History of Islamic Art & Architecture I (650 -1250)

IAA 611 Final Project

Khirbat al-Mafjar palace, Jericho, Palestine

26th – 11-2023

Student name: Areej Naeem Al Jerjawi

Student Number: 210068609

1|Pa g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
1. Introduction

1.1 Name

1.2 Situation
1.2.1 within the landscape or the urban fabric
1.2.2 Relation to the environment
1.2.3 orientation(s) and reasons

2. Global study

2.1 proportions
2.2 form
2.3 Regular or irregular overall structure

3. Detailed study by monument or by element

3.1 Materials
3.2 Construction technique(s)
3.3 Plan and elevation
3.4 Arguments for their restitution
3.5 Architectural decorations (e.g. carved, painted, mosaic)

4. Analysis

4.1 Dating:

4.1.1 Construction and/or repair phases (if there are several)

4.1.2 Dating of each phase

4.2 Historical and art historical perspective:

2|Pa g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
 1.1 Name

Khirbat al-Mafjar palace complex also named Qasr Hisham is situated close to Jericho.
One of the most significant cultural symbols of early Islamic archeology in Palestine. According
to Whitcomb and Taha the naming Qasr Hisham seems to recall a sense of cultural pride in the
creative achievements of the Umayyad dynasty and, consequently, in the early stages of Islamic
civilization's emergence. While Khirbat al-Mafar naming appears to refer to the physical
remains and archeology. 1
1.2 Situation
1.2.1Within the landscape or the urban fabric
“From a typological point of view, the so-called “Desert Castles” normally appear as citadels with
defensive towers and with rooms arranged around a wide courtyard surrounded, in the smaller palaces,
by roofed colonnades.”2

Constructed in the 8th century, the complex is situated in the Wadi Al-Nuwayʿima,
roughly 5 kilometers north of Jericho in the West Bank. The complex includes a vast bathhouse
(hammam), a fountain, a swimming pool, a minaret, a public and private mosque, and a
spacious palace. The northern part of the palace complex, where number of rooms were found,
may have been the residences of royal servants (caravanserai).3(Fig.2)

The main gate is situated on the southern side of the complex, overlooking the town's
roadways and parking spaces. The site's western and eastern sides are unpaved, the
surrounding area is primarily utilized for agricultural land and aside from a hotel 300 meters
southeast of the site. On the far west and north of the site are low mountains that form the
Jordan valley; on the east are agricultural lands and a rock desert that extends to the Jordan
River.4 (Fig.1)

3|Pa g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
 Figure 1 complex site with respect to the surrounding. source: Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-
Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern Archaeology, 79(2), 78 –87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

Figure 2: Master plan of the palace complex. Source: Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar:
New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

4|Pa g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
 1.2.2 Relation to the environment

The complex site is surrounded by orchards and farmed areas. Water was supplied to
the complex by aqueducts because of the lack of internal water supply. The Wadi Nueima
served as a significant barrier separating the site location from Ayn Al-Sultan. This wadi arrives
to the Jordan River from the west and crosses the Jericho plain. A significant investment in
hydraulic infrastructure (aqueducts) was necessary to exploit the water from the Naaran area,
which was the primary source of water supply. (Fig.3)
1.2.2 orientation(s) and reasons 4

The main reasons for the Umayyads to select this site were:

1- To have a protected and isolated site form the still predominantly Christian city of
Jericho. (Fig.4)
2- The chance to take use of an alternative water source that is utilized by urban
population.

3- A location along the Jordan Valley Route that leads to the Galilee, Baysan, and Damascus.

Figure 4: The palace complex looking from north to south within Figure 3: shows the water network infrastructure used for this
the surrounding. Source: Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew complex site Source: Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore,
Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an
Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87.
https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078 https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5|Pa g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
2. Global study

