Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (9.1997(1998))

CAIRO

FUNERARY COMPLEX OF AMIR KEBIR QURQUMAS
Jerzy J. Kania
The present report covers the period from Jan. 1 through
Dec. 31, 1997.1 2 Work included restoration and rebuilding
operations within selected parts of the complex, research studies,
development of technical designs for further realizations and some
2
minor publications.
THE KHANQAH (Sufi habitation quarters)
In 1997, the Mission centered its attention on completing
the finishing works in the ground-level structures of this part of the
complex (fig. 2). Considerable parts of the vaults had to be
dismantled, despite the apparently good condition of the facing
ashlars. The weakened mortar bonding them was replaced with
a specially developed substance,3 and the blocks in opus emplectum
remounted in their original position.
On the upper floor of the Khanqah, the vaults were secured
from above with a waterproof course, and the preserved remains of
the partition walls were restored to the height of the third layer of
blocks. This permitted a clear view of the plan of the upper story
and exposed it well in the form of a permanent, arranged and
protected ruin. Special attention was brought to the proper

1 Previous report in: PAM VIII, Reports 1996 (1997), pp. 40-45.
2 The Polish members of the Mission were: Mr Jerzy J. Kania, M. Sc. Eng., Architect-
restorer, Project Head, Director of the Mission (since September 1996, on a year-round
basis); Mr Zdzislaw K. Baster, D. Sc. Eng., Architect - Chief Designer (Nov. 1996-
June 1997); Mr Andrzej Kwiatkiewicz, M. Sc. Eng., Civil and Structural Engineer - Site
Chief (Feb.-Apr. 1997); Mr Maciej Kwasniewski, Arabist (volunteer, Aug.l996-July
1997). The Egyptian side was represented by: Mrs Fatin Hassan el Fayyez, archaeologist,
Site Inspector, and by Mr Nazmy Daoud Attiya, Eng., architect.
3 Cf. 7MMVIII, 1996(1997), p. 41.

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