Monuments Analysis

Monuments

Assessing the durability and integrity of historical stone materials to ensure long-term preservation.

Stones

Analysis of Stones of Isa Al-Kurdi Mosque

For the Isa Al-Kurdi Mosque project, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the stones, marble, and granite used in its construction. This included examining the composition and origin of the materials to ensure authenticity, assessing their structural integrity to identify areas of wear or damage, and performing chemical analysis to detect any changes or pollutants affecting the materials over time. The findings allowed us to provide precise recommendations for restoration, ensuring the preservation of the monument's historical and cultural significance while maintaining the integrity of its original materials.

Analysis of Stones of The Ayyubid Wall of Salah al-Din in Al-Azhar Park, 12th century. (Suitable quarries for the restoration of the wall)

The Ayyubid Wall of Salah al-Din in Al-Azhar Park, dating back to the 12th century, underwent a restoration project focused on selecting suitable quarries for its repair. The wall, constructed using nummulitic limestone, required an in-depth geological study of the quarry to ensure the stone's compatibility with the original material. This analysis ensured that the selected limestone matched the historical and structural characteristics of the wall, preserving its authenticity and durability for future generations.

A facade stone from the Mosque of Isa Al-Kurdi.

Analysis of stone from the Mosque of Isa Al-Kurdi.

A facade stone from the Mosque of Isa Al-Kurdi.

Ayyubid wall (12th Century) Al Azhar Park

Nummulitic limestone used to construct the wall

Geological studies of the quarry

Detailed analysis and restoration of marble to maintain its natural beauty and strength

Marble

White marble from the Sultan Hassan Mosque.

For the Sultan Hassan Mosque, we conducted an analysis of the white marble used in its construction. Our work included examining the marble's composition, assessing its structural condition, and identifying any signs of deterioration or environmental impact. Based on these findings, we provided tailored recommendations for preservation and restoration to ensure the marble's longevity while maintaining the mosque's architectural and historical authenticity.

Evaluating the composition and compatibility of mortars for effective restoration

Mortar

Queen Safia Mosque At the Citadel

For the restoration of the stairs at Queen Safiyya Mosque, we analyzed the cement mortar used in the new restoration process. This included a detailed examination of the mortar composition under 1500x magnification to assess its quality, compatibility with the original materials, and durability. Based on this analysis, we provided insights to ensure the restoration work aligns with the historical and architectural integrity of the mosque.

The Mosque of Ibrahim Agha Al-Mustahfizan, also known as Aq Sunqur Mosque, the Blue Mosque or Ibrahim Agha Mosque.

At the Blue Mosque (Ibrahim Agha Al-Mustahfizan Mosque), we carried out a comprehensive analysis of the damage in its decorative elements, focusing on the bituminous black mortar used to bind the garniture. Using a scanning electron microscope at 500x magnification, we examined the mortar’s composition and texture to identify signs of degradation. Additionally, we performed X-ray diffraction to determine the mineralogical and chemical properties of the mortar, providing detailed insights into its structural integrity and compatibility with the surrounding materials. We also assessed the iconic blue ceramics of the mosque, studying their condition and material properties to identify any wear or damage. This analysis informed our recommendations for restoring and preserving the mosque’s historical and architectural integrity.

Filling mortar of a internal wall (bimarestan)

Cement mortar of Queen Safia Mosque At the Citadel (mag. 1500x)

Mortars of marble in different mosques showing gypsum mixed with organic gel (mag. 1500-2500x)

The Blue Mosque

Scanning elelctron icroscope for the bitumineous mortar (mag. 500x)

X-ray diffraction of the bitumineous mortar

The blue ceramics in the mosque

Damage in a decoration of the Blue Mosque where a bituminous black mortar is used to bind the garniture

X-ray diffraction of the gypsum mortar

Restoring intricate decorative elements with precision and care.

Decorations

Decorations from the Blue Mosque

At the Blue Mosque (Ibrahim Agha Al-Mustahfizan Mosque), we carried out a comprehensive analysis of the damage in its decorative elements.

Damage in a decoration of the Blue Mosque where a bituminous black mortar is used to bind the garniture

The blue ceramics in the mosque

The Blue Mosque

Preserving and restoring original color schemes using advanced spectroscopic analysis.

Colors

Analysis of The Minaret of the Sultan Qalaoon (1335 ac) (B. Mamluk)

For the Minaret of Sultan Qalaoon, dating back to 1335 AD during the Bahri Mamluk period, we conducted an analysis of the red pigment used in its decorations. The red color was identified as iron oxide applied over a gypsum binder, which comprised 39% of the material composition. This was mixed with quartz sand (32%) and Arabic gum along with other organic components, accounting for 27%. The study provided detailed insights into the composition and application methods of the decorative elements, aiding in understanding the original techniques and materials used in this historically significant structure.

Al-Nasser Mohammed Ibn Qalaoon Mosque

The minaret from the Mosque of Sultan Qalaoon

Red color of iron oxide on gypsum binder (39%) and quartz sand (32%) and Arabic gum and volatile matter (27%) of the decoration of the Minaret of Sultan Qalaoon Mosque

Assessing brick quality and compatibility for restoration and construction

Red Bricks

Al-Nasser Mohammed Ibn Qalaoon Mosque