2.1 Proportions

Khirbat Al Mafjar is a about 265-meter complex that consists of three main sections: a two-
story palace, a mosque with a small courtyard surrounding it, and a bath with an audience hall
(throne chamber) that is surrounded by an exterior wall. The level of sophistication attained in
late Umayyad architecture can be seen in the palace complex's layout. The entire architectural
plan was integrated into a rectangular enclosure surrounded by strong walls. The plan was
divided into four primary sections. A common Umayyad measurement unit based on a multiple
of the Roman foot, is 70m per each side of the central building enclosure and this is a primary
aspect of the Umayyad desert palaces. In Khirbat al-Mafjar palace complex, the Place measures
70m by 70m, the bath house measures 30m by 30m. In addition to these proportions of the
complex elements, a fixed interval of semi-circular columns supporting the complex structure
was followed and can be seen in figure 4. A general analytical point to be mentioned is the
close proportions of the palace and mosque and audience hall to the famous golden section
proportions. 5(Fig.5)

Figure 5: The palace plan within Khirbat Al Mafjar complex. Source:

/https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750

6|Pa g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
 2.2 Form
2.3 Regular or irregular overall structure

As a result of the Umayyad courtyard house typology that can be seen in the palace
plan, the form of the palace is a two story building that reflects the plan in the third dimension.
The form of the palace is rigid tectonic form with an open courtyard in the middle. (Fig.5)

A sense of unity and harmony is created by the geometric pattern in both the elevation
and the plan for the palace building. Regarding the mosque form, the spatial organization of the
hypostyle mosque resulted one storey colonnaded mosque with an open courtyard.

Moving to the bath form, the form represents Barrel-vaulted structure and a central dome
influenced by the Sasanian architecture.

Architectural language of the exterior:

Hamilton relates the elements of design in the enclosing wall of the palace and the
façade of the palace to the architecture of pre-Islamic Persia and Iraq. Based on the porches of
the secular constructions, there appears to be a genetic connection between a particular
architectural element of Khirbat Al Mafjar and the previous buildings. The Great Mosque of
Mahdia, which was constructed in approximately 916 CE, is the only mosque architecture that
features a monumental projecting porch. These porches have since vanished. But the porches
at Khirbat Al Mafjar suggest that they had been there earlier. 6

Figure 6: The palace, mosque, bathhouse within Khirbat Al Mafjar complex. Source: Donald Whitcomb,
Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an
Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

7|Pa g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
3. Detailed study by monument or by element

3.1 Materials

The building materials used to construct the palace complex main structure is the sandstone
for its availability. Based on the archeological study of the existing ruins, the upper part of the
building, especially the roof was made of burnet brick. Looking at the interior, finishes materials
consisted of stucco plaster. The structural foundations were dressed of stone referring back to
pre-Islamic origin. (Fig.7)

Figure 7: The palace, mosque, bathhouse within Khirbat Al Mafjar complex. Source: Donald Whitcomb, Michael
Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument.
Near Eastern Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

3.2 Construction technique(s)

The available construction materials had influenced the traditional typological and
technical-construction characteristics and techniques used at the time. Beside the available
materials, the Umayyads utilized the previous construction techniques used by previous
civilizations such as the Sasanian architecture, in the vaulting system most likely the palace at
Ctesiphon, where the brick rings also incline towards the rear. The bath house dome and barrel
vaults in Khirbat Al Mafjar complex were constructed of burnet brick blocks forming rings to
build the dome that was standing on pendentives and transferring the load through the barrel
vaults to the columns yet to the ground. 7 (fig. 8)

As per ABOUSEIF, 16 pillars support the vaults of the bathhouse roof. Three apses were
once roofed by half-domes, on each of three sides of the hall. Two flanking the porch entrance
and nine apses, make a total of eleven complete the layout. Regarding the floor finishes, it was
composed of a patchwork of mosaic panels in a variety of geometric patterns that rarely repeat.

8|Pa g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
 Figure 8: The palace, mosque, bathhouse within Khirbat Al Mafjar complex. Source:
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New
Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87.
https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

Looking at other Umayyad buildings constructed on the 8th century is the Qusayr ‘Amra
specifically is the bathhouse. It is worth it in this paper to discuss the construction materials and
techniques as they are of similar characteristics and had been built within the same era. Qusayr
‘Amra bathhouse, the hall is covered by barrel vaults supported by two large pointed arches.
The building's perimeter walls consist of stone blocks with a core composed of rubble (fig.9).
The structure is comparable to other structures from the same era. To create consistent setting
beds, small, flat horizontal stones are placed in between ashlars in the lower section. Because
of its thickness of roughly 75 cm, the masonry is appropriately strong (bearing walls). There are
no buttresses supporting the two aisles in the main central hall nor the central aisle.

