A culturally significant complex in the Old City of Jerusalem, Dar al-Aytam al-Islamiyya dates back to the Circassian Mamluk and Ottoman periods, and covers 10'000m² of built up area. It includes an Islamic orphanage, secondary school, soup kitchen, workshops, bakery, Mosque, and the palace of Sitt Tunshuq. Renovation included the construction of stone walls with layers of limestone to support the cross vaults, and the installation of electrical systems, sanitation, heating, and ventilation. All work was carried out by local builders and craftsmen.
The comprehensive restoration
of the 600-year-old Mamluk and Ottoman complex was undertaken in six phases
beginning in 1999; it was completed in 2004. The $3.5 million project, financed
by private donations raised during the Sharja festival in 1998, and by grants
from the Islamic Development Bank and from Welfare's own resources. Project
implementation was based on the results of extensive technical surveys, a
historic analysis study and needs assessment study.
Its
architecture shows the transition in architectural styles from the 14th century
Mamluk era to the early Ottoman period. Today it houses a boy's academic
school, an industrial vocational school with print shop, bookbinding and
carpentry workshops, a boarding dormitory, an Islamic traditional soup kitchen
and a small mosque.
The
comprehensive restoration and rehabilitation project included infrastructure
upgrading of all interior and exterior services, as well as stone restoration
of the monumental carved and mosaic facades, and introduction of modern
facilities, machinery, furniture and equipment for both the academic and
vocational schools, including a computer laboratory.
This
regeneration project also included the administrative and technical facilities
upgrading for both schools.
Source:
Old City of Jerusalem Revitalisation Programme
