GULF WAR US INVASION ISIS INSURGENCY INSURGENCY US LEAVES

US

Destroyed

three Hydro Electric Dams, disabiling water treatment facilities that relied on electricity

Due to Gulf War, many water treatment facilities were destroyed

Promises were made to rebuilt water systems but only 1/3 of it had been delivered to due to corruption.

WAR & POWER IN IRAQ

The trigger which caused the era of depression and reverting of advancement of iraq began with the Gulf War, which reduced the country to the pre-industrial age.

By 1991, it was one of the largest air forces in southwestern Asia, with well over 700 fixed-wing combat aircraft.

Deconstruction of Sadam Hussiens reign included discoveries of military machines across Iraq wating for the return of the dictator.

Iraq had purchased new and very capable fighter aircraft, including MiG-29s from the Soviet Union and Mirage F-1s from France.

Assumed that Saddam hoped that by saving the aircraft in the sand, he could prevent their destruction and when he was ready attack jets have been found buried at AlTaqqadum air field west of Baghdad.

The new Iraqi military was equipped with a mix of older equipment inherited from the previous military as well as newer equipment purchased from foreign countries.

British troops look at Baghdad in 1941 (Wikimedia)

1917 Britain seizes Baghdad during First World War.

1920 League of Nations approves British mandate in Iraq, prompting nationwide revolt.

1921 Britain appoints Feisal, son of Hussein Bin Ali, the Sherif of Makkah, as king. Independence

1932 Mandate ends, Iraq becomes independent. Britain retains military bases.

1941 Britain re-occupies Iraq after pro-Axis coup during Second World War.

It is also possible that some of Saddam Hussein’s military equipment was hidden or destroyed prior to the 2003 invasion in an effort to prevent its capture by coalition forces.

After the Gulf War in 1991, the Iraqi military was severely degraded, with much of its equipment destroyed or captured by coalition forces.

The remains of shells, chemical tanks and containers at Muthanna, Saddam Hussein’s chemical weapons complex, which has been seized by Isis

2014

During the 1991 Gulf War, there was great concern that Iraq might have the capability to deliver chemical, biological, and even nuclear weapons with Scud missiles

HISTORY OF AL-BUSSAYAH خــــيرات

The town of Al Bussayyah originates back to an historical moment for Iraq before Islam.

The intersection had become an area of interest for trading, resting and education and accUMUlated educator of Economy, Ethics and Poetry to use the space for networking between Mesopotamia “Bilad Al-Rafidayn” (Iraq, Turkey and Iran) with the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia).

• Flourished with greenery, within 10 miles surrounding radius

• Natural stream of watercourse to the West branches towards the south running through the town of Al Bussayyah.

2010

The Town is named after a water source and this shows the history of water and its importance to the area, hence that is why it is named Al Bussayyah!

• The town is no longer as green and alive almost as if life has vanished

• The stream of watercourse have dried up leaving its surrounding brown and dead

• Al Bussayyah surrounds it self with 10 mile of desert

DESERTIFICATION IN AL-BUSSAYYAH

The town of Al-Bussayyah suffers from multiple disadvantages: a) Its geographical position been at the south of Iraq which is arid part of the country. b) Air Pollution been at dangerous levels to be inhaled. c) Low rainfall throughout the year leaves minimum locations with viable greenery.

• 2010, the town benefited from existing the neighbouring stream of watercourse and acacess to direct route to neighbouring and city and town.

• Greenery can be found alonga the watercourses and within 1 mile radius.

Now the streams have DRIED up what does that do to THE IDENTIFY OF THE PLACE?

Current Stateofthe Town

Data obtained from the Iraqi government “yearly rainfall has become more erratic in this area since the 1970”

2022

• 2022, the town looks like something out of Mad Max movie.

• It is unclear to see indication of the water stream anywhere within the 1 mile radius.

• The lack of greenery is very disturbing and unnatural.

“average annual rainfall for the last twenty years was 10 percent lower than in the three decades prior”

Temperature seem to be fluctuating between the year 2000 to 2014 and an shift in temperature occurs from from 46°C to 48 and sudden rise to 53°C by 2022.

