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A two volume set in colour illustrated paper covered boards 25x34cm, with a related colour travelling map map 99x69cm folding to 7x23cm. Printed by Salhani Est, Damascus. Vol 1 contains the full illustrated text in Arabic, approx 280pp. Vol 2 contains summary versions in English and Arabic plus drawings and plans of each of the houses described, approx 360pp. Both contain many duplicate numberings, with hundreds of colour and b/w maps, photos and drawings. The travelling Map is printed in colour to both sides with photos and descriptions in English and Arabic. Fine. Zakariya Kibrit studied under Dean Saleh Lamei at the Beirut Arab University College of Architecture, and his inspiration and influence is evident throughout. Lamei was a member of the International Council of Antiquities, Society for the Preservation of Egyptian Antiquities, and various national councils, later advising UNESCO in Kosovo and Jerusalem. In this substantial work, Kibrit catalogues and studies the style of Damascus mansions for students and residents to promote their preservation, and incorporate into new styles that do not blindly follow Western models (Lamei's Foreword). Quoting Lamei's speech to the Habitation in Islamic Cities Convention (reproduced here), Kibrit opens by proposing a return to the traditional Damascene courtyard style house: "an exquisite oasis amid the turbulent tides of life where man enjoyed rest, tranquility and fragrant atmosphere", enabling women in "bringing up the rising generation in accordance with Islamic morals and values, which would turn them into constructive leaders of future generations" (v2 pp2-3, 40). Chapters are dedicated to urban planning; factors influencing design (climate, religion, geography, economic); general elements; interiors; architectural elements; construction; Damascene types (5 types from 40 examples based on number of courtyards and storeys); other Islamic types from Syria (Aleppo, Hama, Homs) and beyond (Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Spain), including modern. Among the maps is a double-page plan of old Damascus streets and quarters. The travelling Map 1:2000 is an expanded version of this, referenced with 128 landmarks and 79 houses inset with photos to the recto, and descriptions and photos of 18 of these to the verso. This appears to be very rare with 3 listed on Worldcat (Harvard, Princeton, University of Balamand in Lebanon). Not recorded on Library Hub. (Worldcat also records a single volume 29pp 2nd edition 2002 which looks like a copy of Kibrit's "Old Damascus the Unknown" 29pp 2002).
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