2nd International Scientific Conference on Applied Sciences and Engineering 16-17 February, 2015 Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Dubai

1. Abstract of Applied Sciences and Engineering, 2015, Vol.2
DOI: 10.18488/journal.1001/2015.2/1001.2
2nd
International Scientific Conference on Applied
Sciences and Engineering
16-17 February, 2015
Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Dubai
Conference Website: www.scihost.org
3
Paper ID: 435/15/2
nd
ISCASE
Aleppine Polychrome Wooden (`ajami) Rooms in Syria
Rami Alafandi1
--- Asiah Abdul Rahim2
1
PhD student, Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design (KAED), International Islamic University
Malaysia (IIUM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
2
A Professor and practicing architect, Department of Architecture, Kulliyyah of Architecture &
Environmental Design (KAED), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to show the importance of the forgotten architectural and
artistic heritage of Aleppo, Syria, particularly the polychrome wooden (`ajami) rooms.
Aleppo is the second largest city in Syria (after the capital Damascus) and is the
commercial capital of Syria. Aleppo has a long history, extending from the third
millennium B.C to the Islamic era. The remains and monuments are evidence from
those great civilizations. Many pieces of literature mention that the Amorites were the
first inhabitants in Aleppo during the third millennium BC. In 223 BC, the Greek
commander (Seleucus Nikator) re-organized and planned the city. Later, Islamic rulers
made Aleppo great by re-building its walls, gates, towers and citadel. The Muslims also
built mosques, schools, houses, inns, markets, hospitals, bathrooms, and public
facilities. Consequently, Aleppo flourished and became a very important station for the
Silk Road; the third largest city in the Ottoman Empire after Istanbul and Cairo. Aleppo
was part of the Ottoman Empire from 1516 to 1918. As part of this empire, local
Aleppine craftsmen combined their techniques and cultural heritage with Ottoman
architecture and design. Due to growth in population the Ottomans expanded the city,
provided facilities, and established neighborhoods outside of the walls. These
neighborhoods outside the walls were mostly for rich people and contained the biggest
treasure of polychrome wood (`ajami) in Aleppo, which has become the icon of
Ottoman- Syrian art. Polychrome wood includes several geometric, floral motifs, and
inscriptions. These motifs have rich symbolic backgrounds, originating from house
owners, artists, their native culture, and religion. This research employs a historical and
descriptive approach to explore the thought and principles exemplified in the
polychrome wooden (`ajami) motifs, and to analyze the connection between different
types of Islamic art and polychrome wooden motifs. In 1986, UNESCO added Old
Aleppo City to the World Heritage List. Since 2012 much of Syria’s architectural
heritage has been destroyed due to internal war. In Aleppo the losses in both the
ancient and modern parts of the city have been tremendous. Some traditional houses
with polychrome wooden interior room have been damaged. This paper will highlight
some recommendations to protect and restore the traditional houses in Aleppo for
future use.
Keywords: Aleppo city, Aleppo heritage, Polychrome wood, `ajami, Islamic art