Global Arab Network | Bimaristan Arghun in Syria - Masterpiece of Islamic Architecture

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Bimaristan Arghun in Syria - Masterpiece of Islamic Architecture

Global Arab Network - - Maha Karim

Sunday, 04 July 2010 09:40

Syria (Aleppo) – Maristan of Arghun, (the Bimaristan Arghoni), is located in Bab Quinnisreen quarter in Aleppo city. It presents a unique architectural masterpiece of Islamic art in its design and architectural elements. The Mamluk Sultan Arghun al-Kamili built it in 1354.

Director of Aleppo Museums and Antiquities Directorate Nadim Fakash said the department has transferred the Bimaristan into a museum with the aim of shedding light on the Arabs' role in developing sciences and medicine.

It will provide information about Arab scientists, medicinal herbs used in treatment and the role of Arabs in pharmacology.

The Bimaristan was the first psychopathic sanatorium, at the time that Europe looked at psychological and mental patients as possessed by evil spirit.

It consists of five main departments. Each is specialized in showcasing a number of tools and instruments. These instruments give a hint about Arab scientists' life and achievements, therapy methods, methods used for teaching medicine, medicinal herbs and scientific and medical tools.

The historian Amer Rashid al-Mobayed said the building includes 6 pavilions of creative architectural design and earthquake resistant structure.

It contains waiting rooms, outpatient clinics, pharmacy and reception room for visitors. The main courtyard is a large rectangular open space with a big fountain and a well.

There are five rooms on the east and west of encircling corridors used as medical examination and treating non-resident patient rooms.

The courtyard leads off into two large iwans to the south and the north with vegetation ornaments. Patients used to relax and listen to music played by a musical band there.(SANA)

Global Arab Network

Photo credit: Hani Simo, Flickr

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