User:Sophia MacDonald/Qusayr 'Amra

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The Qusayr 'Amra is a well preserved Islamic castle that was built in the middle of the 8th century. This site is considered to be so important that it was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This building was originally part of a much larger build but this is one of the best buildings that has been preserved. This specific land mark is located in Jordan about 85 kilometers to the east of Amman. The paintings present have been attempted to be restored but are very deteriorated. One of the more notable aspects of this structure is what it is created of. It has a stone base with a rubble core, these materials mixed together is what makes the signature color and texture that it is known for. This castle was commissioned by Walid Ibn Yazid in sometime after 723 right before his rule as Caliph. His reign would end up being quite short with this structure showing much of what is known about this time period in Islamic states.

This structure is known for having a more simple structure with it being a rectangular audience hall, hydraulic structures, and a bathhouse. The bathhouse is the most notable feature and is what is most closely examined in art history discussion. These structures are commented on for the architecture which shows common features in Islamic art during this time period. The mosaics and frescos are also very important and implement common techniques that can be seen through many other Islamic structures.

The conservation and maintaining of this structure is what is the main topic of discussion when Qusayr 'Amra is discussed today. As this structure is from the 700s maintaining it is very important to the future of studying Islamic art as a whole. Current expeditions for preservation include removing old maintenance attempts and implementing new ones that support the site better. This new actions for preservation began in 2010.

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Mosaics

The decoration that is within the Qasr Amra is one of the most noticeable things about this palace. The site as a whole had been degraded over time. The mosaics had many themes and patterns that can be seen with what is left. One of the major themes in this palace is water. One examples of this theme of water is a mosaic where the triumph of the Roman god Neptune. This was the god of the sea and his presence accentuates the theme of water. One reason why there may the theme of water is the emphasis on the bathhouse which is a main part of the Qasr Amra.

Even within these themes of water there was a heavy presence of geometric shapes and patterns. There were many patterns present but two of the most simple motifs were the plain strip motif and the twisted pattern motif. These also developed into more complex and twisted designs in the same mosaics as well as in surrounding ones. There was use of green and blue mosaic patterns that call back to the earlier mentioned themes of water.

Preservation

In the 1970s there were harmful preservation techniques used to work on this structure. Staring in 2010 there were moves to remove the cement and coatings previously put on. This initiative would really begin moving in 2012 and progressed until today. There is constantly more being added into the castle to make sure that it is fully historically preserved. The new cement being implemented as well as new lime mortar being added over the mosaics to prevent further disruption.

Many surveys have to be sone in order make sure the preservation is correct in what chemicals are being used. Samples of the mosaics and walls were taken and sent to Italy for observation. Many of normal techniques were found to be disruptive of the old materials used to build. This lead to many years of testing to fins out what would work best for this specific structure.