Characteristics of the Ottoman Traditional Houses in the Libyan Old City of Ghadames: Case Study of Da Babanei House

Ghadames features unique Ottoman-era houses characterized by vertical functional division and distinctive architectural elements. A study of the Da Babanei House, dating back to the 18th century, reveals that these structures lack open-air internal courtyards, instead relying on a ground floor for storage, a main living level, and an upper terrace reserved for women's activities. The houses are built with sandstone foundations and mud bricks, extensively using palm wood for construction and decoration. The research highlights the influence of Islamic Sharia on design and contrasts Ghadames' architecture with similar settlements, emphasizing its pre-Saharan characteristics. Field observations in 2014 provided firsthand data, offering insights into this rare urban form.

AMEEN, A. (2016). CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OTTOMAN TRADITIONAL HOUSES IN THE LIBYAN OLD CITY OF GHADAMES: CASE STUDY OF DA BABANEI HOUSE. Shedet, Annual Peer-Reviewed Journal Issued by the Faculty of Archaeology, Fayoum University, (3), 43–77. https://doi.org/10.36816/shedet.003.07