Security means in mawjuk and ottoman secular structures In Egypt

Abstract EN

Military buildings usually contain defensive features, e.g.

walls, castles, fortresses, bent entrances, and tunnels.

All are employed to resist any possible attack.

The secular structures - with their commercial and residential types - are also provided with similar elements.

However, the purpose of these elements is slightly different; they were employed to secure the inhabitants and to observe the oriental traditions.

This research presents a brief explanation of each feature applied to Islamic medieval buildings to secure them.

Examples are: bent entrances, secret entries, tunnels, secluded rooms and cabinets.

This part is followed with a description of architectural planning of some monuments from Mamluk and Ottoman epochs.

Special attention will be paid to the security means included.

This research aims at: 1.

Emphasizing the impact of the Arab and Islamic traditions in secular structure planning 2.

Drawing the attention to the necessity of caring for some monumental structures which have unfortunately been afflicted with demolition and negligence