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Investigations into the improvement of the weather protection of unburnt brick masonry, part 2

Bam and its Cultural Landscape — 2017 — WHE73BB67BA39

Research demonstrates that surface treatments can significantly enhance the weather protection and earthquake resistance of unburnt brick masonry, a critical material for preserving historic structures like Bam's UNESCO-listed Arg-e-Bam citadel. The study, conducted by the Technical University of Dresden in collaboration with Iranian cultural authorities and UNESCO, evaluated various surface treatments to improve shear strength and durability. Climatic chamber tests revealed that specific additives and render techniques effectively mitigated weather-related degradation while maintaining structural integrity. These findings provide actionable strategies for conserving earthquake-damaged heritage sites, particularly those constructed with unburnt brick masonry.

Is Dhul Qarnayn, Alexander the Great? Reflecting on Muhammad Rāghib al–Ṭabbākh�s contribution on a translated manuscript discovered in Timbuktu on Dul Qarnayn

Timbuktu — 2017 — WHEE4A1A9F070

A newly digitized and translated manuscript from Timbuktu, 'Qissat Dhul Qarnayn,' has reignited scholarly debate on the identity of Dhul Qarnayn, a figure revered across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The study compares this manuscript with Muhammad Rāghib al-Ṭabbākh's 1949 work, which synthesized diverse scholarly views linking Dhul Qarnayn to Alexander the Great. By integrating textual analysis with historical and theological perspectives, the research sheds light on the figure's significance in apocalyptic literature and Quranic exegesis, while also highlighting Timbuktu's role as a repository of intellectual heritage. This interdisciplinary approach bridges archaeology, history, and religious studies, offering new insights into ancient civilizational exchanges.

Islamic heritage architecture analysis and restoration of ras cherratine in fez, morocco

Medina of Fez — 2017 — WHEC88377E5F0

Islamic heritage architecture, particularly the Ras Cherratine Madrasa in Fez, Morocco, is highly vulnerable to seismic risks despite its historical significance. A collaborative project, NIKER, conducted a comprehensive analysis including visual inspections, mechanical testing of materials, ambient vibration tests for seismic performance, and structural modeling to assess vulnerability. The study revealed critical damage patterns and material characteristics that necessitate urgent restoration interventions. This research underscores the importance of integrating advanced seismic assessment techniques in the preservation of UNESCO-listed heritage sites, ensuring their longevity while maintaining cultural integrity.

Islamic Law and Empire in Ottoman Cairo

Historic Cairo — 2017 — WHE6FFE1DC013

Islamic law in the Ottoman Empire served as both a religious framework and a tool for political governance, bridging the gap between scholarly interpretation and royal authority. James E. Baldwin's study reveals that while Islamic law was traditionally developed by jurists outside state control, the Ottoman Sultans leveraged it to legitimize their rule and manage justice in Cairo, one of the empire’s most prosperous cities. The research highlights how formal and informal dispute resolution institutions, such as the governor’s Diwan and imperial council, functioned within this dual system, offering new insights into the relationship between shari‘a and political power. By integrating legal records with contemporary chronicles, Baldwin challenges conventional narratives about Ottoman legal practice, emphasizing its plurality and the dynamic interplay between Cairo and Istanbul during a period of decentralization.

Islamic urban heritage: Blight or blessing?

Medina of Tunis — 2017 — WHE639152F28B

Islamic urban heritage in Arab cities, once seen as an obstacle to modernization and economic growth, can instead serve as a catalyst for sustainable urban regeneration. A study focusing on the Medina of Tunis and the Casbah of Algiers argues that preserving these historic centers is crucial for maintaining cultural identity while fostering development. The research highlights the dual pressures of rapid urbanization and globalization, which have led to the demolition or isolation of many Islamic urban cores. By treating these heritage sites as assets rather than liabilities, cities can balance growth with tradition, ensuring their survival for future generations. The study advocates for conservation as a means to counterbalance cultural erosion and promote sustainable urban development.