All what has been mentioned here regarding Qusayr ‘Amra bath house applies for the
Khirbat Al Mafjar bath house construction materials and techniques.

Figure 9: The palace, mosque, bathhouse within Khirbat Al Mafjar complex. Source: Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings,
Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

9|Pa g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
 3.3 Plan and elevation (Architectural drawings)

The residence part of the palace consists of both big and small rooms that face inward onto
a courtyard. The first impression of the layout captures the essence of a residential building,
reflecting the oldest oriental notion of a house as a zone encompassed by continuous walls
through its thoughtful arrangement of rooms within an outside wall. The layout of the dwelling
suggests that it was a harem, a room set aside for the family. The typical planning typology
following Islamic principles is the courtyard house. Privacy is a main feature forming the plan, in
the case of the palace the entrance is hidden and cannot be viewed directly from the access
gate, private area is demonstrated in the rooms, semi-private area is shown in the liwan area
and the open middle courtyard accommodates gathering space for the residences. (fig.10)

Figure 10: The palace, mosque, bathhouse within Khirbat Al Mafjar complex. Source: Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew
Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87.
https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

Figure 11: Elevation drawing towards the palace entrance from the pavilion area showing the arcade and the windows of the palace rooms. source: Donald
Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87.
https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

10 | P a g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
 3.4 Architectural decorations (e.g. carved, painted, mosaic)

Khirbat al-Mafjar is well known for its bathhouse and audience hall mosaics and stucco
decorations, which show Byzantine and Sassanian influences, respectively. The palace, spa,
mosque, and pavilion architecture are all described in detail in Hamilton's book, with particular
attention paid to the exquisite mosaic carpets, human and animal figures, fresco paintings, and
carved stone and stucco embellishments.

Below here are some of the examples of figurative art that exists in Khirbat al-Mafjar palace
and bathhouse. Figure 12 shows a status of female figure that was located in the palace.

Figure 12: Stucco status of a female figure

that once decorated the palace. Source:
https://the-past.com/feature/the-palace-
in-the-desert/

Figure 13: The ‘Tree of Life’ mosaic Source:

https://the-past.com/feature/the-palace-
in-the-desert/

11 | P a g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
 The “tree of life” mosaic piece or as named by ABOUSEIF as the lion-gazelle mosaic. This
panel is located on the floor of the reception hall of the bath house. The motif goes back to
Byzantine and Roman models but has been given an exceptional design, executed expertly with
detailed shading and colors. The tree looks like apple tree with two gazelles underneath the left
part of the tree and an attacking lion underneath the right side of the tree as per a report
published by MINERVA MAGAZINE. There are some different interpretations to this piece
discussed by ABOUSEIF in his paper “THE LION-GAZELLE MOSAIC AT KHIRBAT AL-MAFJAR”.
Ettinghausen, in his article "The Conquering Lion" expresses the mosaic panel as a symbol of
loyalty. He then added in his article “Throne and Banquet Hall" a political dimension to the
interpretation, where the two gazelles represents dar al Islam in opposition to dar al harb
represented by the attacking lion. 7

Figure 14: mosaic floor in the audience hall. Source: https://the-

past.com/feature/the-palace-in-the-desert/

The most exquisite, well-preserved Early Islamic mosaic floor to date, with 38 carpets
designed and seven distinct designs with countless variants, can be seen in its audience hall.
The floor is around 900 square meters in size. (Fig. 14)

12 | P a g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
4. Analysis

4.1 Dating:

4.1.1 Construction and/or repair phases (if there are several)

This new archaeological analysis of Mafjar could go in two different directions. First,
Baramki (1944a, 1953) pursued a systematic approach through a careful stratification of the
long history of the building complexes. An archaeological sequence of four phases may be
proposed based on Baramki's findings from the palace (1944a), and were modified by
Whitcomb (1988).1

4.1.2 Dating of each phase

Phase 1: between 700–750 CE, The construction and destruction of ruins mixed with painted
wares.
Phase 2: between 750–800 CE, Further occupation and there was less extensive damage from
the earthquake in the mid-eighth century. And regarding the ceramics, they seem to be
transitional types, similar to the Mahesh phase at (Aqaba) (Whitcomb 2001: 509).

