Characterization of architectural binders and spatial configuration of the Alrousan courtyard house in Ottoman Umm Qais, Jordan
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Abstract
The architectural heritage of rural northern Jordan during the Ottoman period reflects a complex interplay of environment, technology, and sociocultural structure, which is evident in the traditional courtyard houses of Umm Qais. This study investigates the material characterization of the Alrousan courtyard house using petrography and X-ray diffraction, as well as spatial configuration through space syntax analysis using depthmapX software, in order to explore historical construction practices and social organization. The study is based on ten mortar and plaster samples collected from different parts of the house. The results reveal the widespread use of basalt and micritic limestone, suggesting continuity in material selection and preparation techniques from the Byzantine to the Ottoman periods, although there may have been a decline in craftsmanship during the occupation period. The courtyard functioned as a social hub, while the rooms were more isolated spaces reflecting privacy, gender segregation, and family structure. This interdisciplinary approach provides valuable insights into the technological and cultural legacy of domestic architecture in historical Jordan. The Alrousan house represents a model of the interaction among local resources, environmental conditions, and social traditions that shaped architectural design and construction techniques.
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