In 1998 the American Institute for Yemeni Studies (AIYS)
undertook, in conjunction with the French Center for Yemeni
Studies (CFEY), a documentation and research project on the
mosque in Dhuran, Dhamar Province. This 17th century mosque
is a significant architectural structure from the Mutawakkil
dynasty, a period some scholars consider the most brilliant of
Zaydi Imamic rule. The master mason of this mosque is also
noted for having produced the architecturally notable samsarat
Muhammad B. al-Hasan B. al-Qasim in Sana'a. The epicenter of
the 1982 earthquake in Dhamar Province was very near Dhuran,
and this structure and the surrounding village were heavily
damaged. The village was subsequently relocated further down
the mountain, leaving the building deserted. The severe
earthquake damage, combined with the cessation of traditional
maintenance procedures after the building was abandoned has
left the mosque exposed to destructive elements and decaying
further with each rainy season.
The purpose of this project was to document the structure and
its surrounding features thoroughly, through photographs,
plans, sections, and elevations. Special attention was paid
to recording the mosque's unique features which include two
Mihrabs (one glazed and one unglazed) and engravings of
Islamic texts. To complete the project, pottery found on the
surface in the area of the mosque and the surrounding
settlement was surveyed and collected.
Project funding: AIYS through its USIA grant. Publication undertaken
jointly with CFEY.
back to projects page
