Muxrabija
The Muxrabija (from the Arabic mashrabiya; plural muxrabijet) is a typical element of vernacular Maltese architecture. It consists of an ornate timber screen, perforated with an intricate network of holes, tightly fitted into a window or loggia[1] projecting from the facade of the building, usually over the main door or to its side.[2] Stone-carved muxrabijiet are also reported.
The muxrabija is also known as ‘in-nemmiesa’, ‘ix-xerriefa’ and in Gozo as ‘il-kixxiefa’ or ‘lkixxijìja’ and ‘il-glusija’ (probably from the French jalousie).[3]
Muxrabijet and roundels (round motifs sculpted on building facades) are the only two features of vernacular Maltese architecture directly deriving from Arabic culture. The muxrabija is a typical Mediterranean feature, whose oldest record dates back to the 7th century in the Middle East. The oldest-surviving muxrabijet in Malta date back to the years 1300–1400.
Muxrabijet served to keep the interior of a building cool by allowing circulation of air through the carved wood. They were also used as cooling device for storing water, and as a security measure to observe the outside without being seen.[4]
List of muxrabijet in Malta
- Tal-Karmnu Street, Victoria, Gozo
- Sqaq il-Qajjied, Siggiewi
- 84, Santu Rokku Street, Birkirkara - House of Censu Borg (Brared), stone muxrabija with decorative style
- Ta’ Ghammar, in western Gozo
- Il-Knisja Street, Gharb
- Doni Street, Rabat, Malta
- Ta’ Monita, Marsascala
References
- ↑ Micara, L.; Petruccioli, A.; Vadini, E. (2016). The Mediterranean Medina: International Seminar. Gangemi Editore. p. 76. ISBN 9788849290134. Retrieved 2019-11-24.
- ↑ Cassar, G. (2014). Qrendi: Its People and Their Heritage. Qrendi Local Council. ISBN 9789995785000. Retrieved 2019-11-24.
- ↑ "One of Malta's unique Arabic windows, the Muxrabija, will get a deserved restoration". maltatoday.com.mt. Retrieved 2019-11-24.
- ↑ "The Muxrabija Window - Culture Malta Culture Malta". culturemalta.org. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved 2019-11-24.
Bibliography
- Joe Azzopardi, "A Survey of the Maltese Muxrabijiet (Part 2)", VIGILO - DIN L-ART HELWA, October 2012