influences resulting from this trans-cultural lifestyle have had a profound effect on the ethnic makeup of the inhabitants and consequently also on Al MuΡayrib’s architectural development.

3.2 CONTEXT AND TOPOGRAPHY Al MuΡayrib is located about 130km south-east of Muscat in the interior of the Ash Sharqiyah Governorate on the northern edges of the Ash Sharqiyah desert, formerly known also as the Wahiba desert. It is LOCATED on the eastern banks of the Wadi Al MuΡayrib which runs in a south-easterly direction along the foothills of the Eastern al-Hajar range, within the administrative unit of Wilayat of al-Qabil. While the geographic location is one that provided the settlement with the copious amounts of water with which it still blessed today, the location also puts it on the immediate fringes of the great sandy Figure 3.1 View towards rear fort tower

AL-MUЏAYRIB - DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

expanse that is the Ash Sharqiyah desert, located to the west and southwest. Unlike many other oases of the region the Al MuΡayrib oasis essentially consists of a single settlement core rather that more commonly seen fragmentary setup whereby a single oasis may contain up to a dozen individual urban clusters. The reasons for Al MuΡayrib’s comparative homogeneity are largely historical and related to the strong position of the Hirth tribes in the Ibra and al-Qabil regions, as a whole. The settlement itself is nestled within a ring of low ophiolite hills which surround the urban core on all sides except the southern one, which is instead comprised of the green expanse of the oasis and palm groves which fan outwards towards the south. The hills which surround the core of the hārat are all within the 20-40m range in height and are, for the most part, surmounted by guard towers which scan the surrounding country side and main approaches to the settlement. The largest hill, sloping upwards on the eastern edge of the hārah holds at its summit the widely visible Hisn Al MuΡayrib, an enclosure-type fort used in times of strife with no residential functions. The modern highway which cross the Ash Sharqiyah governorate from Sur to Ibra passes about 2km to the west of Al MuΡayrib, providing the settlement with excellent transport infrastructure while also not being too close to the heavy traffic connecting the coast with the interior.

3.2.1 THE MUЏAYRIB REGION, PAST AND PRESENT Besides Ibra and al-Qabil, the oasis of Al MuΡayrib is one of the largest in the region. The official founders of the Al MuΡayrib oasis are generally said to be Members of the Hirth (al-Harthi) tribe from Ibra who in the course of the 18th century began to yield to population pressure there and started founding new hārats in the region. While there is evidence of the Hirth residing in the Ibra region (about 20km to the north) since the 8th century AD, the area of Al MuΡayrib appears to have been settled predominantly by tribes from the Suqur, Maharma, Al Ba-Sa’ud, Khanajira, Samrat and Ghuyuth factions. These were also the builders of the first falaj in Al MuΡayrib, which entered the settlement from the east, rather than the one currently irrigating the hārat , which enters it from the north. The Hirth of Ibra appear to have carried some sway in the wider Ibra region as it was a member of this tribe (‘Isa b. Rashid al-Harthi) who was sent to Al MuΡayrib to resolve a conflict between the above mentioned tribes there. According to local lore he was asked to stay and

Figure 3.2 Oasis components of Al MuΡayrib

DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS

in 1714 AD he is said to have built for himself the oldest standing house in Al MuΡayrib, known as Bayt al-Burj (Bonnenfant et al. 1977, 108). Precise dates are, as so often in Oman, almost impossible to ascertain as written records and histories are largely absent and local informants, though extremely helpful in determining the general workings and histories of individual tribes, are usually less than reliable when it comes to accurate dates and events as they often contradict one-another substantially. The establishment of al-Qabil, the wilayat in which Al MuΡayrib is today located, in fact postdates the Hirth arrival in Al MuΡayrib. Al-Qabil was itself founded by Sheik Salih al-Harthi after a dispute with members of his tribe at Al MuΡayrib. The youngest oasis in the area is that of al-Ghallaji, located 3km north of Al MuΡayrib and established in the early years of the 20th century, around 1906, also by members of the al-Harthi tribe. It is clear that the majority of the oases in the Al MuΡayrib region are, historically speaking, quite recent. The reasons for this are to be found in the occasional bouts of demographic growth that occur when periods of beneficial climate coincide with those of peace and prosperity. In the Ash Sharqiyah area these conditions appear to have existed during the mid-to-late 18th century, and coupled together with the growing mercantile involvement in the Indian Ocean trade the inhabitants of the region acquired the comparatively high levels of affluence that are the hallmark of much of the local architecture. There is very little textual information available on the historical developments within the hārat over that last 150 years, though a number of assumptions may be made regarding the settlement’s gradual growth and expansion. In particular the aerial photography of the mid 70s shows a substantial shrinkage in the agriculturally used land areas compared to the current extent of the same. Al MuΡayrib is indeed somewhat unusual in that it is one of the very few oases of Oman that we have observed where the agricultural belt has not only not been substantially reduced over the past 30 years, but appears instead to have grown. The reasons for the lack of shrinkage, according to local informants, lies partly in the strength and continuous flow of the falaj and also in the moderate depopulation that occurred during the political upheavals of the 1960s, a time when many other settlements of similar size were in fact completely abandoned.

Figure 3.3 AGIsoft 3D terrain models of the hārah and environs

AL-MUЏAYRIB - DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

3.2.2. HĀRAT AL-MUЏAYRIB Lying on the main inland route from the port of Sur and others on Oman’s East coast, Al MuΡayrib has always been located astride one of the main arteries of trade connecting the interior of Oman to the important trading centres of the Indian Ocean. The urban core of the settlement is, as already mentioned above, in a comparatively good condition though the continued habitation of the site has brought about the ‘modernisation’ of many buildings with modern building materials such as cement and concrete without any sensitivity towards the context. The hārah is nevertheless still an excellent example of the traditional architectural development that reached impressive refinement and high levels of quality. The relatively compacted and self-contained form of the settlement is party explained by the topographical limitations which the surrounding hills posed on the expansion of the settlement. Growth appears to have occurred primarily into a southerly direction, but the high value of the agricultural land made it unfit to use for the construction, forcing further expansion along the foot of the hills towards the east. In more recent times development has tended to occur along and towards the modern highway connecting Al MuΡayrib with Ibra and Al-Qabil. The vernacular core of the hārah is disposed around a series of fortifications which effectively form some of the main point of reference within the settlement. Prime among these is the Hisn al-Khanajira, located at the centre of Al MuΡayrib, immediately to the west of the souq. The large open spaces and avenues leading off the souq indicate that this was a market town of significance that had to be able to efficiently cater to large numbers of people and their merchandise.

3.3 FALAJ The irrigation of the Al MuΡayrib region in fact form something of an interconnected network of individual systems. The various falaj systems of Izz, Al-Qabil, Al MuΡayrib and Al-Ghallaja all draw their water from the gravel plains of Al-Qabil and Izz wadis which converge further downstream forming the Wadi Batha which, in fact, continues all the way to the sea via Biddiya.

Figure 3.4 CAD plan of surveyed buildings and areas

DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS

The majority of the falaj systems in the area are of the Dawudi type, meaning that they are artificially constructed underground galleries rather than tapping surface flows, the latter being known as ghaeli falaj. The ancient core of a given settlement is usually located around the point where the falaj reaches the open air, providing the easiest access and point of distribution. Around this node are also found the buildings considered most important to the social and economic life of the settlement, such as the souq, mosques and at times also sablahs. This is the point at which the water is cleanest and therefore used for drinking and cooking before being channelled off into the oasis. Being the prime source of income and sustenance of a settlement the falaj is imbued with a certain sacredness that is evidenced by the close association with mosques, often located (as at Al MuΡayrib) on the falaj at the entrance and exit of the settlement. The water of the Falaj Al MuΡayrib is tapped from the wādi about 6km to the north of the settlement. By comparison with many other settlements in the Ash Sharqiyah area, Al MuΡayrib has been blessed by an abundance of water in its falaj. A comparatively stable base-flow of around 200-300 litres per second throughout the summer, which can peak at over 1000 l/s during the rainy period leading to flooding and the opening of all sluices to spread the load and prevent damage to the sophisticated distribution network. Water is at times so abundant that the excess which cannot be absorbed by the agricultural lands in the oasis flows out beyond these forming marshes and swamps. During the summer months, when water is less plentiful, a sophisticated system of water shares is implemented by auction, in which the various shareholders purchase calculated units of irrigation time (called athar) corresponding to around 30 minutes per unit. While today determining the length of individual athar is no longer a problem due to ready availability of wristwatches and clocks, in pre-electric times the standard method to determine the various allocations of shares was done through the use of sundials, the shadows of which would designated the length of time attributable to a given shareholder. At night this method was continued by following the position of certain stars. At Al MuΡayrib twelve stars were used for this, tough the number could vary from village to village (Nash 2007). From the location of the mosque known as the ‘reckoning mosque’ (Masjid al-Hisab) the movement of the stars was observed in relation to notches in the walls of buildings and posts protruding from roofs. Immediately after exiting the area of the souq at the centre of Al MuΡayrib, the falaj begins to

Figure 3.5 Various views of the Falaj Al MuΡayrib as it enters the planting areas

AL-MUЏAYRIB - DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

branch into different channels known as Saqiyat which are the actual irrigational component of the falaj network. Al MuΡayrib counted with a host of different channels which, one may expect, changed substantially since the network’s inception. Bonnenfant et al. counted four main saqiyat in 1977, which divided at various splitters leading to smaller channels which irrigated the individual fields. The main four channels were: •

Saqiyat al-Urayq, flowing off towards the east and which subdivided into the smaller saqiya al-Sidr

•

Saqiyat al-Makbusa, which subdivided into the Jar’ub and Ramlah Saqiya

•

Saqiyat al-Munhadir, which branched off into the saqiyats of al-Muzayriq, al-Bulayda, al-Sidr and al-Bahrayn

•

Saqiyat al-Jabal which subdivided into the al-Khabura, al-Hind, al-Buraymi and al-Jaw saqiyats

The proceeds from the water shares are another source of income for the community which is fed into the communal treasury which in the case of Al MuΡayrib has been administered by the Awlad Hamid, who are also responsible for investing it on behalf of the community. These investments consist predominantly in the maintenance of the falaj, irrigation channels and fortifications, but also in the suppression of pests, the entertainment of important guests and, in rarer cases, payment of compensation when an unidentified member of the community has committed offence against an outsider.

3.4 ARCHITECTURE Over recent decades the core areas of many inhabited settlements have, most commonly, been taken up by administrative buildings, schools and clinics which serves to highlight the, by now, fully established integration of the state. At Al MuΡayrib, however, these types of institutions have remained outside the vernacular core of the settlement and have instead been sited closer to the main road which passes to the west of the town. This coincides also with the establishment of modern quarters in the infrastructurally better served areas to the west of town. The urban core of Al MuΡayrib has grown substantially over the past 30 years, as it to be expected

Figure 3.6 Skyward view in dwelling A2

DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS

with the large demographic growth experienced in Oman since the 1970s. Rather than being a product of the growth of the domestic population, however, the demographic increase is to a greater extent a result of immigrating labourers from south Asia. These also form a substantial faction of the population of Al MuΡayrib and must therefore be taken into account as forming an integral part of the local community. Indeed, having been allocated many of Al MuΡayrib’s ancient houses for rental, the presence of these expatriate labourers by default has gone some distance in maintaining much of Al MuΡayrib’s vernacular architecture, which would otherwise have fallen into a greater state of disrepair than is already the case. As already mentioned above, the architecture of Al MuΡayrib is grand. A distinctively high level of affluence, visible also in the architecture of Ibra and al-Qabil, was one of the hallmarks of the region, which was closely involved with east African trade until quite recently. Trade links with Zanzibar, Kilwa and other East African emporia injected not only important amounts of cash into the local economy, but brought also an important influx of cultural elements from Africa which is still evident throughout the region today. Swahili is still a commonly spoken language amongst the inhabitants of Al MuΡayrib, and ties with overseas communities are still maintained to this day.

