Syrian Earthen Villages: Recovery of Construction Crafts to Revive Dome Houses

Abstract

[EN] The existence of earthen domed houses constructed of mud bricks has been attested for at least 5000 years in Syria. Earthen villages are most extensive and recognized as some of the richest Earthen Villages in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This construction technique which has been perpetuated in the region without discontinuity is currently experiencing a painful decline. Only a handful of master masons still have the know-how necessary to build the domes. It is therefore to be feared that, after centuries of transmission, the experience and skills of these craftsmen will disappear. These specialists knew how to build modest houses which were integrated into their environment without harming it. And though heritage should never be the target of any clashes , during the conflict which has raged since 2011, Syrian heritage has been the object of significant destruction, looting, and the damage. This is very significant in historic cities and rural landscapes. Among the objects damaged the most are the domed houses. This paper discusses the basic architectural details and features of traditional construction system, as well as, current threats, the maintenance and future of the domed houses during and after the war, in addition to the role of rural women in rehabilitating and applying traditional techniques and methods. Additionally, it suggests a brief documentation and digitalizing for tangible and intangible heritage of rural communities living in domed mud houses. The paper proposes documenting and preserving by detailing the tangible heritage damaged by conflict, and giving an intensive training to the young generation on the building methods and traditional lifestyles, and finally recovery and maintenance of construction crafts.