Documentation and Heritage Management Plan of Harat as-Sulayf (IBRI)

Situated on the eastern edge of the Ibri oasis the small settlement of as-Sulayf is located in a commanding position, controlling access to the oasis from atop a rocky cliff. The well-defended position, surrounded by towers, walls and demanding topography required the construction a sophisticated water distribution system to serve the needs of the inhabitants domestically and agriculturally.

Harat as-Sulayf (Ibri), view of the settlement from the wadi. Photo: ArCHIAM, 2012

The advanced state of decay and repeatedly abortive efforts by local institutions to restore the site has made harat as-Sulayf a priority location for the implementation of targeted preservation strategies. Beyond exhaustive documentation of the architectural fabric of Harat as-Sulayf, this heritage management contains a preliminary master plan, aimed at giving the harat a new lease of life by re-activating the souq and falaj channels amongst other essential measures.

Harat as-Sulayf (Ibri): ground floor plan (top left), analysis of morphological development (top right), state of maintenance (bottom right), falaj and water run-off routes (bottom left). Images: ArCHIAM, 2012.

Harat as-Sulayf (Ibri), internal view of two-storey house. Photo: ArCHIAM, 2012

Proposal for the redevelopment of the souq. Image: ArCHIAM, 2014, visual by Ioulia Barmpouti and Konstantina Georgiadou