3.4.1 DWELLINGS The main architectural concept informing the construction of Al MuΡayrib’s houses is that of privacy, a concept which is found across the economic spectrum from the more humble dwellings to the high status palaces. Usually located around the northern side of a courtyard the builder constructs the living spaces which are connected to the courtyard through an arched and porticoed gallery called a dihriz. The southern orientation of the dwellings is a product of the local climatology as it aims to capture the cooler southern wind known as the Kūs. During the hottest months of the year, at the height of summer, most of the inhabitants would leave their houses to live in the cooler and more pleasant palm groves, engaging also in harvesting the date palms. As the houses grow in size the complexity of the courtyard arrangement also increased, often leading to several porticoes being built around the open space. The dwellings of the Hārat of Al MuΡayrib reflect the high standing of the local merchant class though size and quality of the building materials employed. Whereas in much of the interior of

Figure 3.7 Interior view in dwelling D2

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Figure 3.8 3D model of dwelling D8, Bayt Sa’id b. Muhammad al-Tashash

Figure 3.9 Various views in dwelling D8, Bayt Sa’id b. Muhammad al-Tashash

DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS

Figure 3.10 Various views in dwelling D8, Bayt Sa’id b. Muhammad al-Tashash

Figure 3.11 3D model of dwelling D8, Bayt Sa’id b. Muhammad al-Tashash

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Oman un-fired mud brick was the most commonly used building materials, at Al MuΡayrib one find copious amounts of stone masonry and sarooj in both structural and decorative functions. It may, of course, be assumed that not all the inhabitants of the settlement were wealthy, and a large part of Al MuΡayrib was indeed occupied by the more pedestrian houses of workers and labourers. These were located away from the core of the settlement, along the edges and in particular the base of the hill occupied by the Hisn (fort). Apart from the main core of the settlement, built around the area of the souq and the main falaj access points, a number of smaller urban clusters can be found within the oasis itself and the immediate surroundings. For the purposes of this heritage management plan documentation concentrated on the un-inhabited structures clustered primarily around the souq. One of the grandest of the houses in Al MuΡayrib is Bayt Sa’id b. Muhammad al-Tashash al-Maharmi, (D8) located on the southern end of the souq and overlooking the palm groves. Its construction date is likely datable to the middle of the 19th century. The building remains uninhabited since the midseventies and its current state of preservation is precarious. A number of uncoordinated rebuildings and repairs have been carried out in cement and concrete blocks only barely keeping the main structure from collapsing. From the outside the structure resembles a solid block of mixed masonry with three small towers on the corners of the roof. The south-eastern corner is occupied by a round tower integrated into the fabric of the structure. The apparent plain solidity of the structure comes also from the almost complete lack of windows, with the exception of a few ventilation slots placed high on the 1st floor level and a few gun-loops for defence. The interior of the ground floor is very dark and it received nearly no natural light from either windows of the courtyard. It was used primarily for storage, stabling of animals and as a prison for ‘recalcitrant slaves’ (Bonnenfant et al. 1977; 123). It also housed a well which would have been used regularly but provided extra subsistence in times of drought, strife or when the house was under siege. A further grand dwelling of Al MuΡayrib is that known as Bayt Awlad ‘Ali b. Talib al-Khanjiri (A1), located on a corner immediately north of the souq. The same unassuming and undecorated style characterises the outside of the building which stands out only by its massive dimensions.

Figure 3.12 Wooden door of the main Sablah

DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS

Designed, as most buildings of the type, along a strictly square, fortress-like plan but counts with a only small tower surmounting its roof. A large adjacent courtyard located on its eastern side allowed for access to the grounds without entering the dwelling proper. The interior of A3 is not unlike that of other buildings in Al MuΡayrib with a small airy courtyard providing light and ventilation for all floors and a number of smaller closed rooms leading off from this space. Apart from the exquisitely carved doors and stucco work one of the defining features of this house is the private access to the falaj from within the house proper. This allowed for a discrete washing facility for the women of the household as well as a direct source of water in times of conflict.

3.4.2 SABLAHS The segmentary nature of Omani society dictates the vast majority of the social norms and modes of interaction between the members of a community. By being tribally organised urban communities retain a high degree of personal space and privacy by adapting the spatial organisation of their dwelling to maximise the level of privacy of its inhabitants. Thus, guests and outsiders are not usually invited into the dwelling space proper but instead received in semi-public reception rooms or ante-chambers, located close to the entrance of the house, for either the male or female members of a household. These meeting spaces, which could vary substantially in size, were normally called a Sablah, or Majlis. These were also used during times of celebration or mourning, with men and children gathering to sing songs and share sweets. Conceptually, the same approach is applied on a settlement-wide scale with the construction of meeting rooms above or nearby the main gates of a settlement. This would allow the entertaining of outsiders without giving them access to the core of the settlement. When a large number of people were received by the village or tribe the sablah could also double as a dormitory, thus preserving the privacy of the individual homes (Bonnenfant et al. 1977). Ten such buildings are known to have existed in Al MuΡayrib but the principal one and one for which the town has acquired some fame is the so-called Sablah of the Maharma. This building, amongst the most prominent in the entire settlement, was a stand-alone structure which could, in times of trouble, also take on defensive functions. Situated above the souq and overlooking the

Figure 3.13 View in the main Sablah

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shops it is a square building with a large round tower on the western side, and a vestibule covered by a complex arrangement of stone masonry vaults. The sablah of the Maharma is fairly sober building, mostly undecorated except for the plaster grills over the windows and the highly elaborate monumental wooden door, carved with vegetable motifs and foliated scrolls. The lintel bears the inscription ‘The year 1308. God is our keeper. He is the Merciful and the Compassionate. The door was allegedly imported from East Africa. Part of the vault covering the vestibules was supported by a large wooden beam in from of a screw, said to have originally come from a sugar press. While today sugar cane is not grown in any great quantities at Al MuΡayrib, in the past the amount of water available was sufficient to produce sugarcane for five large presses operated by animals. Another important sablah in Al MuΡayrib is that ‘of the mountain’ (Sablat al-jabal), located outside of the core of Al MuΡayrib, within zone E. The location is an indicator for the importance of the al-Khanajira faction of the al-Harthi tribe in the settlement which, while not located at the core of the settlement nevertheless maintained an impressive and representative building. Structurally the Sablah ‘of the mountain’ is an interesting structure as it incorporated a variety of functions within the building. Its composition of a square closed room fronted by a double portico in two bays open towards the south. It was decorated by archways and on the eastern side held a Tarkaba for the cooking of dates, with an underground conduit which heated the two massive bronze cauldrons and evacuated the smoke towards a chimney.

3.4.3 MOSQUES While a certain number of mosques are to be expected for an oasis settlement of the size of Al MuΡayrib, the total figure of 18 mosques for this town is somewhat above average. Rather than indicating a particularly high degree of piety amongst the local inhabitants a more likely reason for this high concentration of ritual buildings is to be found in the small size of the individual structures and the vast expanse of the agricultural lands themselves. The majority of the mosques are located not within the urban core of the Hārat but isolated within the agricultural lands where much of the population worked throughout the day.

Figure 3.14 Attempts are often made to recreate traditional building forms

Architecturally most of these buildings are of a simple nature, consisting of an elevated platform rising about 2m above the irrigated land, upon which is placed the mosque proper. The smaller field mosques usually consisted of a small gated courtyard which led to an open chapel-like structure which is the mosque proper, a simple porticoed room with a small prayer niche at the far end.

DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS

Decorations in Ibadi mosques are unusual and in most cases do not amount to more than a stuccoed outline of the mihrab as a celestial gate. There is no mimbar, as according to Ibadite rite there can only be one in the main communal mosque of the town where the head of the local community resides. Equally, there is no minaret, the roof of the mosques being instead surmounted by a small dome called the Buma, usually located atop the access to the roof. Over recent decades many of the smaller field mosques have fallen into disrepair due to changing agricultural practices which result in people spending less time in the fields, and also the ubiquitous use of cars, which make travel to a larger communal mosque easier. A number of the mosques of Al MuΡayrib benefited substantially from the Waqf (income from falaj proceeds). A total of 37 athar was earmarked for mosque maintenance, 25.5 of this going specifically to the mosques of Al MuΡayrib and the remainder being shared out amongst of the mosques of al-Ghallaja and Ibra. A further six athar were reserved for the Shanjani mosque in Zanzibar, providing a good indication of the continued strong relationship with East Africa.

•

Masjid al-Dagasha built around 1930

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Masjid al-Maharma

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Masjid al-Bulayda

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Masjid al-Bahrayn also built around 1930

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Masjid ‘Umar

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Masjid Husayn al-Masruri

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Masjid al-Hind (Masjid Sa’id b. Jumay’ al-Masruri)

Among the most important of the religious spaces of Al MuΡayrib was the Musall al-Eid, which is more of an open sky enclosure than a structure at which the community would congregate during Eid and feast days. The main mosques of Al MuΡayrib are located in the central area around the souq and the main access points to the falaj. Due to the settlement’s continued habitation these structures have been heavily modified and at times expanded, making it almost impossible to discern the original fabric or decorations. The most important of these were the Masjid al-Hisab (the reckoning mosque), the Bu Rak’a mosque which was one of the main institutions of Qur’anic learning in Al MuΡayrib, and the Al-Juma’ mosque, which is probably one of the oldest in the settlement, though precise dates are seemingly not known. The main mosques of Al MuΡayrib are: •

Masjid al-Hisab

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Masjid al-Dabik

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Masjid al’Urayq

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Masjid Salim b. Abdallah

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Masjid al-Juma al-Jabal (ca. 1946)

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Masjid al-Juma in the souq

•

Masjid Kisham used mostly frequented by the Al Bu Sa’ud Figure 3.15 View of one of the Norther fortification towers

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DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS

•

Masjid al-Ghuyuth

•

Masjid Sa’id b. Salih al-Nu’mani

3.4.4 FORTIFICATIONS One of the defining features of the settlement of Al MuΡayrib are its widely visible fortification, which form an integral part of the urban landscape of the hārah and its surrounding territory. By being surrounded by a series of low hills, each summit was peaked with a cylindrical watch tower, of which there are a total of seven still visible today. The original orientation of the settlement towards the east and the original falaj coming from that direction has meant that a substantial shift has occurred in the defensive vector of the urban core. Prior to the Hirth settlement in Al MuΡayrib in the early 18th century a substantial part of the settlement was located around the Sharja Kunaysha gate at the east end. This areas was originally closed off by a substantial wall of which currently only traces remain on the surface. The original gate which gave access to this quarter of the settlement is today integrated into an adjacent building.

Figure 3.17 Hisn Al MuΡayrib identified on composite drawing

The 17th century falaj was built in such a way as to reach ground level in the middle of the circular space left between the ring of hills that surround the village. This arrangement allowed for an excellent defensive disposition of the settlement while simultaneously retaining control over the essential water source. TOWERS

Of the towers of Al MuΡayrib the oldest one is reputedly the one attached to the Bayt a-Burj located atop the falaj a short distance upstream, from the souq in Zone J. Today this tower is rendered in cement and a form of crazy paving, therefore barely recognisable as an ancient feature of the settlement and it was therefore not documented. According to Bonnenfant et al. it belonged to the Awlad Hamid faction of the Hirth. Tower N5, known as Burj Al Ba-Sa’ud al-Gharbi is one of the best preserved in Al MuΡayrib. It still stands to its original height and was originally surrounded by a dry stone wall of unknown height. It seems this added enclosure could have made the tower the centre of a more substantial fortification which covered the western approaches to the settlement. According to Bonnenfant et al. a small cast iron cannon was found near this tower, but its whereabouts are currently unknown. Tower N3, called Burj Al Ba Sa’Ud al-Sharqi, and is almost identical in form and size to N5, though by being located on the northern edge of Al MuΡayrib it surveyed the wadi and main access Figure 3.16 Elevated view of Al MuΡayrib Oasis

Figure 3.18 Aerial view of the Hisn Al MuΡayrib

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DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS

to the northern gate (N4).

QAL’A AL-KHANAJIRA

Positioned above a low hillock to the west of the fortress of Al MuΡayrib is a further tower (N2) called Burj al-Suqur, named after the fraction of the Hirth who built it. This tower too is of similar size and shape to the others, being long and relatively thin tapering towards the top.

The Qal’a al-Khanajira (D3) is the core defensive building of Al MuΡayrib, located at the centre of Zone D and overlooking much of the settlement. It is composed of two main sections comprised of the tower and the residential part. Local informants of the Khanajira agree that the construction date is likely around 1863, with substantial part having been added in the early 20th century.

The last tower within the immediate surroundings of the town of Al MuΡayrib is the so-called Burj al-Maharma (N8), which is now located within the settlement but originally guarded its eastern perimeter. This tower is currently in a severely ruined state and GATES

Al MuΡayrib was originally a walled town, though much of the perimeter did not require any additional defence due to the difficult terrain and steep slopes. Those portions which did require walls were usually also equipped with city gates, of which today only one remains in semi-original form. The northern gate of Al MuΡayrib, (N4) called the Dirwazat al-Kisham was a fortified access to the settlement which consisted of a substantial square tower the ground floor of which was gated to control entry into the town. The gate has been substantially restored and some of its original features have been lost, but the general arrangement remains the same. The top floors and parapet we reached from the interior via a wooden ladder. A number of gun loops allowed permitted firing from a safe position and, according to local informants, a small cannon or culverin was mounted on the battlements.

3.4.5 SOUQ The souq of Al MuΡayrib is one of the central features of the settlement, taking up almost the entire core of the site. Located around a large irregularly-shaped square at the eastern side of zone D, the souq consisted of a total of 17 shops which sold household goods, food stuffs and even valuables. Today none of these shops remain in use and many are in a dilapidated condition. According to our local informants plans were in motion to demolish the entire souq and build modern shops and stores throughout the area. Fortunately these plans have now been put on ice, and a more thoughtout and developed solution is proposed here in Chapter 8.

The other last remaining gate is today the Dirwazat Kunaysha (N10), located on the aastern side of town. It is today substantially reformed and integrated into an adjacent dwelling. The two other gates, Dirwazat Qardub (N6) and Dirwazat Suhailiya were both demolished during the 1970s with the townspeople’s approval to make way for wider roads and vehicular access. HISN AL-MUЏAYRIB

The most widely visible of Al MuΡayrib’s defensive features is the hill-top fort (N1) or Hisn which stands on the highest peak immediately to the east of the settlement. Consisting of little more than a square dry-stone enclosure with three towers at the corners. The walls is now almost completely in ruins and only two of the towers still remain standing and in good condition. According to local informant the fort was built by ‘Abdallah b. Sulayman b. Muhammad b. ‘Isa of the Awlad Hamid who died around 1842, making early 19th century a likely construction date for the fort. The site was never intended for residential purposes, being instead designed purely for ad hoc flights to safety by the local population and their livestock.

