Giuseppe Labisi

From

University of Konstanz - DE

In residence at

Maison des Sciences sociales et des Humanités Val de Loire (MSH VdL)  / University of Tours - FR  

Host scientist

Anna Caiozzo

PROJECT 

Patronage, politics and traditions. The challenges of Islamic architecture in the Muslim West between gardens, palaces and the archaeology of buildings

This research project examines the development of Islamic architecture in the Greater Maghreb (North Africa, Sicily, Iberian Peninsula) during the 9th–12th centuries. It explores how patronage, politics, and cultural traditions shaped the region’s gardens, palaces, and settlements.

Objectives:

1.    Analyse transmission and transformation of architectural models between East and West.
2.    Apply stratigraphic analysis to reconstruct construction phases and technical features of major Islamic buildings.
3.    Introduce the Sasanian dastgerd as a comparative model for understanding Western Islamic estates.
4.    Disseminate results through high-impact publications and international conferences.

Methodology:

Phase 1: Data collection through bibliographic review and analysis of published/unpublished documentation.
Phase 2: Application of archaeological methodsand creation of a typological and chronological catalogue.
Phase 3: Dissemination via peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations.

Innovation: The project applies building archaeology systematically to Islamic contexts and redefines the understanding of gardens and estates beyond traditional court art narratives.