Isolation of extremely halophilic Archaea from a saline river in the Lut Desert of Iran, moderately resistant to desiccation and gamma radiation

Lut Desert — 2017 — WHEE5D1F2A09A

Researchers isolated extremely halophilic archaea from the Shoor River in Iran's Lut Desert, identifying 59 distinct strains with notable resistance to desiccation and gamma radiation. Three strains (MS2, MS17, MS50) survived up to 8 weeks under desiccating conditions and exhibited moderate radioresistance, with a D10 value of 2–3 kGy. These strains belonged to the family Halobacteriaceae, showing high similarity to known species but demonstrating unique survival patterns distinct from Deinococcus radiodurans. This study represents the first report of such halophilic archaea from this region, highlighting their potential for extreme environmental adaptation.

J.H. Whitley and St Stephen's Hall in the Palace of Westminster

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2017 — WHEB10088061B

John Henry Whitley's role in the decoration of St Stephen’s Hall within the Palace of Westminster is highlighted for its significant historical impact, despite the lack of a formal committee record. The study reconstructs his contributions through private letters and parliamentary debates, revealing his extraordinary ability to secure private funding and expedite the project. Barry’s 1843 proposal for 'Great Domestic Events in British History' as the decorative theme was brought to fruition under Whitley’s leadership, demonstrating an efficient approach that bypassed traditional bureaucratic hurdles.

Jamaica’s Critically Endangered Butterfly: A Review of the Biology and Conservation Status of the Homerus Swallowtail (Papilio (Pterourus) homerus Fabricius)

Blue and John Crow Mountains — 2017 — WHEB1CCCA5C3D

Jamaica’s Homerus swallowtail, Papilio (Pterourus) homerus Fabricius, once thrived across seven parishes but now survives in just two stronghold populations: the Cockpit Country and the Blue and John Crow Mountains. This critically endangered butterfly, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, faces severe population decline with unknown total numbers in its remaining habitats. Despite extensive studies on its life history, no breeding program exists to establish an experimental population for conservation efforts. The study reviews the species' biology and urges immediate action, including habitat protection and a breeding program, to prevent extinction and ensure its survival.

Jean-Frédéric Waldeck y sus invenciones de Palenque

Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque — 2017 — WHE8F3FEBD72E

Jean-Frédéric Waldeck's artistic documentation of Palenque offers a unique lens into the diffusionist cultural interpretations of 19th-century Mesoamerican studies. His 14-month stay in Palenque resulted in a substantial body of visual and written work that challenges traditional narratives about the site's history. By analyzing his personal records, this study reveals how diffusionist ideas shaped his creative process, providing new insights into the intersection of art, archaeology, and cultural interpretation during this period.

Jeddah Heritage Building Information Modelling (JHBIM)

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah — 2017 — WHE627D6A5189

A groundbreaking approach, Jeddah Heritage Building Information Modelling (JHBIM), offers innovative solutions for preserving Historic Jeddah. This method leverages advanced documentation techniques to address critical challenges such as structural degradation, erosion, and disaster risks in the city's historic district. By integrating Hijazi Architectural Objects Library with BIM technology, researchers demonstrate enhanced understanding of heritage buildings' materials, construction methods, and contextual significance. The study highlights JHBIM's potential to mitigate preservation threats while providing a robust framework for future conservation efforts.

Jessica Barker in conversation with Joana Ramôa Melo and Pedro Redol

Monastery of Batalha — 2017 — WHE14D079964F

Recent rediscovery of the Monastery of Batalha's religious and spiritual significance challenges its long-standing perception as primarily a national symbol. The 2015 exhibition 'Places of Prayer' aimed to restore balance by curating objects and records from the monastery, countering the emphasis on nationalistic symbolism that emerged post-1834. Research reveals that the Founder's Chapel, often seen through a political lens, was originally conceived with deep religious meaning, much of which has been lost due to secularization. The project 'Monumental Polychromy' further explores this by analyzing medieval wall paintings in the chapel, offering insights into its original artistic and spiritual context.