Figure 3.19 A cluster of fortifications towers

Figure 3.20 Elevated view of Al MuΡayrib

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ARCHITECTURAL VALUES AND THREATS TO SITE’S SIGNIFICANCE

4 ARCHITECTURAL VALUES AND THREATS TO SITE’S SIGNIFICANCE

The following chapter addresses some of the key aspects of the settlement’s architectural values and some of the primary issues that threaten its continued significance. In this section both settlements will be addressed together as the majority of issues are applicable to both sites equally.

4.1 URBAN AND ARCHITECTURAL VALUES OF ALMUЏAYRIB • The outstanding quality and state of preservation of much of Al MuΡayrib’s architectural heritage is an excellent example of the grander aspects of Oman’s vernacular architecture. • The Architecture of Al MuΡayrib illustrates like few other sites the close relationship of Oman with the mercantile exploits of the region in the Western Indian Ocean and East Africa. • The fornications of Al MuΡayrib, comprising not only towers and forts but also fortified houses, gates and walls, are an important exponent of the complex tribal relationships that existed in the region in the past. Their good state of preservation makes them an excellent object of study. • The oasis of Al MuΡayrib is one of the best preserved in the region and, due to the abundance of water, still offers the opportunity of expansion and retention of skills. • The relatively uncommon integration of the falaj channel into the houses themselves is an interesting feature which can also be observed at major sites such as Bahla’s al-Aqr WHS and Birkat al-Mawz

AL-MUЏAYRIB - DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

latter.

4.2 HISTORICAL VALUES OF AL-MUЏAYRIB • The Ash Sharqiyah and al-Qabil regions are important locations in Oman’s overseas trading tradition being one located on one of the central inland trading routes. • Though of relatively recent date the settlement has played an important role in the mercantile development of the Ash Sharqiyah as a whole and in particular of the Ibra region.

4.3 SOCIAL VALUES • The tribal setup of Al MuΡayrib is reflective of the close links with Oman’s East African colonies of Zanzibar, Kilwa and elsewhere. Even after an extended stay overseas - in some cases for generations - many groups were still able to trace their ancestry directly to families in Ash-Ash Sharqiyah. • The relatively young age of the settlements illustrates the still great mobility of Oman’s tribal groups up until very recently. The expansion of the al-Harthi tribe out of Ibra and the consequent founding of new settlements (Al MuΡayrib, al-Qabil, Izz, etc.) in the immediate vicinity had an important effect on the economical and political setup of the larger region. •

The settlement’s varied ethnic make up is reflective of the dynamism of Oman’s successful and tolerant social inclusiveness.

4.4 THREATS TO SITES’ SIGNIFICANCE The threats affecting Al MuΡayrib are large identical to those affecting most vernacular settlements of Oman as both human and environmental factors are having a negative impact on the hārah ’s architectural fabric. The following points list the primary destructive effects that are currently impacting the site: • Among much of the local population heritage is not yet regarded as inherently valuable in either cultural or economic terms. • Heritage should be regarded as a living entity not just as a mere object of preservation. There is strong evidence suggesting that the object of heritage management in Oman has, so far, been the

• The habitation of Al MuΡayrib, while having the beneficial effect of maintaining the basic infrastructure and agricultural lands, also has the adverse effect of resulting in the haphazard construction with modern building materials and the disregard of the vernacular stylistic language. • The plans of development posed by some of the current inhabitants, in particular the re-modelling of the souq into modern shops, threatens to obliterate the picturesque core of the settlement and turning it into a run-of-the-mill supermarket centre and parking lot. • In some cases the continued lack of day-to-day maintenance and conservation, arising from abandonment, is a significant threat to the built fabric. This study documents an only momentary glimpse in the gradual degradation of the architecture, as within the months between fieldwork and submission the condition of the buildings will have altered substantially. • Tourism activity is hampered to some extent by the lack of signage and information in the al-Qabil area. • The wide range of constructional, structural and architectural issues arising from neglect poses an extremely important threat. Structural failure arises from unchecked weather and bacterial action on the built fabric, as well as altered levels of stress and strain on building materials and components resulting from fluctuating levels of humidity and collapsed structures. Key architectural features of the settlement are being lost through erosion and collapse. In addition to the decay of structures due to the eroding action of the elements, abandonment and resulting dilapidation, the inevitable loss of the richness and cultural/material value of the earthen architecture is caused by repair/maintenance malpractices. This report provides a comprehensive understanding of the extent of constructional problems.

The mapping and the aerial imagery show that the buildings which have been left abandoned over the last decades are, for the most part, in a state of advanced deterioration. This is particularly true of those mud brick buildings in zones L and K. Other structures, most prominently those closer to the main roadways and central to the settlement, have been quite substantially modified by their inhabitants. Other threatening factors are:

• Al MuΡayrib’s extraordinary potential as a repository and showcase for Oman’s architectural and social traditions has come under threat by the modern developments of some of its current

ARCHITECTURAL VALUES AND THREATS TO SITE’S SIGNIFICANCE

inhabitants.

• Modern building techniques and design should be made to integrate traditional materials and forms. Approaches to development within heritage contexts have been elaborated upon in detail in Chapters 6 & 7.

• The late adoption of heritage management and development strategies for the settlement has intensified deterioration and continues to threaten the wider significance of the site. This Management Plan aims to address this problem by establishing specific strategies and detailed approaches, which require integration with broad economic, social, cultural and spatial development framework.

• The local residents and especially the younger generation do not feel the sense of ownership they once had. This is due to a socio-cultural shift resulting from a particular kind of ‘modernisation’ that has moved the new generation away from a deep and continued understanding of vernacular environments. New urban development has paid very little regard to the existing vernacular environments. This, again, the development plan aims to address through concrete propositions.

• There is a lack of available contemporary alternatives for intervening within such historic fabric to bring it back to use within the modern context. It is important that such international approaches and precedents are studied with care and with a view to adapting these to the Omani context. This appears in Chapter 7.

• The Royal Decree 6/80 establishes foundation and provides guidance regarding the importance of conserving built heritage. MHC is working towards overcoming the challenges in extending, developing and coordinating the institutional framework required for dealing with a complex phenomenon. It is important that other governmental bodies work closely with MHC to coordinate policies at national and local levels to address integration of heritage management with planning and development. A robust tourism policy is again critical to the sustainable management of the historic built fabric.

•

In the short term, pending the development of wider coordinated policy, the present pressures

on land for developing new housing, and economic, social and civic infrastructure is likely to lead to further deterioration of the settlement, and in particular the oasis.

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ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

sheet 1a

DOORS, WINDOWS DOORS Mostly consisting of two leaves (farda), doors are set in ornate timber frames, which are embedded in the walls and consist in a top lintel (tāj), a bottom lintel (dāmigh) and side posts (mānya). Panels are made of vertical wood planks joined on the inside face by means of horizontal timbers (ḍulū’). These are nailed over the planks through wrought-iron studs which create horizontal decorative patterns on the leaves. A central carved post (anf al-bāb), fixed to one of the two panels, acts as a check to stop movement and masks the gap where the two leaves join. Locks consist in iron latches (ghalaq) at the end of chains, which are slipped over metal rings (rizza) fixed to lintels and fastened through padlocks.

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WINDOWS Rectangular in shape and made of timber, windows (darīsha) are generally positioned in the lower part of walls, sometimes set within niches. Windows consist of two layers. The external layer is a wooden frame, sometimes parted in two by a horizontal element, which encompasses a wrought-iron grating made of vertical and horizontal bars. The internal layer, which may be occasionally painted in bright colours, consists in a double leaf wooden shutter carved up into four quadrants. Sometimes windows are set in partition walls in order to let light and air into otherwise totally dark rooms. In this case they are not provided with shutters and present a half grate.

ARCHITECTURAL VALUES AND THREATS TO SITE’S SIGNIFICANCE

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

sheet 1b

OPENINGS, GRILLS, BALUSTRADES AND PARAPETS OPENINGS Rectangular and mitre-like openings (manakhal) decorated with plaster grills are cut out of the walls below ceiling level or within niches. They were used to ventilate and illuminate the interiors of the buildings, particularly in inner windowless rooms. For the same reason the upper parts of walls are punctured by portholes framed in prefabricated plaster ribs. Small loopholes (marāq) piercing through the walls in different directions were used to spot approaching enemies without being seen and shoot at them. Roof openings are found in the form of skylights above stairs and roof accesses above ladders.

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GRILLS, BALUSTRADES AND PARAPETS Arches above door lintels are sometimes decorated with brick lattice motifs (dra’is). These are also present in walled-off archways as well as in the balustrades of the first floor gallery space (dihrīz) opening onto the courtyard. Balustrades of galleries are otherwise made of solid stone and mortar masonry with castellations. Crenellated parapets (qurūn) are a common feature of towers and other fortified structures such as sablahs and gates (darāwiz). Parapet walls are punctuated by rows of circular or elongated triangular loopholes (marāq), sometimes combined together, which were used for rifle shooting, and by cannon holes (marma) devised for small cannons to target distant attackers.

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CONSTRUCTION FEATURES

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FLOORS AND ROOFS, DOMES AND VAULTS, WALLS FLOORS AND ROOFS Floors and roofs consist, from intrados to extrados, of: crossbeams of old palm tree trunks (juzu’); long beams of the same type (not always present); palm fronds (du’un) held together with rope (zfānah) and laid perpendicularly to the beams; woven palm leaf mats (suffah); palm organic fibers mats (līf) (not always present); 40 cm thick mud screed; plaster coating (sarwī). Roofs sometimes have ventilation holes acting as smoke outlets.

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DOMES AND VAULTS Domes are made of small stones laid in concentric circles and connected at the apex to a pillar through a ring of stone wedges. In small domes stones are laid in a spiral pattern instead. Barrel vaults were built with flat stones staggered in horizontal tiers on prefabricated plaster (juss) ribs (kafī), which were placed every 40/50 centimetres. The arches were tied by palm branches, which were removed or left in place in order to hold the stones. WALLS The towers and the defensive enclosure of the fort are made of stone (ḥajar) bound in sarooj mortar. Walls often present stone courses jutting out 2-4 centimetres. The most affluent houses and the fortified communal buildings have the same masonry construction, but finished in sarooj. The souq as well as more modest dwellings and small mosques are built in mud bricks, set and finished in mud mortar.

ARCHITECTURAL VALUES AND THREATS TO SITE’S SIGNIFICANCE

CONSTRUCTION FEATURES

sheet 2b

ARCHES, STAIRCASES AND LADDERS, LINTELS AND LEDGES ARCHES Arches (‘uqūd) of the semi-circular, ogee and segmental type span between 1,5 and 3,5 metres. Built in flat stones overlapping in a staggered fashion, set and finished in sarooj, they may present palm tree tie beams. The arch outlines are moulded in plaster ribs (kafī). Arches can have a solid gable at the back borne by door lintels or an old wooden sugar-press screw. The gap (kuwwa) in-between was used to pour boiling liquids on attackers attempting to force entry.

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STAIRCASES AND LADDERS Built in stone set and finished in sarooj mortar, either as a solid mass sitting on the ground or on top of an arched undercroft, staircases have a linear, circular, U- or L-shaped layout. They either lean against a wall and are sided by a low balustrade, or are built between facing walls. Ladders, built at the corners of rooms to provide access to rooftops, consist in wooden rungs embedded in the walls at each end, or stones protruding out. LINTELS AND LEDGES Lintels form a support for the wall above as well as provide a horizontal surface to which to fix door and window frames. They are made of timber logs from tree branches or trunks, overlaid by a woven palm leaf mat in order to accommodate the mud filling which creates the bond with the masonry above. Ledges of stones on logs were built at the corner of walls to support the thicker walls of the upper floors sticking out of the ground floors’.

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DECORATIVE FEATURES

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CARVED FRAMES, HIGH RELIEFS CARVED FRAMES Timber doors are elegantly decorated with a combination of repetitive geometric and floral motifs carved out of posts and lintels. Carvings exhibit a mix of stylistic influences from India, Iran and East Africa. Across central posts decorative patterns alternate symmetrically: sections of geometric motifs such as triangles, rectangles, squares, lozenges, circles and shell-like shapes give way to sections of botanical motifs, mainly leaves and flowers. Sometimes the latter are inscribed within rectangles. Side posts and lintels are, instead, characterised by more variety: foliated scrolls alternate with sequences of volutes, diamond shapes, lozenges, chains and Arabic calligraphic inscriptions including construction dates.

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HIGH RELIEFS Decorative relief motifs are a common feature around entrance and internal doors. Two main types are identified. The first type identifies, irrespective of the door location, in-situ moulded sarooj frames, which jut out all around and present castellations at the top. In exposed locations some parts have worn away due to water infiltration and resulting erosion or volumetric expansion of the fabric. The second type is found only on external walls and identifies stone and sarooj frames of a solid nature. Geometrically simple, they consist in pointed arches hollowed out of rectangular masonry masses which develop from the door lintel upwards, and may or may not include a kuwwa.

