Restoration of the Amiriya Complex

Rada is the most important town in the southern half of the eastern plateau. The urban tissue surrounding the complex does not seem to include any contemporary building. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

Rada is the most important town in the southern half of the eastern plateau. The urban tissue surrounding the complex does not seem to include any contemporary building. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

The plan of the masjid rises about 3 metres above the roof as a rectangular platform, reaching about 4 metres at the top of the crenellations. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

At first floor level, the galleries are defined by a series of arches. All the rooms feature mashrabiyyas projecting from the windows. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

Qudad decoration is used both inside and outside, here for the various panels and individual figures around the platform on which the domes of the masjid sit, especially on the north side marking the mihrab. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

Careful study of the painted surfaces as well as several chemical analyses showed that a red paint was used to draw a perspective grid on wet plaster. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

A front courtyard is situated on the south side of the building. It is not rectangular because there is an indentation at its southeast corner, providing direct entrance to the courtyard from ground level. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

Rada grew up around the only outcrop of rock in the surrounding plain, on which the castle was built. The Amiriya was built at its foot. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

The restoration of the Amiriya complex revived the process of production of certain material as qudad, a mixture of lime mortar and crushed volcanic aggregate. It is used as stucco and plaster on exterior surfaces for waterproofing. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

The two corner rooms at the north side have circular lobes and the rest have faceted lobes, the plan of the domes being a polygon with folded sides. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

The north riwaq is given a particular emphasis as the entrance hall of the masjid, with a coffered stucco decoration on the ceiling. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

The decoration of the hammam on the ground floor is very fine and varied and is said to be unique in its quality and location. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

Close contact with the material became a means to understand the technique of carving as well as the stages of production. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

The major cause of damage to the painting has been earthquakes that have destabilized the structure. The surface of the paint layer also showed dust deposits, cobwebs, mud deposits, soot, whitewash and bird droppings. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

The most ornate space is the masjid, which represents a climax of the type of decoration developed in Rasukid and Tahirid madrasas. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

The Amiriya was in a very precarious condition when Dr Selma Al-Radi visited it. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

Calligraphic bands of carved gypsum plaster run over openings and arches, delineating the structural elements as well as accentuating the importance of spaces. Calligraphic bands of carved gypsum plaster run over openings and arches, delineating the structural elements as well as accentuating the importance of spaces. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

The painted decoration in the masjid of the madrasa covers an area of approximately 600 square metres. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

North elevation. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

West elevation. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

South elevation. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).

East elevation. Restoration of the Amiriya Complex, Rada, Yemen (Arabian Peninsula).