Jingdezhen Ancient Site Landscape Architecture Form Elements

Jingdezhen Handicraft Porcelain Industry Sites — 2017 — WHE10C4951556

Jingdezhen's ancient site landscape architecture uniquely blends traditional Chinese courtyard styles with the specialized needs of porcelain manufacturing, creating a harmonious yet functional urban form. The study reveals that while residential areas adhere to compact, courtyard-based designs influenced by mountain living and group consciousness, porcelain production zones incorporate distinct structural adaptations without deviating from the overall aesthetic coherence. This duality—balancing practical function with cultural tradition—reflects Jingdezhen's historical role as a merchant-driven porcelain hub, where architectural features evolved through interactions among local artisans, migrant populations, and regional materials like wood and brick. The research synthesizes spatial planning principles, material use, and social dynamics to illustrate how this UNESCO World Heritage Site's landscape encapsulates a millennium of craftsmanship and urban development.

John Dee, Alchemy, and Print Culture

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex — 2017 — WHEEF33DCDBAE

A groundbreaking exploration of the intersection between alchemy, print culture, and historical figures emerges from a conference held at the Plantin-Moretus Museum in Antwerp. This special issue delves into the life and work of John Dee, a prominent 16th-century mathematician, astronomer, and occultist, examining his contributions to the nascent field of print culture during the Renaissance. The research approach combines historical analysis with a focus on the material aspects of printing, revealing how alchemical practices influenced the dissemination of knowledge through printed texts. This interdisciplinary study not only sheds light on Dee's role in shaping early modern scientific discourse but also highlights the significance of the Plantin-Moretus complex as a site where such intellectual exchanges took place.

José Gutiérrez, el arquitecto malagueño del neoclásico en Guadalajara, México (1766-1835)

Hospicio Cabañas, Guadalajara — 2017 — WHE5ECCCD8905

José Gutiérrez, a Spanish architect, significantly transformed Guadalajara's urban landscape through his neoclassical designs, yet remains largely unknown despite his academic and professional achievements. His work on three emblematic buildings—the Casa de la Misericordia (now Hospicio Cabañas), the Sagrario Metropolitano temple, and the pórtico of the ex-templo de Santo Tomás (now Biblioteca Iberoamericana Octavio Paz)—reshaped the city's architectural identity during a period marked by political upheaval. A survey involving over 100 architects, academics, and the general public revealed that 80% had never heard of Gutiérrez, highlighting his underrecognized legacy. His contributions extended beyond architecture, including public works like the Puente Verde and temple renovations in Guadalajara and Zacatecas, as well as supervisory projects in Mexico City. Despite his innovative approach and academic rigor, Gutiérrez's life was characterized by contradictions, from navigating the Independence movement to his relentless perfectionism. This study underscores the tension between his profound impact on neoclassical architecture in colonial New Galicia (modern-day Jalisco) and his obscurity, offering a critical reassessment of his role in architectural history.

K'gari (Fraser Island) Research Collection

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2017 — WHE1634FDE5D9

K'gari (Fraser Island) Research Collection offers a comprehensive resource on the natural history and environmental protection campaigns of Fraser Island, spanning from 1799 to 2000. The collection, curated by the USC Sunshine Coast Library, includes digitized materials such as research datasets, photographs, correspondence, manuscripts, and reports, with a significant focus on the environmental campaigns of the 1970s and 1990s. Notably, it houses transcripts and evidence from the Fraser Island Environmental Inquiry in 1976, providing valuable historical and ecological insights. The collection is supported by an ongoing online bibliography of published research, ensuring accessibility to a wide range of academic and public audiences.