ARCHITECTURAL VALUES AND THREATS TO SITE’S SIGNIFICANCE

FUNCTIONAL FEATURES

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NICHES, BENCHES AND PLATFORMS, HANGING STONES AND COOKING FACILITIES NICHES Different types of niches (rawzāna) punctuate the walls providing space to store household items. Niches are rectangular or arched. If required, the rectangular ones were fitted with a shutter to lock valuables away. Some niches present loopholes at the back for observation or ventilation. Niches are sometimes encompassed within other niches or undercrofts. Multi-recess niches are divided into shelved compartments by thin stone slabs or timber planks.

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BENCHES AND PLATFORMS Benches (dukkāna) about 70 centimetres high, made of stone masonry rendered in sarooj, are found in dwellings and shops. Lower benches acted as a threshold between spaces with different uses. Platforms encompass stone masonry sitting areas fitted with mats, matressess and cushions to receive visitors, ribbed mud brick beds where dates were dried in sacks, and bases on which goods were displayed for sale. HANGING STONES COOKING FACILITIES

AND

Stones of various degrees of smoothness, sticking out of walls and columns, were used to hang household items. Cooking facilities include: pits used to prepare meals; coffee making facilities which were left partially open on the front side to clear the ashes and hollowed out on the top where an iron grill was fitted to hold the pots; elongated hearths with circular depressions for the traditional making of halwa.

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STRUCTURAL FAILURES AND STATES OF PRESERVATION

5 STRUCTURAL FAILURES AND STATES OF PRESERVATION

5.1 GUIDING PRINCIPLES TO CONSERVATION AND REHABILITATION The following complementary and interconnected guidelines must lead any intervention to be carried out on the mud-brick, juss and stone masonry fabric of the settlements for conservation and rehabilitation purposes: •

Authenticity, in both material and form which means that in the work of conservation of a structure which is part of a group, partially or fully, not only must the total authenticity not be diminished but the overall integrity of the group has to be enhanced too;

•

Neutrality, which means that in the work of conservation of a structure its character must neither be enhanced nor degraded

Once a structure has been restored and therefore rehabilitated the best way to preserve it from future deterioration is to use it. Its continued utilisation, even if for a new purpose, will pose a need for regular upkeep which should in turn discourage neglect. The alteration or extension of a building structure for its adaptive reuse requires a degree of spatial flexibility which earthen construction has, given its informal and plastic nature. If reuse builds upon these intrinsic characteristics earthen structures are able to meet the requirements and standards of present-day uses without losing their essential qualities. With reference to the degrees of preservation of the settlement, conservation strategies will have to meet the following:

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•

Structures in an “adequate” state of preservation: refurbishment alterations will be carried out in a way that respects he scale, massing, form, materials and the social status of the structure as well as the architectural composition and skyline of the cluster to which it belongs (no new construction, demolition or modification which would alter the relations of mass and colour must be allowed according to art. 6 of the Venice Charter, 1964)

•

Structures in “adequate”, “acceptable” and “inadequate” states of preservation: the original fabric will be retained as much as possible to be consolidated, renewed and refurbished

•

Structures in “acceptable” and “inadequate” states of preservation: missing elements – walls, floors, ceilings, staircases – will be replaced with new elements clearly distinguishable by material, form, grain, construction or texture from the original structure. Replacements of missing parts must integrate harmoniously with the whole, but at the same time must be distinguishable from the original so that restoration does not falsify the artistic or historic evidence (Art. 12 of the Venice Charter, 1964). Any extra work which is indispensable must be distinct from the architectural composition and must bear a contemporary stamp (art. 9 of the Venice Charter, 1964)

•

Structures in “inadequate” and “ruinous” states of preservation: consolidation will be carried out by employing the most suitable available technologies at the time of intervention (where traditional materials prove inadequate, the consolidation of a monument can be achieved by the use of any modern technique for conservation and construction, the efficacy of which has been shown by scientific data and roved by experience, art. 10 of The Venice Charter, 1964)

5.2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES TO REPAIR ACTIONS The following methodological criteria must be met in implementing the general repair measures: •

repair must be necessary, reversible, the minimum required to achieve the proposed result and compatible with the original fabric;

•

repair must be preceded by investigation of the reason for failure, so that recurring failure can be prevented by appropriately dealing with the causes of damage and making good effectively;

•

repair must be preceded by investigation into construction aspects - soil content, clay type, pH value, mud composition in bricks, mortar and plaster, strength of materials - climate aspects relative humidity and temperature both inside and outside the building units - environmental aspects - thermal conductivity of mud walls and temperature of floors - use aspects - changes

STRUCTURAL FAILURES AND STATES OF PRESERVATION

made to the structure which might have caused failure; •

repair must take into account the results of recording and documentation in terms of historical background, social status, spatial organization and construction of the structures;

•

repair must take into account social, cultural and economic driving factors such as the need for local employment, maintenance of tradition and training;

•

repair must achieve a balance between the materials required for the intervention and the requirements of tradition;

•

repair must be fully documented and archived throughout works.

5.3 FAILURE ANALYSIS AND REPAIR GUIDANCE An analysis has been carried out of the failure types, both structural and non-structural, affecting the traditional building units of Al MuΡayrib that still retain the original fabric and have been fully surveyed. Units included in the analysis are 15 out of a total of 18 that were chosen for documentation. Modern structures and structures for which the photographic documentation proved difficult due to adverse lighting conditions (K1) or was not feasible due to property inaccessibility (D6, D7) have been excluded from the analysis. Structural and non-structural pathologies affecting the mud brick and stone envelope of the above mentioned units have been identified, listed and analysed under broad categories in order to accordingly devise conservation and rehabilitation strategies. Pathologies identified are the result of the combined action of “anthropic” and “natural” degradation factors. The former consist in the physical transformation of the original built fabric, e.g. through addition and juxtaposition of new build made of modern materials – concrete blocks and cement plaster – to the original built fabric made of mud brick and stone masonry, mud and sarooj mortar and palm tree wood floors. The latter include the action of rainwater, wind, water runoff, water stagnation around and infiltration and on the roofs into the buildings, which then lead to erosion of wall tops and bases, wall surfaces and roofs.

Figure 5.13 (state of preservation table) describe the state of preservation of the settlement by broad categories, by: •

indicating the degree of preservation of the building units;

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•

showing it by means of sample photos;

•

suggesting actions to be implemented;

•

identifying and quantifying, in percentages out of the total of building units analyzed, those falling into each state of preservation category.

Figure 5.13 (state of preservation mapping) maps the state of preservation within Al MuΡayrib and has to be read in conjunction with the related table. For the above mentioned reasons Figure 5.13 features 15 traditional building units located within zones A, C, D, N.

GUIDANCE NOTES 1. For the purpose of having a complete mapping of failure types, these have been identified wherever present, that is in all affected building units, irrespective of their state of preservation and the feasibility and/or expediency of repair. 2. Only building units where each type of failure is clearly distinguishable and unequivocally classifiable have been included in the analysis. 3. Presumably all mud brick and mud-stone building units underwent a stage where each relevant failure type occurred, even though currently there is no clear evidence of it. 4.

Based on the above analysis, the following failure types have been identified:

NON-STRUCTURAL FAILURE TYPES SURFACE EROSION “A” (Figures 5.1) C2 as an example Description The head of the wall surfaces is eroded in the typical pattern in which wider zones alternate with deeper clefts which become thinner and die out as they progress downwards. Receiving water during occasional heavy rain the wall head takes on a saw-toothed shape. Causes Figure 5.1Unit entrance degradation

This type of failure is caused by water penetration from the head of a wall or through a roof, which occurs because the wall capping is damaged. The following factor contributes to Surface Erosion

STRUCTURAL FAILURES AND STATES OF PRESERVATION

“A”: 1. flowing of water due to damaged or missing wall capping: it causes masonry erosion at the head of the building.

NOTES: •

The saw-toothed clefts which are typically produced by this type of failure are rarely present. However, they presumably developed at some point due to faulty wall capping, and when superficial erosion at wall heads got deeper they faded into the surrounding eroded wall surface;

•

external walls are mostly affected.

SURFACE EROSION “B” (Figures 5.2) D8 as an example Description Wall surfaces are eroded along the route roof that water flows down. Causes This type of failure is caused by water runoff from the roof, due to failure or loss of gargoyles, which are intended to throw roof water clear of walls, or due to failure of roof. The following factors contribute to Surface Erosion “B”: 1. flowing of water due to damaged or missing gargoyles: it causes masonry erosion on the external side; 2. flowing of water due to damaged roof or ventilation openings: it causes masonry erosion on the internal side.

NOTES: •

Deep channels run down mainly external walls on their outer face.

•

deep channels run down the inner face of external walls, originating in areas where the roof has collapsed.

SURFACE EROSION “C” (Figures 5.6) A2 & D4 as examples Figure 5.2 Unit water damage and erosion

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Description Wall surfaces are eroded in the typical pattern in which they are undercut by a coherent cavity developed above ground level due either to saturation of the surface at the level or, most commonly in hot climates, to the deposition of salts in the surface layer. Causes This type of failure is caused by water capillary rise occurring when water enters the wall from the ground. The following factors contribute to Surface Erosion “C”: 1) splashing of water due to damaged, excessively short or missing gargoyles: it causes masonry erosion and increases capillary rise; 2) accumulation of water due to exterior grade that slopes toward the building: it causes water to pool against and increases the amount of capillary rise; 3) accumulation of water due to adjacent or underneath impermeable surface such as asphalt, concrete or sarooj: it inhibits the natural evaporation of water in the ground around the foundation and contributes to capillary rise; water trapped in the wall causes the loss of structural integrity, and by gravity the wall slumps and eventually collapses;

Figure 5.3 Unit entrance degradation

4) infiltration of water due to excessively high exterior grade: it causes capillary rise to move higher up the interior of the wall; 5) accumulation of debris due to collapse of structures or water runoff: it causes moisture to get trapped in the wall and contributes to capillary rise.

NOTES: •

most walls are affected;

•

undercuts are visible at the base of external and partition walls, doors’ and doorways’ jambs, columns’ and pillars’ bases, above the top edge of the stone foundations.

SURFACE EROSION “D” (Figures 5.4) D1 & D2 as examples Description The plaster detaches itself from the underneath masonry, the binding agent of which is made of the same material (mud-mud, sarooj-sarooj). This occurs to the outside face of walls or the inside face Figure 5.4 Decay of Souq walls with poor and dangerous attempt to implement concrete blocks

STRUCTURAL FAILURES AND STATES OF PRESERVATION

when walls are exposed to the elements. Causes This type of failure is caused by water penetration from the ground or through vertical surfaces. The following factors contribute to Detachment of Coatings “A”: 1) water capillary rise due to damaged or excessively short gargoyles, exterior grade that slopes toward the building, adjacent or underneath impermeable surface, excessively high exterior grade, collapse of structures or water runoff: it causes water inside the wall to determine volumetric changes due to its varied content, thus pushing off the outer layers; 2) infiltration of water due to exposure to driving rain: it causes water inside the wall to determine volumetric changes due to its varied content, thus pushing off the outer layers.

NOTES: •

all units are, to a different extent, affected;

•

external wall surfaces are generally more deeply affected than partition walls due to prolonged exposure to wind and rain action;

•

the degree of erosion varies between mud brick and sarooj-stone structures, with the former being more extensively, deeply and evenly eroded.

DETACHMENT OF COATINGS “A” (Figures 5.4) D1 & D5 as examples Description The plaster detaches itself from the underneath masonry, the binding agent of which is made of the same material (mud-mud, sarooj-sarooj). This occurs to the outside face of walls or the inside face when walls are exposed to the elements. Causes This type of failure is caused by water penetration from the ground or through vertical surfaces. The following factors contribute to Detachment of Coatings “A”: 1) water capillary rise due to damaged or excessively short gargoyles, exterior grade that slopes toward the building, adjacent or underneath impermeable surface, excessively high exterior grade, collapse of structures or water runoff: it causes water inside the wall to determine volumetric Figure 5.5 Unit D1 has already suffered extensive damage and continues to present itself as a hazard

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changes due to its varied content, thus pushing off the outer layers; 2) infiltration of water due to exposure to driving rain: it causes water inside the wall to determine volumetric changes due to its varied content, thus pushing off the outer layers.

NOTES: •

most of the walls rendered in mud mortar are, to a different extent, affected;

•

the peeling off produced by this type of failure is more accentuated on walls that are still protected, though partially, by roofs than on walls that are exposed to the weather;

•

both external and partition walls are affected, though the defect is more common and marked amongst the latter.

DETACHMENT OF COATINGS “B” (Figure 5.7) A1 & C2 as examples Description The plaster detaches itself from the underneath masonry, the binding agent of which is made of a different material (mud-sarooj, sarooj-mud). This occurs to the outside face of walls or the inside face when walls are exposed to the elements. Figure 5.6 Decay of Unit A2

Figure 5.7Further souq damage

Causes This type of failure is caused by incompatibility between the masonry and the applied coating. The following factors contribute to Detachment of Coatings “B”: 1) loss of adhesion between plaster and masonry due to incompatibility and/or different mechanical behaviours: it causes the coating to weaken, detach itself from the masonry and eventually fall off; 2) inequality between plaster and masonry due to different strengths, elasticity and responses to thermal variations: it causes the bond between the layers to fail.