Phase 3: between 800–950 CE in the Abbasid period, major reoccupation of the site continuities
and introduction of cream wares (known as Mafjar Ware), molded, incised, and glazed
ceramics.
Phase 4: between 1100–1300 CE, in the Ayyubid-Mamluk period, the medieval reoccupation;
apparently limited use of the complex until the final destruction of the palace.
4.2 Historical and art historical perspective: 1

Generally, the chronological framework suggested above is proofed, as three building

phases have been found in every area (an initial Umayyad founding and construction, an
extensive Abbasid reconstruction). The final reoccupation is evident only in the palace in the
Ayyubid period.1

Looking at figure 2, specifically area 5, during the early Abbasid period (ninth century), a
series of rooms and the courtyard of a large house indicate continued occupation with some
spolia from the palace. Whitcomb continues discussing area 5 as follows: ‘One may consider the

13 | P a g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
Northern Area to have been an agricultural estate’. The complex has been the object of many
reconstruction interventions and conservations since its discovery in the 1930s.

During the 1950s, which was the Jordanian time, most of its main features were
reconstructed using the same building materials found during excavations or with similar
materials to the originals. However, some of these monuments were reconstructed from
modern materials (concrete), such as the pillars of the bathhouse in 1960s.

Conclusion:
In Conclusion, this paper discussed the Khirbat al-Mafjar palace near Jericho in Palestine
and the archaeological site along with the ruins of the Palace complex. The paper addressed the
main features and design (Urban, Architectural, decorative) aspects and highlighted some of
the main design principles followed in the complex design and construction. The paper also
discussed some of the different views regarding some of the art works within the complex and
the current status of the palace complex showing the different stages that the complex has
gone through during the different eras of the dynasties.

14 | P a g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.
Bibliography:
- Archnet > Site > Khirbat al-Mafjar. (n.d.). https://www.archnet.org/sites/4136
- Hisham’s Palace/ Khirbet al- Mafjar - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.).
https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6546/
- Khirbat al-Mafjar | Umayyad architecture, Jordan, 8th century. (2023, October 19).
Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Khirbat-al-Mafjar
- Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological
Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage
Studies 1(1), 54-65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.
- Bloom, J.M. (Ed.). (2002). Early Islamic Art and Architecture (1st ed.). Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315257280
- Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016).
Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near
Eastern Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078
- Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In
Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu
(ed). Leiden: E.J. Brill, 11-18.
- AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 21). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafjar/
- https://services.phaidra.univie.ac.at/api/object/o:1300771/get
- Winbladh, M.-L. (2022). The Palace in the desert. MINERVA. The International Review
of Ancient Art & Archaeology, April 2022.

15 | P a g e
1
Whitcomb, D., & Taha, H. (2013). Khirbat al-Mafjar and Its Place in the Archaeological Heritage of Palestine. Journal of Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology and Heritage S tudies 1(1), 54-
65. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/501742.

2
Atzori, A., Palumbo,G. (2014). QUSAYR ‘AMRA SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN. (p. 85)

3
Khirbat al-Mafjar - Discover Islamic Art - Virtual Museum. (n.d.). https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument;ISL;pa;Mon01;15;en&pageT=N&cp

4
Donald Whitcomb, Michael Jennings, Andrew Creekmore, & Ignacio Arce. (2016). Khirbet al-Mafjar: New Excavations and Hypotheses for an Umayyad Monument. Near Eastern
Archaeology, 79(2), 78–87. https://doi.org/10.5615/neareastarch.79.2.0078

5
Nizamoglu, C. (2019, December 3). Khirbat Al-Mafjar, Palace (740 -750) - Muslim Heritage. Muslim Heritage. https://muslimheritage.com/khirbat-al-mafjar-palace-740-750/7 Grabar, O.
(1993). Umayyad Palaces Reconsidered. Ars Orientalis, 23, 93–108. (p. 94)

6
AlSulaiti, F. (2023, November 24). Hisham’s Palace. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Khirbat_Al_Mafja r/

7
Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. 1997. The Lion-Gazelle Mosaic at Khirbat al-Mafjar. In Muqarnas XIV: An Annual on the Visual Culture of the Islamic World. Gülru Necipoglu (ed). Leiden: E.J.
Brill, 11-18.