K’gari-Fraser Island: towards an immersive, interdisciplinary and inclusive approach to environmental and sustainability education

K’gari (Fraser Island) — 2017 — WHEED5D30EAC4

Immersive, interdisciplinary field-based learning on K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia, demonstrates transformative potential for environmental and sustainability education that surpasses traditional classroom settings. The study highlights how such experiences can foster enduring learning outcomes and student transformation, linking fieldwork to alternate futures. Conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast at Dilli Village—a key research hub—this case study emphasizes the need for a more inclusive, interdisciplinary approach to leverage K’gari’s unique ecosystems, indigenous history, and ongoing research projects. By integrating diverse courses and programs with real-world field activities, the university aims to enhance educational impact while addressing sustainability challenges.

Kairouan, une ville au cœur des réseaux savants andalous (iiie/ixe - ive/xe siècle)

Kairouan — 2017 — WHE2A4712D03D

Kairouan emerged as the preeminent intellectual hub of the Islamic world during the 9th to 10th centuries, serving as a pivotal node in scholarly networks connecting al-Andalus (Islamic Iberia) and the broader Muslim Mediterranean. Analysis of biographical dictionaries reveals that scholars from Iberian Peninsula frequently traveled to Kairouan for advanced studies, drawn by its reputation as home to renowned masters like Saḥnūn and Ibn Abī Zayd. Unlike other centers, no rival city matched Kairouan's scholarly prominence, cementing its role as a crossroads of knowledge exchange between West and East. This study leverages extensive textual analysis to reconstruct these intellectual networks, offering new insights into the dynamics of medieval Islamic scholarship.

Kazimierz Pospieszny, Domus Malbork. Zamek krzyżacki w typie regularnym [Domus Malbork. Castle of the Teutonic Order of a regular type] (Monografie Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu), Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika ...

Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork — 2017 — WHE7C4A98D465

The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork stands as a rare example of medieval architecture characterized by its regular, symmetrical design. This monograph, authored by Kazimierz Pospieszny and published in 2014, delves into the architectural evolution and urban planning of this monumental complex, which served as the administrative center of the Teutonic Knights' state. Through meticulous analysis of historical documents, archaeological data, and comparative study with other medieval castles, the work reconstructs the castle's development from its foundation in 1274 to its later transformations. It highlights the innovative integration of military fortification with residential and administrative functions, setting a precedent for regular-type castles in Europe. The study is enriched by extensive visual documentation, including 283 black-and-white figures and 30 colored illustrations, providing a comprehensive insight into this architectural marvel's design and historical significance.

Kentish Pilgrims in Canterbury Cathedral's Miracle Windows

Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey, and St Martin's Church — 2017 — WHE29253E7C67

A re-evaluation of the stained glass windows in Canterbury Cathedral's Trinity Chapel reveals that three surviving miracle panels, previously thought to depict pilgrims from Oxford, Essex, and Warwickshire, actually portray miracles experienced by individuals from Canterbury and Dover. This discovery highlights a previously unrecognized focus on local Kentish pilgrims, including William of Dene (a paralyzed knight), Goditha (a crippled laywoman from Canterbury), and Saxeva (a woman from Dover suffering abdominal complaints). The findings suggest that all surviving narratives in the nIV window commemorate Thomas Becket's Kentish cult, mirroring similar 'donor' or 'signature' panels found in contemporary stained glass at Chartres Cathedral. This study challenges prior interpretations and underscores the regional significance of the cathedral's artistic and religious heritage.

Kīlauea summit eruption—Lava returns to Halemaʻumaʻu

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — 2017 — WHEE70CA0BEDF

Kīlauea Volcano's summit eruption, marked by the reemergence of lava within Halemaʻumaʻu Crater in 2008, represents an unprecedented dual-eruption scenario on the volcano, with simultaneous activity at both the summit and East Rift Zone. Since its onset, this eruption has featured continuous degassing, explosive events, and a dynamic lava lake—one of the two largest globally. The study leverages historical photographs and 4K imagery to document the evolution of Halemaʻumaʻu's vent and lava lake, while USGS scientists provide insights into monitoring techniques, the mechanics behind lake level fluctuations, and the triggers for explosive events. This work underscores the complex interplay between Kīlauea's summit and rift zone eruptions, offering a multifaceted perspective on volcanic processes and their broader impacts.