NOTES: •

Most of the walls rendered in sarooj are, to a different extent, affected;

•

this failure type is present in units with sarooj render applied on mud brick structures as well as in units with cement or juss render applied on sarooj-bound stone masonry structures.

STRUCTURAL FAILURES AND STATES OF PRESERVATION

COATING CRACKS (Figure 5.10) D8 as an example Description The mud plaster cracks in a cobweb pattern. This occurs mostly on the inside face of walls, where coatings are still relatively protected from the elements. Causes This type of failure is caused by unbalanced water-soil ratio in the mud mix. The following factor contributes to Coating Cracks: 1)

shrinkage due to rapid moisture loss: it causes the mud mix to crack.

NOTES: •

Cracking of wall coatings is particularly marked on the inner faces of walls, which are less deteriorated by surface erosion.

STRUCTURAL FAILURE TYPES WALL CRACKS (Figures 5.8 and 5.9) A2 & D1 as examples Description Vertical and oblique cracks run across the walls, at walls junctions and corners, above lintels and around openings and niches, with diminishing effect towards ground level. They offer a channel for liquid water, leading to the development of runnels. Causes This type of failure is caused by expansion and contraction. The following factors contribute to Wall Cracks: 1) structural movements due to annual cyclic thermal and humidity variations: they cause walls to develop cracks; 2) structural movements due to low tensile and shear strength of masonry structures: they cause walls to develop cracks;

Figure 5.8 Structural Damage around opening

Figure 5.9 Decay of Unit A2

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structural movements due to soil settlement: they cause walls to develop cracks.

NOTES: Wall cracks are generally marked at wall junctions, around openings and niches and construction weakness areas.

DETACHMENT OF BUILT FABRIC (Figure 5.10) C2 & D8 as examples Description Masonry structures detach from each other. This occurs particularly at walls junctions, corners and around masonry infill, for example in walled up archways and openings. Causes This type of failure is caused by erosion. The following factors contribute to Detachment of Built Fabric: 1)

infiltration of water due to failure of roofs: it causes loss of bond within the masonry fabric;

2) loss of adhesion between the masonry structures due to incompatibility and/or different behaviours: it causes loss of bond within the masonry fabric.

NOTES: •

Detachment of sections of built fabric occurs predominantly at junctions of walls built with same or different materials.

LOSS OF BUILT FABRIC (Figure MUЏAYRIB_M_C1_005, MUЏAYRIB_M_D5_009) C1 & D5 as examples Description The masonry fabric experiences a loss of continuity. This occurs when mud bricks or stones fall off the structure. Causes This type of failure is caused by water infiltration into the wall. The following factors contribute to Figure 5.10 Dwelling D8

STRUCTURAL FAILURES AND STATES OF PRESERVATION

Loss of Built Fabric: 1) infiltration of water due to exposure to angled rainfall, eroded drainage channels, failure of roofs, failure of wall capping: causes the masonry to get saturated, water inside to crystallize when the temperature drops down, expand in volume and generate internal stress which pushes part of the built fabric outwards until it falls off.

NOTES: •

Loss of mud bricks occurs indiscriminately across the masonry structure;

•

loss of stones is prominent at foundation level;

•

loss of entire built fabric portions develops from above ground level up;

•

loss of plaster ribs occurs in arches and circular ventilation openings.

Figure 5.11Figure 5.11 Souq

Figure 5.12 Souq

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Figure 5.13 State of preservation table

PRINCIPLES AND APPROACHES TO HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLANT

6 PRINCIPLES AND APPROACHES TO HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

INTRODUCTION In accordance with the Venice Charter on Conservation (1964) and the ICOMOS Conservation Charter (2004) this chapter sets out the ways in which the significant values of the settlement, its integrity, and the heritage and material culture are to be safeguarded within a context of sympathetic development. Following the establishment of a broad philosophy, a set of general policies for development and conservation are discussed. This is followed by a set of detailed guidelines for restoration, consolidation, rebuilding and redevelopment measures (cf. definitions below).

6.1 PHILOSOPHY OF DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION: PRINCIPLES The following are 10 key principles the Heritage Management Plan and associated Master Plan intend to embrace and develop further with special reference to the harah (Table 6.1): TABLE

PRINCIPLE NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF PRINCIPLE

Minimum intervention

Reversibility

Retention of buildings, settlements and context: conserve vistas, views, spaces and enclosures and sensitively interpret as necessary

Anthropological (i.e., people centred) approach to heritage management and reuse

Integration of the younger generation through reuse and interpretation of the site

Private and public sector engagement – organisational and individual stakeholder cooperation

A combined bottom-up and top-down approach

Introducing functional diversity – possible/ compatible uses for existing buildings through innovative thinking

Sustainable management and conservation

P10

New buildings not copy, replica or pastiche but interpretation: buildings ‘of their time’

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6.2 APPROACHES TO DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION That all significant aspects of the settlement morphology, fortification, townscape, structures (institutional and residential), irrigation and agriculture be retained, safeguarded, consolidated, restored and wherever appropriate rebuilt, to preserve the identity, integrity and authenticity of the site. The identity of the settlement depends on the retention of all significant material, socio-cultural and historic characteristics amidst development that is both necessary and inevitable. Development should not overwhelm the past; rather, development needs to be carefully managed and integrated with heritage to retain the identity Al MuΡayrib. The significant aspects have been identified in earlier chapters (3 & 4). That all new development should be sympathetic to the cultural and material heritage of the settlement. All development should respect and remain subservient to the rich cultural and material heritage of the Al MuΡayrib area. Development should not in any way become overbearing – urbanistically, architecturally and otherwise visually. Further studies identified below (§7.5) are crucial to establish a comprehensive picture of the dynamic nature of this heritage. This will demand a knowledge-based yet creative approach to establishing policies, strategies, master plan and all interventions. An experienced multi-disciplinary team, which will draw from latest methodology and techniques, should be entrusted with addressing all aspects of development, conservation and heritage management. All new-build and extension should be clearly distinguishable from existing and ‘authentic’ building and settlement fabric.

All alterations and additions should reflect the culture of its time and therefore should employ materials and construction systems relevant to the present. Hybrid systems engaging traditional materials and methods may be introduced to allude to the complex culture of today. The materials and construction methods chosen for new-builds and extensions should explore the full range of opportunities presented by the juxtaposition of traditional and modern contexts, as long as it does not compromise with the essential integrity of the traditional settlement and its fabric. The use and application of traditional methods and techniques of construction and use of materials and building components are to be encouraged.

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This should especially be the case where a ‘significant’ component or fragment is required to be rebuilt or where the character and integrity of the structure would be lost through the use of new materials and/ or construction systems. It would also be possible to employ new techniques of construction to traditional materials or in some cases, employing traditional construction methods to modern materials. Salvaged building materials and architectural components, wherever possible and relevant, should be reused. Such hybrid construction would still allow for making the clear distinction outlined above. A link needs to be established between modern-day aspirations and continuation of age-old methods of livelihood and culture.

New programmes would need to establish the fine balance between the continued and very welcome existence of traditional life and those demanded by the globalised environment and societal change. Continued sustenance of the traditional ways of life gives the settlement its character and identity and is clearly an important socio-cultural and economic resource. Requirements emerging from societal changes driven by shifts in the globalised culture and economy, on the other hand, demands careful attention from the developmental perspective. Economics, employment, education, cultural and social development should be considered. Wherever feasible, traditional industry and economic methods should be safeguarded (e.g., agriculture, crafts, infrastructure – irrigation systems and tertiary sectors dependent on traditional economics and modes of production). The nature and scale of new programmes to be introduced should be considered carefully – what size of production, its appropriateness, etc. A large scale ‘modern’ industrial production is certainly inappropriate for small locations such as the community of Al MuΡayrib; however, a scaled down and modified or partial production might work, with a larger industrial component situated outside the vernacular environment. Decoupling of industrial production with careful consideration of impact of specific components of the processes might need to be carefully and creatively thought through. Cross programming should be considered to avoid zoned restrictions. A holistic approach to development should be adopted to achieve a balanced and sustainable future which is in sympathy with the past.

Such studies should take the entire oasis and its setting into account. Development needs, therefore, would have to be established for the entire oasis and not for a constituent settlement in isolation.

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In the light of the research being currently conducted, the present report thus calls for a revision of existing regional planning strategies and policies to integrate heritage management as a crucial component of development. A regional approach should be adopted for the establishment of use patterns for settlements. A Ash Sharqiyah-wide plan (including Al MuΡayrib and Minzifah) is needed to consider the range and hierarchy of settlements for reuse. The strategy should be drawn up keeping significance and aspirations in mind. A regional significance hierarchy should be established to ascertain the importance of settlements and should be aligned with national and regional development policy and growth plans. Regional development plans, therefore, should include a comprehensive understanding of the extant historical settlements and fabric. The region-wide strategy will help avoid duplication and repetition of provisions (e.g., too many museums). It will avoid stresses and strains on limited infrastructure and resources. A full evaluation of all conventionally available and standardised strategies should be undertaken before embracing any of those as acceptable approaches.

An example of this would be the often uncritical adoption of tourism as a universal panacea for heritage settlements. While this sector is certainly to play an important role, on its own it will fail to ensure sustainable heritage management. Less direct tourism might be worth considering – resulting in more ecologically and socially appropriate tourism. Tourism need to be also considered in terms of its very local nature – not just as international or Arab regional tourism (GCC/ Arab world); this is often overlooked. Increasing sensitive and sustainable local tourism (even within the governorate of e.g., Ash Sharqiyah) would introduce a rich palette of experiences across visitor groups.

6.3 GENERAL POLICIES FOR DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION The following general policies are envisaged to form the basic framework for development planning and conservation initiatives in Al MuΡayrib. Establishment of a Buffer Zone to safeguard the settlement, its integrity and its visual appearance.

This would ensure that the settlement retains its traditional context or limits/ prevents any further damage to it. Additionally, all significant visual corridors need to be conserved, retained and/ or

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opened up to optimise the significant character of the settlement. A detailed survey needs to be undertaken to identify all significant structures (mosques, sbal, dwellings, water and agricultural infrastructure, etc.) located within the Buffer Zone. Conservation and developmental policies and guidelines established for the settlement will apply to the Buffer Zone to retain integrity.

Prioritise action on zones and structures according to historical and strategic importance to settlement. Settlement analysis and the Statement of Significance have identified important phases of settlement development and structures that are historically important. Such high-value structures and zones indicative of key phases of development need to be given action priority. Approaches to conservation and development (§7.2.6) have to be established in accordance with the priority list and the value assigned to structures.

Establish a phasing plan for the development and conservation of structures. The phasing plan will take into account the physical state of structures, priorities, approach and available resources. The phasing plan needs to take into account the established priority zones and structures. However, a key issue in that is the physical state of individual structures, their ownership and approaches to conservation and development those would demand. Together, the phasing plan, required approaches and available resources would provide the premises of the Master Plan.

Establish specific guidelines for conservation and development within settlement giving consideration to ownership. Detailed conservation and development guidelines will have to take into account the ownership and nature of occupation of all structures concerned. A few important issues of ownership and occupation may be highlighted here: Mosques (s. masjid, pl. masajid): While the mosques are used for prayer and congregation by the neighbourhood and the community, its day-to-day running is entrusted with the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. However, physical upkeep of any mosque more than 100 years old falls within the purview of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. All extant traditional mosques are in use and are in an acceptable state of preservation. Meeting halls (s. sablah, pl. sbal) and communal facilities: Male meeting halls are normally owned

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by a particular tribes. However, in this hārah there is also another distinctive type: those associated with dwellings as private reception lounges (s. majlis, pl. majalis) and under private ownership but also used by the tribe, of which there were comparatively few in Al MuΡayrib. While these lie in a state of disuse and dereliction, the socially and historically perceived and actual ownership issues are important considerations in the acquisition of these properties and in the preparation of guidelines and Master Plan. The ownership of other communal facilities, such as roasting pits (tannur), water access and bathing points along the falaj channels, etc., again, needs to be established. Dwellings: the majority of dwellings in Al MuΡayrib are still standing to roof height, with about half of them being locked or inhabited. Throughout the remainder of the settlement, however, the majority of dwellings have suffered partial or total collapse due to the rotting of roof supports and the basal erosion of load bearing walls. In some zones (such as C and B), formerly built up spaces have been partially cleared to create open spaces that are publicly accessible. The status of these zones will have to be re-addressed in the course of Phase-II development.

Ministry of Heritage and Culture to establish policy and strategy for the acquisition of all relevant land and properties currently under private ownership. Acquisition could work in tandem with a strategy to involve the private sector. Acquisition of important properties is critical to the successful application of the Master Plan and phasing programme. All possible strategies and approaches related to acquisition, including a range of incentive measures, need to be given consideration. While acquisition is important for the early phase of the project, it should form part of a broader policy that incorporates the involvement of the private sector, the community and individual residents.