• Warmest month: July / August

• Coldest Month: January (9.81ºC)

• Wettest Month: November (21.44mm / 0.84in)

• Driest Month: July

• Days with no rain: 346.64 days (94.97%

• Average wind speed: from 5-10 mph

AIR QUALITY & TEMPERATURE

Air Quality as of now is within DANGEROUS charts. "Health effects will be immediately felt by sensitive groups of people and should avoid outdoor activity Healthy individuals are likely to experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation; it is suggested to consider staying indoors." (accuweather, 2022)

DISPLACED TRIBES ةحزانلا

Bedu or Bedouin, are nomadic Arab tribes who have historically inhabited the desert regions in the Arabian Peninsula and Mesopotamia.

Locally Bani Tamim are one of the tribes of Al Muthanna province. They roam the lands around Al-Bussayyah due to its resources which included several streams of natural watercourses and green land throughout the year.

The tribe has rich historical ties to the Prophet Abraham, with their family ties going back to Ishmael, the son of Abraham.

In Al Bussayyah desert, climate change is has become an crisis for nomads

Data obtained from the Iraqi government “yearly rainfall has become more erratic in this area since the 1970”

“average annual rainfall for the last twenty years was 10 percent lower than in the three decades prior”

BUYUUT HAJAR | HOUSE OF HAIR رجح تويب

An Typical Bedouin Camp side, Activities, Traditions and General Arrangement.

Banu Tamim nomads life revolves around reaching for food for their animals. Traditionally followed more or less regular movement throughout the year with migration patterns determined by seasonal conditions, also the amounts of greenery and access to water.

Annual season rain, Southern Iraq Rainfall record between October- April of each winter

RE-LOCATION

Life And Spirituality

Explaining the appeal of a nomadic life from an Bedouin

Material And Function

Tents are normally black, though this absorb daily heat. On cold nights the front is closed for extra warmth.

MOBILITY OF WATER

Nomads travel to towns to attain water because there is no natural source

The Bedouin, Beduin, or Bedu, in arabic: ودب, are nomadic Arab tribes who have historically inhabited the desert regions in the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, the Levant, and Mesopotamia.

A Community Under Siege

This is Al Bussaya where the rain has become rare, and desertification has become rampant and natural water sources such as watercourse and wells have dried. The lack of greenery forces herders to migrate longer distances in search of food for their livestock.

Nomadic lifestyle is becoming difficult as the summers have become too hot to bear in their traditional, rudimentary tents made of animal fur, pushing many to find reprieve in nearby villages and towns, where they rent farming land for their livestock to feed on.

SCATTERED TRADITION

Bedouin’s gather as an moving community but now scattered in order to survive as there is limited resources.

CULTURE OF BANU TAMIM BEDOUINS

Where are the coffeepots? Where is the coffee grounds pile?

Where are the tents resting on seven rows of poles?

HAS EVERYDAY TRADITION BECOME CHALLENGING DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

Sacred Traditions

Poetry

Sword Dance

Playing Traditional Instruments

Tent Knitting

Camel Riding

Arabic Coffee

IS THE IMPACT OF THIS AN TRANSITION OF CULTURE TO TRADITION?

...made of porous material... ALLOWS AIR CIRCULATION

"You are free. You have a relationship only with your animals. The only relationship more important is with Allah."

(Asian Geographic, 2020)

...then air from inside the tent is drawn out and creates a cool breeze

It is woven from hair of livestock they own such as sheep or camel, which has extraordinary thermal endurance.

The sun heats up the covering

...and the hot air starts to rise above the tent membrane

SECTION - HEATING AND COOLING DIAGRAM

Structure is made of post and beam to support each other in a grid format.

TENT PLANGENERAL ARRANGEMENT

...sheep or camel hair so when it rains, the fiber swells and becomes WATERPROOF

Weaving

...made of pours material... ALLOWS LIGHT TO PENETRATE THROUGH

One should pay extra attention to the special technique of weaving employed by Bedouin women; it is often called “LOOSE” (Rudofsky, 1972).

