Comparative Study Between Three Courtyards of Traditional Houses in Islamic Cairo

A comparative analysis of three historic courtyards in Islamic Cairo—Zaynab Khatun (1468 AD), Gamal Al-Din Al-Dahaby (1637 AD), and Es-Sinnari (1794 AD)—reveals distinct patterns in shaded area distribution and direct solar radiation exposure on walls, floors, and openings during solstice periods. The study demonstrates that traditional Islamic architecture in Cairo effectively mitigates summer heat load while optimizing winter solar gain, a critical adaptation for hot arid climates. By measuring radiation on key dates (21 June and 21 December), the research quantifies how these courtyards leverage shading strategies to regulate thermal comfort, offering insights into sustainable design principles rooted in historic urban landscapes.

Wazeri, Y. H. (2014). COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN THREE COURTYARDS OF TRADITIONAL HOUSES IN ISLAMIC CAIRO. Journal of Islamic Architecture, 2(4). https://doi.org/10.18860/jia.v2i4.2468