Conservation approach should be consistent with international approaches and guidelines and should be consistent with the philosophy of development and conservation established for the oasis and the region. Consistent with international guidelines and definitions for conservation and development within historic contexts, the conservation and development proposal will adopt the following distinction in approaches: Restoration: Those structures or components of structures that will need careful attention to return it to its original condition and appearance. In Al MuΡayrib this approach will need to be revised as a substantial part of the hārah has already undergone intervention prior to documentation. Consolidation: Physical addition and the application of adhesive or supporting material to retain

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the architectonic, visual and structural stability of the ensemble. It will also involve the removal of all debris and organic and inorganic waste deposited on site. Usable and significant architectural and constructional components will be salvaged and treated for reuse. Rebuilding: Considerable reconstruction based on available documentation and conjecture to give the structure its earlier and more authentic appearance. Redevelopment: New build with an established and restricted context of architectural operation. In Al MuΡayrib this should be directed towards either, i) sites presently lying empty and earmarked for development or, ii) properties in such a state of severe dereliction so as to demand immediate clearance and redevelopment.

6.4 GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION All guidelines for development and conservation have been developed consistent with the development and conservation philosophy and policies established above. The settlement has not been treated as a mere assemblage of built structures and artefacts, but specific attention has been given to the present state of life and future aspirations of the inhabitants, ownership status of structures and the opportunity for public-private partnership. The guidelines are put forward with a view that the private sector, owner-occupiers and individuals with ownership of properties within the hārah will take an active interest and part in the development and conservation initiative to move towards the holistic goal. A set of general guidelines for development and conservation in the hārah is followed by a set of more specific developmental/design guidelines applicable to specific sites, buildings and structures to be redeveloped or rebuilt. The dwellings are given special attention in the light of their numerical dominance, the opportunities these present, the concerning state of preservation, and the range of development and conservation possibilities that can be envisaged. It is envisaged that the guidelines will be held under regular review and refinement as the project progresses. 6.4.1 General Guidelines

The following general guidelines will be applicable to all development and conservation measures: • the morphology of the original phase of the features, or the phases deemed to be of most significance, will be safeguarded and/ or highlighted to preserve the identity, integrity and authenticity of the site.

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• all reasonable attempts will be made to ensure the appropriate, and if possible, authentic reuse for any redundant components and features. It will be ensured that the new or continued inauthentic use of features does not distort or distract from the identified significance of older features or the wider traditional assemblage. • traditional materials will be used wherever and whenever practicable during construction works within the settlement, whether the aim is to consolidate and/or to rebuild existing traditionally constructed buildings or in the construction of new buildings for domestic or commercial purposes. • where rebuilding is required to preserve a building or structure of significance, all attempts should be made to clearly distinguish those reconstructed elements which are based on accurate archaeological and architectural documentation and those which are merely founded on conjecture. • maximum understanding of the architectural features and social values will be achieved prior to any intervention – whether the aim is to consolidate, rebuild or redevelop – and that this intervention will always be reserved to the minimum required to achieve those aims. Where analysis dictates that preservation in situ of a traditionally constructed building is unwarranted; then it will be preserved by record. This documentation will be approached as though one was recording an archaeological monument. • all measures will be taken to remove debris, hazardous construction and organic and inorganic waste from site. Adequate measures will be taken to prevent any future disposal of such waste on site and to manage and safely dispose of all household and commercial waste in future. All reusable building material and architectural components will be salvaged, catalogued and stored for reuse. •

any development in the area shall be according to the approved Master Plan.

6.4.2 Design Guidelines for redevelopment

The following general Design Guidelines will be adopted for all redevelopment within Al MuΡayrib: • all efforts will be undertaken to ensure that existing vistas are retained and not blocked with any new construction. • any new development should respect and respond to the topographic conditions. Inappropriate cut and fill of the site shall not be allowed. •

all defensive features and traditional open spaces next to defensive features shall be retained.

•

all existing dead end alleys and internal courtyards shall be retained and no encroachments

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will be allowed. •

the traditional sinuous building line shall be maintained wherever possible.

• no development shall be higher than the property it is attached to or 8 metres whichever is lower. • the height, scale and composition of any new construction should be in conformity with the compositional order and rhythm of the adjoining buildings, unless photographic and other forms of documentation suggest otherwise. • the traditional palette of materials and construction systems will be restricted to those found within Al MuΡayrib, such as the following: •

stone for foundations;

•

mud brick for walls;

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mud plaster (clay/sarooj) for external and internal rendering;

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clay/stone flooring;

• timber or date palm beams, reed/date-palm matting, consolidated mud for composite flooring and roofing; •

terracotta or wooden water spouts;

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local timber for door and windows;

•

traditional water proofing and protective materials.

• modern materials such as steel/aluminium/glass, etc., may be judiciously and appropriately used along with traditional materials in the development of proposed facility buildings. However, such design shall in no way distort the traditional setting, and the identity, integrity and authenticity of the area. • for all buildings chosen for restoration, consolidation or rebuilding, care should be taken while positioning the doors and windows. In dwellings facing each other windows should be staggered so that no window opens facing another window. Similar principle may be adopted for the relative positioning of doors to ensure that no doors are directly facing each other and views in from one dwelling to another is restricted. • traditional arched recess or arched opening employing traditional decorative elements may be adopted in traditional dwellings. Timber doors and windows of appropriate traditional design and construction may be used.

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• any ventilation and/or air conditioning equipment should not in any way impinge upon the visual integrity of the dwellings. Air-conditioning and ventilation equipment should be suitably obscured.

6.4.3 Design Guidelines for communal facilities. The general approach to all extant communal buildings and structures or for which some physical evidence (e.g., foundation, ruins, etc.) exist, will be as follows: • all extant significant components and elements which have suffered deterioration are to be restored and/ or consolidated. • all significant components and elements which have suffered significant damage or have disappeared but for which documentary evidence exists, are to be rebuilt. • all other components are to be rebuilt using either traditional materials or making clear their conjectural nature through the use of adapted traditional/modern materials/constructional systems, as deemed appropriate. • all communal structures for which some physical evidence exists, the remains will be retained and consolidated. • all communal buildings and structures are to be reused for communal or touristic purposes with appropriate programmatic strategy for adaptive reuse. • all communal facilities within Al MuΡayrib will be covered in Phase-1 of the HMP proposal and will have elaborate guidelines and constructional directives through the Tender Documents. 6.4.4 Design Guidelines for dwellings

The following approach is to be adopted for the various categories of dwellings. Clear guidelines will be established for all dwelling types. Traditional construction (vacant and/or derelict) MHC should establish policy and strategy for acquisition or ownership of all relevant properties under this category for consolidation and adaptive reuse. Phasing will be taken into account to establish whether the structures are to be demolished, receive façade treatment or have internal restoration and rebuilding.

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Case A: Guidelines for vacant sites

The conservation measure to be adopted for such buildings shall be determined on the basis of the extent of dereliction. If the building is of low heritage value and of high dereliction, it may be demolished and the land subjected to redevelopment. Otherwise the building may be consolidated or rebuilt.

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Case B: Buildings (vacant/derelict) identified to be rebuilt 1. Footprint: The footprint of the building shall follow the existing plot boundary and shall not exceed the area of the existing dwelling. 2. Façade: The façade of the dwelling shall follow the line of the adjacent structure on the main street frontage. 3. Internal Spatial Configuration: The internal spatial configuration should be sympathetically retained wherever possible. For buildings subjected to adaptive re-use an indication of the original spatial configuration should be maintained with appropriate architectural treatment. 4. Material of Construction: Modern materials such as steel/aluminium/glass etc may be judiciously and appropriately used along with traditional materials. However, such design shall in no way disturb the traditional setting and the identity, the integrity and the authenticity of the area. 5. Height: The height of the new building shall not be greater than the height of the original structure and if appropriate consistent with the height of the neighbouring dwellings. 6. Architectural Elements: All individual architectural elements, such as carved doors, surface decoration, decorative motifs – internal and external – need to be carefully noted and restored/ retained.

Case C: Buildings (vacant/derelict) identified to be consolidated 1. Footprint: The footprint of the building shall follow the existing plot boundary and shall not exceed the area of the existing building. 2. Structural Members: Structural elements employed for the consolidation of the building should be judiciously used so as not to impinge upon the visual integrity and authenticity of the building and the area.

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Traditional construction (owner-occupied) An incentive-based approach has to be adopted to deal with and encourage maintenance and appropriate extension and rebuilding of the small number of traditional properties under continued ownership (owner-occupied/absentee landlord). However, extension or rebuilding should be of traditional construction and guided by the following set of criteria.

Traditional construction (rented) An incentive-based approach has to be adopted to deal with and encourage maintenance and appropriate extension and rebuilding of traditional properties under ownership. This approach will have to take into account and offset the discouraging effect of the present poor level of rent.

Case D: Modification/Extension of traditional mud structure Proposals for the modification or improvement of traditional buildings through extension or enlargement shall be permitted if the plans do not detract from the character of the harāt and strictly adhere to the following design criteria: 1. General: The proposed extension should not lead to net loss of agricultural land nor should it lead to the demolition and/or damage of any adjoining traditional structure. 2. Location: The proposed extension shall be located at the rear or side of the dwelling. 3. Height: The proposed extension should not be higher than any of the neighbouring buildings or 8 metres whichever is lower. 4. Floor Space: For single storey extensions, the additional floor space to be created shall not be more than 50% of the existing ground floor area. However, for two-storey extensions, the floor area shall represent not more than 50% of the net area of the upper and lower floors. 5. Façade Treatment: The position and form of external features and openings within the proposed extension including the façade, walls, doorways, windows, floors and roofs shall be of a similar design and finish to the existing structure to limit visual intrusion. Any ventilation and/or air conditioning equipment should not in any way impinge upon the visual integrity of the dwellings. 6. Building Permits: In considering building permits for extension to existing dwellings the policies under Case B shall apply.

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Case E: Redevelopment Building activity will only be permitted within defined areas and under strict development guidance. Defined areas shall be identified through study of available/ cleared property (existing) and the ones thought to be beyond repair and of low heritage value. Any new building shall be constructed as per the following rules: 1. Footprint: The footprint of the dwelling shall follow the existing plot boundary. 2. Height: The new building shall not be higher than the property it is attached to or 8 m. whichever is lower. 3. Material of Construction: Modern materials such as steel/aluminium/glass etc. may be judiciously and appropriately used along with traditional materials in the development of proposed facility buildings. However, such design shall in no way disturb the traditional setting and the identity, integrity and authenticity of the area.

DESIGN PRECEDENTS

7 DESIGN PRECEDENTS

7.1 INTRODUCTION The following pages contain examples of precedents of contemporary urban and architectural interventions within historic contexts worldwide, used here to illustrate various possible strategies and approaches for the Master Plan. The precedent research and analysis was conducted by the 2nd Year students of the MArch Architecture Course at Nottingham Trent University, under the supervision of Prof Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, Dr Giamila Quattrone and Dr Martin S. Goffriller, as part of the “Heritage and Conservation” elective module (3rd October 2013-6th February 2014). The students were asked to identify three interventions each, which address at least two or more of the key strategies employed in designing within historic contexts, and develop/represent critical understanding of these through annotated drawings and textual summaries, complemented by images/photographs. These precedents are grouped into two primary scales and settings. The value of both groups of precedents is to be understood in a suggestive sense and in no way stringent. The first group comprises mostly Western examples adopting a building-specific approach to the rehabilitation of disused and dilapidated assets. Architectural strategies implemented in this first group of precedents range from adaptive reuse, repair and renewal to extension, superimposition and juxtaposition, from encapsulation of existing building envelopes and incorporation and/or enclosure of architectural remains to building within existing building envelopes. The precedents implement the following underlying design tactics: •

recomposition of lost outlines through modern materials, so that the new helps make the outline legible without imitating or mimicking what has been lost;

•

accommodation of circulation systems such as stairs, lifts and walkways in auxiliary constructions

if it is impossible to fit them into the existing building because of more stringent regulations; •

detachment of new insertions from the existing fabric through gaps, voids, recesses;

•

covering of archaeological or historical finds with glazed elements so that they are displayed and protected at the same time;

•

transition between buildings from different epochs through introduction of glazed elements or circulation gaps in order to address structural separation, overcoming of topographic changes and legibility of time difference;

•

transition between buildings from different epochs through change of material / change of surface treatment / change in level / change in alignment / shadow line / projections, overhangs, setbacks

•

repair of defective parts through additive elements, which are overlaid with modern equivalents instead of being replaced;

•

contrast between old and new in terms of colour, finishing, outline, materiality;

•

subtle differentiation between old and new through use of same material but of different origin, type, treatment.

The second group exemplifies a settlement-specific approach to the rehabilitation of abandoned Islamic traditional towns in stone and earthen construction and run-down wādi surroundings, from a wide variety of locations comprising the Gulf, the Maghreb and the Middle East. These precedents put into evidence the broad spectrum of opportunities afforded by an open and responsible integrated approach to heritage management and sustainable local development. This is centred on capacity building skills development, with an emphasis on the revitalization of traditional building techniques through modern know-how, oasis natural environment protection, awareness raising, public/private partnerships, creation of job opportunities and enhancement of local economies, valorisation of material and immaterial heritage, institution building and policy making. All interventions here presented have been carried out with a view to fostering a bottom-up to heritage management, which aims to reduce government involvement and maximise community participation and long term economic sustainability. While tourism is acknowledged as a key factor at sites such as Thula in Yemen and Asilah in Morocco, the ultimate aim is always the participatory management of built and cultural heritage to include the stakeholder community’s aspirations and desires for the future.