TRADITIONS

Poetry

Sword Dance

Playing Traditional Instruments

Weaving Arabic Coffee Camel Riding

THE " TENT "

Weaving Cooking Tending to animals

Livestock raising had traditionally been the primary economic activity of Bedouins. Among Bedouins livestock has traditionally been a measure a wealth and a means of survival.

Bedouin have traditionally lived in tents known as “bur yuut hajar” (literally “house of hair”). They have traditionally been made black goat-hair or camel hair and are usually square or rectangular but can be round.

Life of a Bedu (Prior to 1990) (ماع لبق)

Bedouin daily tasks are often dictated by the timings of the five daily prayers in Islam. The chart below breaks down what would a typical daily routine might be before the impacts of desertification and Iraq wards after 1990’s

Prayer

Move animals for Grazing

Repairing Equipment

Gather Firewood

Breakfast/Meal

Life of a Bedu (Present) (�احلا) ودبلا ةايح

Bedouin daily tasks are often dictated by the timings of the five daily prayers in Islam. The chart below breaks down what would a typical daily routine might be now.

Socialising Traditional Music & Playing Games

Search for Water Cooking

Tending to Animal

Tending to Children

Tend to School if available Playing Cleaning

Storytelling

Bedouin families wake up before sunrise to perform their morning prayer, and men go out to tend to the animals, gather firewood, seek out water for animals; while women prepare breakfast and tend to their children, this might include prepration for school at the local town.

After the Dhuhr prayer, people rest in the shade to avoid the midday heat. Men might repair equipment or tend to animals while women and children might take a nap or do some weaving.

After the Asr prayer, men might gather firewood, while women start cooking dinner. Children might help with cooking or play.

After the Isha prayer, people might continue socializing, or they might go to bed early to get rest for the next day’s activities.

Bedouin families wake up before sunrise to perform their morning prayer, and men go out to search for water and food for the animals while women prepare breakfast and tend to their children, this might include prepration for school at the local town.

After the Dhuhr prayer, people rest in the shade to avoid the midday heat. Men might search for water and food, while women and children might weave or do some other craftwork.

After the Asr prayer, men might continue their search for water and food, while women start cooking dinner. Children might help with cooking or play.

Data based on an understanding of the Bedouin life and current impact of climate change on the southern lands of Iraq. Furthermore, with discussion with an Bedouin tribes man

After the Maghrib prayer, the family comes together to eat dinner and engage in storytelling, socializing, and traditional music. However, there might be a shortage of food and water, and the family might have to conserve resources.

After the Isha prayer, people might continue socializing, or they might go to bed early to conserve energy and resources. They might also keep watch for potential threats, such as raids or wild animals.

10

Nomadic Armature

Infrastructure within an infrastructure stretched across the south to west connecting micro towns. Proposed systems designed to support each other and enables Bedouin communities to travel further then before.

Tradionaly Bedus tend to settle within an close proximity of a town, this is due to their needs for trading resources and the opportunity for their kids to attend local schools.

This armature enhanced their way of life by freeing bedus from the constraints of access to resources and local amenities.

miles688miles765miles710 miles744miles720

Gravitational Force Towards

The life of an bedu is includes prayers five times a day towards Islams holliest place, Makkah; being the center of electromagnetic field force on earth. The nature of this direction and prayers pulled towards this point on earth acts similar to a gravitational pull philisophicaly. Therefore, the proposal will take into consideration this idea of an gravitational force pulling the nodes towards Makkah to enhance the settlement religious connection to its user.

NOMADIC

With the principles of the Eurasian Silk Road and the notion of a bedu traveller to cross Iraq like never before.

The importance of an interconnected system of nodes surrounding towns allows Bedouin nomads of Iraq to travel distance considerer difficult before.

Nodes Gravitating Towards Makkah

Based on the Gravitational force towards Mekka.

The closer the node towards Mekkah the more force would gravitate the site, in effect the site is stretched further.

The calculation to determine the force is based on distance between each settlement in relative to the distance to Mekkah.

