Al Bait Al Gharbi documents Emirati architecture

Sharjah 24: As part of the Sharjah Heritage Days cultural activities, the Sharjah Heritage Institute organised a book signing event for Al Bait Al Gharbi – The House of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr bin Khalid Al Qasimi: Analysis of its Architectural Elements and Maintenance. The book was authored by the late Dr Abdul Sattar Al Azzawi. The signing was conducted by Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, at the Al Bait Al Gharbi. This event honoured Dr Al Azzawi's significant contributions to local heritage and culture.

Details of the book's content

The book is divided into four chapters, offering an in-depth look at the architectural and cultural significance of the Western House. The first chapter discusses the layout of the house, including its planning, floors, entrance, courtyard, rooms, porticoes, barjeel, and more. The second chapter highlights the architectural elements such as walls, wooden doors, windows, arches, columns, and decorative features.

Restoration and raw materials

The third chapter covers the restoration and maintenance techniques of the Western House, while the fourth chapter details the raw materials used in its construction, including sea stone, coral, plaster, and wood. The book provides a comprehensive view of the house with vibrant images showcasing its various facilities and architectural features.

Dr Abdul Sattar Al Azzawi's legacy

Dr Abdul Sattar Al Azzawi, born in 1935 in Baghdad, Iraq, was an expert in Arab-Islamic architecture. He earned a Ph.D. in the field from the University of Lyon in France and worked as a curator, researcher, and heritage consultant. Dr Al Azzawi made lasting contributions to heritage preservation in Sharjah and beyond, working as a restoration expert at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage from 1990 to 2020. He passed away in June 2020 at the age of 85.