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HERITAGE MASTER PLAN

8 HERITAGE MASTER PLAN

8.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter summarises the rationale and principal approaches suggested for the adoption of the Heritage Management Plan for Al MuΡayrib. The concluding section of the chapter includes a concise strategic master plan which illustrates the scope of interventions to be carried out on the settlement itself (Fig. 8.2). The concept presented here takes a holistic approach to development and conservation, keeping in mind an even broader context of the need to consider such issues for the entire oasis of Al MuΡayrib but also the chain of oasis settlements in this part of the Ash Sharqiyah, including the nearby large oasis of Ibra and Al-Qabil. Such efforts should be aligned with current approaches being adopted within the wider Ash Sharqiyah region (e.g., Sinaw), as well as in the Dākhilīyah and Dhāhirah governorates (e.g., in the Bahlā WHS, Nizwā, Izki, Manah, ΚIbri, etc.). However, considering the functioning nature of the settlement, where significant development has taken place as a result of modernisation drives, the proposed Master Plan emphasises a conservative approach to heritage management and tourism, prioritising and targeting key areas of the settlement quarter that are capable of enhancing the heritage and tourism experience and areas requiring immediate action. The focus has therefore been on the public structures, which have immediate visibility and were accessible. A number of the private properties were inaccessible due to the physical state of individual structures through lack of maintenance and their complex ownership situation. The phasing strategy takes into account the established priority action areas and mainly public structures, leaving private properties for future treatment, given the diverse approaches to conservation and development those would demand. The eventual expectation for the future of the vernacular settlements of Oman is their reuse and

reintegration into the country’s urban landscape as active participants in its economic and social development. In the long term tourism, energy production, agriculture, as well as a host of associated creative industries, can ensure not just the survival of these ancient towns and villages, but also their sustained growth over future ages into a post-oil economy. Their varied nature in terms of morphology, location and size demands a high degree of adaptability in the measures proposed for their revitalisation, the foundation of which must lie in a clear understanding of their past usage and their individualised future potential.

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Figure 8.1 Strategic Masterplan Sketch

HERITAGE MASTER PLAN

The future sustainable economic and social development of Al MuΡayrib is expected to settle on three key pillars of activity:

8.1.1 HERITAGE TOURISM This sector shows enormous growth potential, evidenced by the sharp rise in tourism interest, both international and domestic. While Oman’s built heritage and natural assets are significant, the tourism infrastructural provision is at an early stage of evolution. Settlement quarters of significance, such as Al MuΡayrib, provide both heritage assets to a reasonably high level, as well as an armature for developing tourism infrastructure. The economic viability of locating major infrastructural nodes or provisions (e.g., vehicular access, car parks, tourist provisions with significant visitor load, etc.) at strategic locations – and possibly somewhat removed from the key heritage locations – might ensure distributed access to such facilities, safeguarding heritage settlements of higher significance from over exploitation and irreversible damage. There is also the need for, and opportunity to, conserve craft traditions and create appropriate, innovate products for the contemporary market and use. Short-stay accommodation, craftsmanship and the gastronomic sector, as well as guided experiential and interpretive tours and associated businesses will ensure a seasonal influx of capital. A partial, though not exclusive, focus on tourism it therefore to be encouraged. In the specific context of Al MuΡayrib, very much an active settlement, it is envisaged that tourism will dove-tail with continuing activities surrounding everyday life (shops, schools, general economic and social infrastructure provisions) and will play a less significant and subsidiary role than at significant heritage sites, such as Bahlā WHS, Nizwā or Manah. The heritage tourism provisions are therefore limited and targeted to specific locations.

8.1.2 AGRICULTURE This sector has been consistently emphasised by the general strategies for national development and underpinned at different times by various Royal Decrees. Oasis settlements are holistic environments for inhabitation, in which agriculture, animal husbandry and related activities have played a critical role in organising livelihood and existence in an environment of restricted land and water resources. A greater reliance on local produce through the exploration of alternative methods of agriculture

could contribute to a greater degree of self-sufficiency, lower food costs and the continuation of ancient traditions in conjunction with modern techniques. Much work has been undertaken in other countries on alternative, small-scale methods of agricultural production, which could be emulated and adapted to the Omani context. Al MuΡayrib, being an active oasis, boasts significant oasis agriculture, which could potentially enhance the quality of heritage tourism. This could take the form of enhanced experience or the sale of produce to suit both the local and tourist demands. It could also pose the opportunity to renew and maintain existing agricultural infrastructure.

8.1.3 ENERGY AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES The vernacular settlements offer excellent solar energy harnessing potential. Indeed, northern Oman has one of the highest potential solar power generation capabilities on the planet, with around 2800 kWh/m² per year. In particular the potential of Concentrated Photovoltaics (CPV) is positively enormous as the less sandy oasis environments provide a much more stable and less abrasive environment than that of the Ash Sharqiyah Sands, but also the UAE or large tracts of Saudi Arabia, where recently large scale solar projects have gone online. Greater reliance on this infinite energy source, and associated research and technological developmental opportunities will encourage the creation of a new technological knowledge base and reduce unnecessarily heavy reliance on fossil fuel, freeing up significant quantities of reserves for export. The opportunities provided by the surrounding hills at Al MuΡayrib for this purpose, as well as for harnessing wind energy is potentially significant. More research, however, is necessary to establish their commercial viability. All three approaches can, if implemented responsibly, afford a substantial source of revenue for the local communities and also act as a business primer for many associated industries. In particular tourism is expected to contribute greatly to Al MuΡayrib’s future due to the site’s picturesque location and ease of access from the highway extending between BidBid and Sur, but its success will be measured by the Oasis’ ability to successfully combine modern technologies with traditional values of natural balance and measured exploitation. An example for a successful heritage management implementation in a traditional oasis context is that of Siwa Oasis in Egypt, where an ancient settlement has been revived to showcase traditional lifestyles, as well as embracing modern sustainable technologies of water management and energy production. Challenging environments such as desserts offer unique design and technological possibilities which can be addressed, or indeed embraced, with modern techniques, as has been achieved at the Amangiri Resort in the Utah Desert.

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The presence of the falaj within the urban fabric of Al MuΡayrib opens up the possibility of applying wind-tower techniques for efficient and cheap cooling of dwellings. These elements have been taken into consideration in the ‘targeted development strategies’ outlined below.

8.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN GOALS Any projects undertaken on the architectural and cultural heritage of the Sultanate of Oman will have to be approached with a view towards strict fiscal responsibility, aiming for a high degree of economic sustainability by relying extensively on public/private partnership. In this sense the aim is not the wholesale reconstruction of entire settlements in a pseudo-high fidelity manner, simply to showcase their supposed original appearance. Such a practice is necessarily economically prohibitive in the long term and does not serve the desired outcome of reinstating authenticity or revitalizing uninhabited settlements. It will also be noted that ‘revitalization’ is by no means limited to the immediate urban confines of a given settlement; much rather it is proposed here that successful re-habitation is only possible by addressing an oasis as a whole, including infrastructure, agricultural lands, palm groves, falaj networks, etc. The following aims are therefore proposed as defining the urban future of Oman’s oasis heritage:

1) REVITALIZATION OF OMAN’S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE BY: • •

providing the necessary infrastructural improvements to allow for the development of ancient sites: water, electricity, sanitation, communications, health and safety, etc.; doing so in a sustainable and cost effective manner through public/private partnerships and developing a business-friendly legal framework: private contractors competing for certain projects, opening the real estate and property market to foreign investors, etc.;

•

inclusion of the local communities and stakeholders at all levels of development, giving them a say in the development of their own home;

•

instilling a sense of pride of ownership and belonging among the locals, encouraging entrepreneurship and self-reliance to develop and maintain their cultural heritage.

2) JOB CREATION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR BY: •

providing economic incentives in tourism, agricultural and energy production, and related industries, will add value to the region;

•

create the necessary economic climate and legal framework for the revitalisation to effectively pay for itself;

•

diversifying local economies importing modern technologies and job opportunities as has been achieved, for example, at Ksar Aït Ben Haddou in Ouarzazate, Morocco, where the local community has been closely involved in the revitalisation of their ancient town.

3) DEVELOPMENT OF OMAN’S INTERIOR REGIONS BY: •

significantly reducing long term costs in government subsidies for energy and food;

•

providing communities with the possibility of contributing towards sustainable energy production and responsible consumption will not only add value to the communities but will eventually contribute towards optimisation of the domestic use of natural resources (oil and gas), with the potential to significantly increasing export volumes.

4) TO PROTECT, PRESERVE AND EXPAND THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF OMAN BY: •

promoting a modern identity with strong traditional roots;

•

cultivating music, arts and traditional crafts will provide touristic incentives, as well as aiding in the preservation of traditional ways of life;

•

cooperation in research and study with national and international institutions to further global understanding and interest in Oman’s great heritage.

The infrastructural improvements required for the development of Oman’s traditional settlements must go beyond the immediate urban confines of the settlement and encompass the oases as a whole. Key infrastructural points which require addressing are the following:

8.2.1 ENERGY Of around 915.000 bpd of crude produced by Oman in 2012 about 20% were consumed domestically. Projections suggest that domestic oil consumption will continue rising over the following years significantly limiting the country’s export volume. Reduction of domestic consumption of fossil fuels must therefore be of paramount importance to ensure the current levels revenue, increased resilience against market fluctuations as well as laying the foundations of a solid post-oil economy. Further points of relevance are:

HERITAGE MASTER PLAN

•

decentralizing energy production and integrating it into urban and architectural designs providing a higher degree of self-sufficiency and lower government subsidies;

8.3 OASIS PROTECTION POLICIES

•

reducing energy dependence: solar water heating, biomass usage, limited photovoltaic subsidies, etc.;

•

increasing reliance on renewable energies to free up large amounts of oil for export contributing substantially to revenues;

While the protection of the oasis lands does not fall within the immediate remit of this project, some preliminary remarks should be listed here. The preservation of the still-significant palm groves and agricultural land in Al MuΡayrib is of absolute importance. The current rate of unplanned urban expansion, doubled with neglect of the gardens resulting from absentee landlordism, is concerning, which is likely to have a severe impact on the green-zone in the medium and longer term.

•

expanding solar and wind energy sector to open up new areas of technological expertise;

•

in conjunction with water production, solar energy has the potential of dramatically reducing the cost of desalination.

8.2.2 WATER With an average consumption of 180 l/p/d Oman lies about 40 litres above the world average, consuming significantly more water than the average Japanese or Scandinavian person. The scarcest resource in Oman is also the most energy intensive to produce and, in comparison with energy, the water problem will pose some substantial technological challenges to overcome. It is expected that by 2014 the total domestic water production will rise from 88 million cubic metres in 2007 to a projected 236 million by 2014, an average annual increase of 15% per year (Al-Barwani, 2012). Domestic consumption is estimated to account for just 5% of all water demand in Oman. Industrial demand for water is less than 5%. The greatest consumer of water in Oman is therefore agriculture. It consumes over 90% of renewable freshwater resources and contributes about 2% to GDP at current prices. Production is projected to rise to 197 million cubic metres during the first half of 2013 and demand for water is expected to double over the next 7 years, and without significant improvements in energy efficiency in desalination this will result in a significant increase in fossil fuel consumption otherwise available for export.

The most effective and sustainable strategy for the preservation of heritage is that of taking an educational approach through which one may instil the value of the architecture and traditional environments and avoid the necessity of future government involvement. This is, however, a longterm solution and will therefore result in significant decay and destruction before taking root. It is therefore suggested here that the most immediate result will be achieved by creating and, above all, enforcing comprehensive heritage protection legislation in the form of building regulations and development guidelines – underpinned by Royal Decree – designed generally but also specifically to protect the oasis environment and its vernacular architecture. Without the creation and strict enforcement of these regulations no tourism industry will develop, the link with the past will be lost, and a gradual decline in cultural awareness will necessarily ensue in the oases settlements as quality of life plummets and living standards follow. The effects of a failed heritage management practice, or lack of its implementation, have been observed in detail at locations such as Benidorm, Mexico City, Beijing, Ibiza, etc. In particular the destruction of green areas contributes substantially to the decrease in value of an urban area. Measures to be taken in the protection of the oasis environment are therefore necessary: •

a moratorium on all construction within a set perimeter (buffer zone) containing land of agricultural value but also the surrounding naturally exposed topography - this will ensure that context, and aspects and prospects are preserved as far as is feasible;

While a number of issues regarding production and efficiency are currently being addressed, the potential of cost reduction is still enormous. Potential improvements in water catchment and management are the following:

•

provision of developed land for housing established outside the agricultural perimeter – this is certainly not an issue exclusive to Al MuΡayrib, which requires urgent attention and a diplomatic approach;

•

restoration and modernisation of falaj networks will reduce water loss and allow for greater irrigated areas amplifying habitable space and productive lands as well as attract a greater number of visitors;

•

restoration and gradual expansion of the falaj networks to re-irrigate previously abandoned areas – although the oasis and irrigation system in Al MuΡayrib is still reasonably active, there are already visible signs of neglect which are threatening the complex infrastructure;

•

with modern techniques up to 100% of urban waste water can be recycled and re-used, again reducing dependence on fossil water sources

•

introduction of electronic water management technologies to reduce water loss and labour – a significant misappropriation of both water but also agricultural produce takes place, which

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needs attention; • Introduction of advanced soil-preparation techniques to improve water retention and plant growth; • Provide market access for local produce to incentivise production and sale – it is suggested that the souq area in Al MuΡayrib is restored to cater for both local inhabitants and tourists; • Creation of an Advanced Agriculture Information Centre in cooperation with the Ash Sharqiyah University based in Ibra, where stakeholders of the region could exchange experiences and acquire new skills from experts.