The schedule of accommodation is informed by the bedu life style, including:

• One Utilised Military Machine,

• Energy Production informed by Location,

• Traditions and Culture through out the year,

• Facilities to accomodate these needs,

• Location of the settlement,

• Environmental factors of the location,

• Season of the year in corrolation to the environmental factor.

Furthermore, an study of Temperature and Wind Orientation were important to informing the source of energy produced and location of the settlement.

765miles

744miles

Schedule Of Accommodation

A-B1: Repurposed Machine: Mig 29A Jet

Energy: Wind & Solar

Civic: Eid al-Adha / Al-Hadra

Facilities: Kitchen, Prayer Space

Season: May - Aug (Summer)

A-B2: Repurposed Machine: Tank

Energy: Wind & Solar

Civic: Wedding / Mawlid

Facilities: Communal Kitchen, Prayer Space, Gathering Space

Season: Aug - Oct (Summer)

710miles

720miles

A-B3:

688miles

Repurposed Machine: Military Truck

Energy: Solar

Civic: Wedding / Al-Sadu

Facilities: Communal Kitchen, Prayer Space, Gathering Space

Season: Oct - Nov (Fall)

A-B4:

A-B5:

Repurposed Machine: Helicopter

Energy: Wind & Solar

Civic: Eid al-Fitr / Wedding

Facilities: Communal Kitchen, Prayer Space, Gathering Space

Season: Jan - May (Spring)

Repurposed Machine: Mirage F2 Jet

Energy: Solar

Civic: Camel Racing / Al-Haqa’iq

Facilities: Gathering Space, Prayer Space, Racing Ground

Season: Nov - Jan (Winter)

Informed by an accomolation of analysis and understanding the user:

• The form of the site is informed by the Gravitation pull towards Mekka.

• The arrangement is inspired by geometer found in the Islamic faith.

• The “Defined Activity” is informed and inspired by the present “Life of a Bedu” during the 24 hour period.

• The proposed facilities are informed by spaces left over between “Defined Activity” and orientation of noted environmental factors; hence, user needs within this settlement.

• The center of the diagram hosts the “UMU” وموأ an machine with user supporting attributes noted in the accomodation schedule for AB-1.

• Shadow casted during of the islamic prayer times from Fajr at 05:00 am until Isha at 20:00 pm within the 24 hours to form sacred spaces in the proposal.

• Resting Space has been informed by resting period that occours in the “Life of a Bedu” which is after Isha prayer until Fajr Prayer.

DESIGN EXPLORATION ميمصتلا فاشكتسا

Photographic Study of Mig-29 Model

An initial study of a Mig 29 Jet model to understand space in relation to the form of the military machine.

Concept Model Study of an Settlement

An study to understand defening space in relation to the deconstructed miltary machine in an settlement.

FAJR : 5:00 - 6:00 AM

Shadow Observation during Prayer Times

A Study of Shadows: Exploring the Dynamic Relationship between Light and Form during the five Islamic prayer times of the day.

From Fajr, the first light of the day; to Isha, the last light of the day to elaborate on the importance of understanding shadow in Bedouin history and to emphasizes the importance of the dynamic interplay between light and form in response to defining possible sacred space within the design.

DHUR : 12:00 PM

For Bedouin nomads, who have historically lived in arid and desert environments, the ability to accurately read and understand shadows was critical for determining the timing of prayer and other daily activities.

The position of the sun in the sky and the length and direction of shadows provided important information about the time of day, as well as the direction of Mecca, which is the direction Muslims face during prayer. Bedouin nomads developed a deep understanding of the movements of the sun and the patterns of light and shadow in their environment.

ASR : 15:00 PM

This knowledge was passed down through generations and was critical for survival in the harsh desert environment. It also contributed to the development of a rich cultural heritage and a deep spiritual connection to the natural world.

MAGHRIB : 17:00 PM

ISHA : 20:00 PM

Shadow Spaces: A Place for Reflection and Community

Outdoor civic spaces, created through the interplay of light and shadow, offer a contemplative environment for communal prayer and civic events.

