The intricate windows of Yemen

I don't know of any where else, where so much care is taken to build such very elaborate, complex windows as in Yemen. Especially around Sana'a. Below, are a few photos of these windows:








I quote from the book, Yemen: Jewel of Arabia, by Charles & Patricia Aithie: "One of the most attractive aspects of Yemeni architecture, particularly domestic architecture, is the windows. These often consist of two parts: a lower part, for viewing and ventilation, separated by a lintel from an upper part which serves as a fanlight, filled with alabaster or glass to throw light inside the room. Some windows are simple openings made of shutters, alabaster and stained glass. Others include the shubaq, a perforated box structures jutting out from the wall so that women can look down into the street below without being seen...."

Comments

Jed Carosaari said…
Good book.
Omar said…
On Yemen, few books are that good.

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