8.4 TOURISM With the recent increase in tourism infrastructure in the Ibra-Al-Qabil region, mainly as a result of the growing attraction of the Ash Sharqiyah Sands and other sites of significant natural beauty in the region, tourism in general is on the rise. The region is part of the itinerary of many foreign visitors – travelling singly or with family and friends, and a significant increase in foreign and GCC visitors can be expected to be visiting the region over the coming years. While this interest in the region’s heritage and the associated influx of capital are to be welcomed in general – and Al MuΡayrib master plan should take full advantage of this, it must be stated clearly that the overreliance on tourism as a growth sector within the local economy inevitably leads to low economic diversification, and low resilience against market fluctuations. Planning for heritage management that integrates development aspirations, the Al MuΡayrib strategic master plan carefully considers the potential of its distinctive assets and the means for optimising return. However, the proposal is also aware of the negative impact tourism could have on local life and the very resource future planning is aiming to capitalise on. It cannot be in the interest of Al MuΡayrib residents to commodify their living culture and architecture, freezing those in the process. Instead, tourism should be regarded as complementary, subsidiary ‘player’ to a functioning local economy based on trade and production.

8.5 OUTLINING EXTERNAL INVESTMENT AREAS

of visitor-centred development is to be encouraged. It is strongly suggested that for the purposes of reducing costs for the relevant authorities in charge, a degree of outside private investment should be permitted to act as a catalyst for local businesses to take off. A small number of projects could be identified for foreign investment. In particular the tourism industry will profit greatly from a degree of outside input in the form of tourism infrastructure. The opening of the real estate market to outside capital not only provides and influx of resources, but also acts as a business primer and inspirer to locals. This approach, taken throughout Europe’s major centres of tourism such as Mallorca, the south of France and more recently implemented in Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey, has ensured a gradual raising of the standard of living and reinforced the cultural self-confidence of the residents.

8.6 CADASTRAL AND PROPERTY ASSESSMENT While this HMP has considered the social make up of the hārah in trying to determine the tribal settlement pattern within the settlement, this is in no way reflective of the actual ownership status of a given plot or architectural unit. It is therefore essential to determine the position of individual owners regarding intervention on their property. The overall master plan intentions must be explained to these individuals and their participation and input welcomed. While monetary incentives may be given for the responsible reconstruction and re-use of dwellings, fines should be imposed on those owners/inhabitants who continue to let their properties decay or do not comply with the restoration guidelines.

It will be necessary for the local authorities (i.e., municipality at Al-Qabil, Ministry of Housing) to determine the exact ownership status of the real estate and a detailed map prepared accordingly to move ahead with targeted intervention. Public spaces (streetscapes, squares, city walls, gates may be tackled first to showcase the aims of the project and visualise the final outcome to the local stakeholders.

8.7 PRIORITY WORKS AND INTERVENTIONS The aim of this HMP is the gradual and sustainable revitalisation of Al MuΡayrib without leading to the displacement of the current inhabitants of the hārah or disadvantaging any business and social enterprise. While it is argued here and implied through the selective and targeted intervention that an over reliance on tourism necessarily leads to the ‘museumification’ of the heritage, a modicum

Al MuΡayrib is currently home to households living in buildings of various types and sizes. These residents are expected to form part of the future communal landscape of the settlement and are therefore encouraged participate in the development discourse.

HERITAGE MASTER PLAN

While the master plan proposes a targeted approach to heritage management and tourism development to be undertaken in phases, a series of basic improvements will need to be put into place as a matter of urgency. As already ascertained during the interviews with the inhabitants the priority improvement required on site include the following points: •

clearing of debris and household rubbish from the various dumps located around the settlement – this is a generic problem that needs a unified strategy;

•

provision of garbage disposal system for residents should be given priority through the installation of defined and easily manageable disposal units;

•

consolidation of structures in danger of collapse and making safe dangerous areas – in particular areas uphill, east of the main north-south street would require immediate attention. Attention should also be directed towards structures close to the north gate;

•

creation of an efficient and visually sensible storm-water runoff system to protect building foundations, streets and the falaj systems;

•

installation of utilities (water and electricity) and a functioning waste water/sewage system;

•

clean and restore the falaj network to maximise flow and reduce water loss;

•

ensure that no sewage is discharged into the falaj and prevent continued contamination often through unwitting waste disposal;

•

restoration, reconstruction and development can and must only be initiated in areas that have already been provided with power and running water;

These measures are to be implemented with the knowledge, advice and cooperation of the current inhabitants. It is suggested that a ‘steering committee’ of all inhabitants and owners is organised to discuss such initiatives to invite suggestions and determine ways forward. Their successful implementation will not only result in an immediate increase in the local quality of life but also improve the visitor experience, gradually opening up avenues for potential future investment.

8.8 RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION PLAN The following master plan is, to an extent, indicative. A detailed phase of master planning and design needs to be undertaken in future, an activity that does not fall within the remit of this document and would require an independent, dedicated project. The proposed strategies are geared towards an ecologically sustainable future of the settlement and

fully embrace the potentials that come with modern technologies and building materials. In terms of approach it is suggested that after the implementation of the priority measures discussed above a systematic approach should be taken towards the development of the settlement, addressing specific areas of the hārah in sequence. Reference will also be made to architectural design precedents as they have been applied elsewhere in the world. These precedents have been chosen due to their international value and broad applicability in terms of heritage management and modern design. The conservation and revitalisation of Al MuΡayrib will require a phased approach beginning with the cleaning of the site, provision of utilities and waste management systems, and finally a targeted and precise development strategy aimed at minimising costs, minimising impact on the resident population and providing development catalysts to encourage residents and local stakeholders to invest into the settlement. At all costs the restoration practise of wholesale rebuilding without a final outcome in mind must be avoided. This approach, implemented for example at Manah, ΚIbri and the Bahlā Fort, only results in a multiplication of costs and produces results which have to then be re-adapted to actual use by integrating the necessary facilities. This Management Plan proposes that the most successful and sustainable development and preservation strategy is the inclusion of the inhabitants into the decision making process and regarding them as partners rather than as clients. Conservation and development do therefore not necessarily have to be regarded as distinct processes as development can occur within the spirit of cultural conservation. New development, though embracing the broad palette of modern technologies and materials, must conceptually remain grounded in the local culture. Al MuΡayrib is an active oasis located between the southern end of Ibra and Al-Qabil and having strong connections with both. Traditional way of life is still largely retained through agricultural activities, market trading and cattle herding on the periphery. The falaj system irrigating the gardens is still active and a core of vernacular buildings and structures – some of which are of important architectural and historical significance – remain in place. New activities – mainly in the service sector but also through commercial enterprises operating nationally – have emerged as a result of consistent development and modernisation. Consequently, new forms of housing have also developed on the periphery of the old settlement. The basic street organisation is in the form of a ‘T’ with the main street extending south from

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AL-MUЏAYRIB - DOCUMENTATION AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN Viewing deck, refreshment and resting area Fort to be consolidated, restored and enhanced suitably to coincide with strategic view Restore all towers & ensure access for maintenance and select trekking visitors Restore Mosque of the Mountain Access to Fort and congregating zone Cut steps into hill as needed to allow access to fort Incorporate ‘ruin experience’ into tourist route

Reactivate tannur and enhance surrounding courtyard area

Consolidate ruins and make accessible link between fort and town centre

Main visitor access on foot Retain main street and its traditional characteristics throughout - if necessary enhance Main street to provide tourist experience

Provide visitors parking next to existing parking facility to reduce vehicle numbers in centre

Encourage development of native species of vegetation

Figure 8.2 Strategic Masterplan: Composite Visualisation

HERITAGE MASTER PLAN

Develop into public square for tourist parties to congregate formally and informally and to mix with locals

Private access to dwellings only. No tourist access

Unit A2 has a lot of potential for either redevelopment or restoration in a traditional style Restore Souq square and surrounding shopping provisions. Establish seating and resting provisions for locals and tourists

Restore Souq units using traditional building aesthetics

Introduce native Omani vegetation and aim to cultivate into open public spaces for both tourists and locals

Shops / refreshments / gifts

Other areas of concern include, but are not limited to, the following: - Restore water access / channel points along main street and especially near Souq area to enhance heritage value - Sensitive partitioning required between tourist routes and remainder of town to ensure privacy for locals is maintained - Economic tourism opportunities require careful consideration as to not inflate or destabilise local micro-economies - Current methods of ruin redevelopment are causing great risk to heritage value and providing a hazard to human life where structure has become unstable Core visitor attraction requiring delicate restoration and redevelopment through important heritage sensitive interventions

Figure 8.3 Strategic Masterplan Detail of Zone D

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the north gate, Dirwazat al-Kisham, with the connector street with the Sur highway meeting it at right angles forming the centre of the settlement. The heritage core consisting of the sablah, the fort, the mosque and elements of the souq occupy the south-western corner of the ‘T’ formation, although the latter also extends eastwards across the main street to form a attractive square defined by the falaj channel which is aligned with the main street. The settlement beyond the eastern edge of the main street has evolved into housing employing contemporary material, largely rebuilt within old property boundaries. The street pattern providing access has remained unchanged; long narrow lanes extend east, going partially uphill farther east, creating a private environment. The north-western edge of the ‘T’ junction is occupied by a combination of renewed residential and commercial properties and ruins of erstwhile accommodation. It is proposed that the evolved traditional way of life should not be disrupted through the introduction of tourism but should instead work in tandem. Tourism should not affect the significant privacy requirements of the Islamic society, especially in the areas where private housing predominates. The natural evolution of the traditional society around the main access street from the highway has resulted in service provisions emerging there, making it a very busy junction. The further introduction of tourism related traffic would make everyday life difficult. Preventing tourism traffic from entering the core therefore forms a key objective. Accordingly, it is proposed that the tourist traffic is not allowed within the centre of the settlement and is diverted and terminated instead outside the existing north gate (Dirwazat al-Kisham) of the settlement quarter. Adequate open space exists to establish visitor parking. This provision can make use of the existing dedicated parking provision for the Musallat al-Eid outside of its ‘peak use’ periods (i.e., during festivities and Friday prayers). The existing street providing access to this parking area could be used for access; however, acknowledging safety considerations other routes to the parking area could be easily identified. Additional spaces could be made available for visitor parking, as and when community congregations take place. Accessing the settlement from this end through the gate would also provide an appropriately positive visitor experience of walking into a traditional settlement quarter through its main gate and walking along its main street to reach the key visitor attractions – the sablah, the fort and the souq at the far south end of that journey. While privacy is maintained along the eastern edge of the main street, the eastern passage opposite the main ‘T’ junction would be designated access for the hilltop fortress with adequate measures taken, wherever necessary, to enhance privacy. Given the excellent views it offers of the entire town, the oasis and its defence system, it is proposed that the fortress be converted into a viewing deck with supporting facilities for visitors. The location offers the opportunity for developing a sensitive architectural design integrating resting facilities, a small restaurant, toilets and other provisions. The viewer should be provided appropriate information on the views offered through

plaques located along the perimeter wall. Wherever necessary, steps or accessible ramps should be cut into the rock to aid passage up and down the hill. The south-western corner of the ‘T’ would form the key visitor attraction – the eventual destination following a walk through the main street, where the principal civic facilities are located. The core is provided by the elevated positioning of the sablah and the fort belonging to the Khanajira tribe, as well as the main mosque at the south-eastern corner. A ring of disused shops and storage areas, forming part of the once thriving souq, surrounds this. It is proposed that the two key civic facilities, the fort and the sablah are opened as visitor attractions – the former forming a museum of local history, also providing excellent viewing opportunities from its rooftop. In tandem with the hilltop fortress the Qal‘ah of the Khanajira will establish the two key visitor attractions. The fort has been renovated along with the sablah; however, further conservation and maintenance measures will be necessary. This surrounding souq area is to be redeveloped and restored, remaining closely aligned with the spirit of the place, its historic image and scale. The extension of the souq east across the main street provides an excellent opportunity of a square, which could be redefined by carefully considered row of shops. It is proposed that the entire souq area be developed with careful consideration given to both the sale of goods and produce of everyday use, combined with a heritage shopping experience. There is a case to be made for the sale of local agricultural produce and its by-products, developing local job opportunities in the process. The square would provide the opportunity for rest under the shade of existing trees (to be retained and if appropriate, more added) and to experience the workings of the souq and observe the operational aspects of the falaj.

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