ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION OF DETERIORATION ASPECTS IN THE MIHRAB OF MADRASA GAWHARIYYA OF AL-AZHAR MOSQUE, EGYPT

The present research paper discusses the deterioration aspects of the Mihrab (Prayer Niche) of Madrasa Gawhariyya, attached to Al-Azhar Mosque. The mihrab consists of decorative units made of marble, ceramic, and wood. Different factors, especially the previous restoration, resulted in many deterioration phenomena that led to the damage and deterioration of the decorative units of the mihrab. This research paper aims to study these aspects using different methods of examination and analysis, such as visual and optical examinations, Scanning Electron Microscope attached to Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results obtained gave important insights into the deterioration processes of the Mihrab, such as dirt, cracks, and crystallized salts on the surface, the deterioration of the ceramic units, in addition to the deformation and deterioration resulting from the previous restoration of the mihrab.

Automated summary

This research paper discusses the deterioration aspects of the Mihrab of Madrasa Gawhariyya, attached to Al-Azhar Mosque, and aims to study these aspects using different methods of examination and analysis, such as visual and optical examinations, Scanning Electron Microscope attached to Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results obtained provide important insights into the deterioration processes of the Mihrab.