Inspired by the Bedouin nomads’ deep knowledge of the sun’s movements and the patterns of shadow, these spaces provide a connection to the natural world and a space for spiritual contemplation. As the great Islamic philosopher Al-Farabi once wrote, “The shadows of trees and buildings are an aid to thought and a source of contemplation.”

The shadows cast by the towering “UMU” create distinct areas for rest and reflection, with each shadow space offering a different mood and atmosphere based on the time of day and the position of the sun. The Islamic concept of “zill” (shadow) is an integral part of the design, symbolizing the duality of light and darkness and the importance of finding a balance between them.

In Arabic, these spaces are known as “لظلا تاحاسم” (musaahat althull), a term that captures the significance of shadow in Islamic culture and the way in which these spaces are defined by the play of light and darkness. As the Prophet Muhammad once said, “God is the light of the heavens and the earth, and his shadow is a refuge for his creatures.”.

Landscape Statement

The landscape strategy for the proposed irrigation zone in the south of Iraq (قارعلا) aims to combat desertification, promote greening, and create a sustainable agricultural environment. The strategy emphasizes the rejuvenation of existing soil, which is a more environmentally friendly approach than importing fresh soil. By adding organic matter such as compost and welldecomposed manure, the soil’s fertility and structure can be improved, supporting the growth of beneficial microorganisms and reducing the need for external soil sources.

Considering the arid conditions of the region, the existing soil in the area is likely to be sandy or sandy loam. These soil types pose challenges such as low organic matter content, limited fertility, poor water retention, and alkaline pH levels. To address these issues, several rejuvenation measures can be implemented, including organic matter addition, mulching, soil amendments, irrigation management, crop rotation, and pH adjustment.

Maintaining microbe vitality in the soil for year-round agricultural practice requires regular watering and nutrient control. Proper irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation, should be employed to ensure consistent moisture levels while minimizing water loss. Organic fertilizers and compost can be applied to replenish nutrients and support microbial activity in the soil.

The selection of crops for the irrigation zone should consider their tolerance to heat, drought, and salty/sandy soils. Olives (نوتيزلا), figs (�تلا), melons (خيطبلا), tomatoes (مطامطلا), cucumbers (رايخلا), and peppers (لفلفلا) are suitable choices. These crops exhibit varying degrees of heat and drought tolerance, allowing them to thrive in the hot and arid climate of the region. They can also adapt to moderately salty or sandy soils, making them well-suited for cultivation.

Taking inspiration from regions with similar climate conditions, such as the South of Spain, the implementation of hydroponic systems under cover can mitigate extreme conditions.

By rejuvenating the existing soil, the proposed irrigation zone can become a catalyst for greening the settlement and combating desertification. This integrated approach promotes sustainable agriculture, preserves soil vitality, and establishes a thriving ecosystem in the arid desert landscape.

AXONOMETRIC OF A-B1 رواحم

UMU وموأ

The machine is called “UMU” وموأ, which means “mother” in Arabic, adds a layer of symbolism and emotional resonance to its purpose as a provider of essential resources like energy, water, and shade.

Overall, the machine’s design and function evoke a sense of both awe and foreboding, highlighting the complex relationship between technology and the natural world.

Providing comfort architecture and survival architecture in an environment that is designed against its user by adapting materials, and construction method developed by generations of Bedouin survivors.

The colour scheme used in representing the proposal includes:

- Light Green: for Light elements such as the Mig-29 Jet Body Plates.

- Yellow: Fuselage Aluminium Skeleton Structure recovered from found parts of Jets, Trucks and Tanks in the desert.

- Grey/Black: Bedouin Bur Yuut Hajar (Weaved Tent using animal hair)

Bedouin tents (bur yuut hajar) made of animal hair and weaved by locals to provde shade and cooling.

Structure made of the broken apart skeleton of discoverd jets and other machines burried in the sand.

Turbines orientated towards west where wind direction is most strong.

A Bedu and his camels brining back parts of discovered militery machines parts to the settlement to continue adding onto the the UMU.

Parts been moved about on a trolley made of plates from the wheel and jet parts

Awlaad (Children of the UMU) to serve its users

Awlaad are defined by sacred Shadow space.

Solar Panel Orientated to maximise solar gain