Advisor: Prof. Omar Amireh

Abstract:
This thesis is the second of its type, supporting and providing further evidence to the first innovative study of dr. Archie walls dedicated to revealing the role of geometry in designing Islamic Mamluk architecture and controlling its final output.

In his book ³geometry in Islamic Jerusalem, a study of the Ashrafiyya² (1990), walls benefited a lot from Sholomo Tamari¹s study of the same Ashrafiyya (1973) (appendix 1) in which he attempts to comprehend and explain the architecture of that ruined but still beautiful evocative madrasa (appendix 2).

The thesis investigates the same set of basic geometrical modules that were used in designing the Carcassian Mamluk madrasa of Ashrafiyya, through projecting them and others on a second building of the Carcassian Mamluk sultan (Qaytbay).

It projects them on Qaytbay-Sabil (appendix 2) in the Haram Al-Sharif (appendix 2) of Jerusalem.

The basic argument of this thesis concerns the genius use of geometry as a sacred art and not as a mere abstract means empty of sacred content as walls demonstrated it, in unifying building¹s proportions and in providing similarities and parallels in the designs and decoration of several monuments, thus producing a distinguished typical of its builders group.

The process of investigation followed here is the reverse of that naturally followed in designing; from the final output of design, which is existing building of the Sabil. Geometrical data is deduced revealing a common base for all the building¹s dimensions represented by a basic unit of generation -bug- (appendix 2). Its multiples and/or its fragment used in design guarantee a unifying character with related proportions of the sail¹s elevations, sections, plans and placement of ornamental elements