The Shariʻ al-Aʻzạm in Cairo
Subtitle: its topography and architecture in the Mamluk period.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 373
Description: In addition to its being a major thoroughfare in the medieval city, the Shari` al-A`z&dotbelow;am was also the venue of royal processions, especially in the Fatimid period. The different uses of the street, in terms of commercial activities and trade routes, royal and public processions as well as other special functions of certain nodes in the street, are also examined. This examination clarifies the status that the street enjoyed throughout its history. This status and the functions performed in the Shari` al-A`z&dotbelow;am changed following the topographical changes that occurred in the city in different periods.This thesis examines the topographical development of the major artery of the city of Cairo, the Shari` al-A`z&dotbelow;am, throughout its history from the beginning of the Fatimid period in 969 AD to the end of the Mamluk period in 1517 AD. The thesis focuses on the section of the street south of Bab Zuwayla. Although Cairo has been the focus of several topographical studies, none of them deals with this section of the Shari` al-A`z&dotbelow;am, which constitutes along with the quarters Surrounding it, almost half of the city area under the Mamluks. A reconstruction of the major phases of the urban development of the street is attempted, as well as a tentative reconstruction of the monument locations in the Mamluk period.Mamluk architecture is characterized by the strong relationship that exists between its monuments and their urban setting. The number and quality of the structures built in the street reflects its status as a major axis in the city under the Mamluks. The buildings represent a varied repertoire of styles reflective of the development of Mamluk architecture over two centuries. Through the analysis of the architecture of the monuments in the street from an urban perspective, the effect the street had on the design of its monuments is evaluated. From this analysis we conclude that several factors, such as the use of the street for royal processions, the physical character of the street, and others, affected the degree of interaction of the architecture of the Shari` al-A`z&dotbelow;am with its urban setting.
Notes: Adviser:  Lisa Golombek.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 65-05, Section: A, page: 1928.