about me
research Interests
Mamluk Urban and Architectural History
My primary research focuses on the urban and architectural history of Cairo during the Mamluk period (1250–1517). I am particularly interested in how architecture intersected with power, law, and public space during the reign of Sultan Qaitbay. My work draws on historical chronicles, waqf documents, and architectural surveys to better understand the relationship between built form and political culture.
Islamic Art and Orientalism
I explore how Islamic architecture has been represented in the writings and visual materials of 19th-century European travelers and Orientalists. This includes analyzing sketches, paintings, and texts that shaped modern perceptions of Islamic heritage, especially in Egypt and the Levant.
Comparative Islamic Architecture
I maintain a strong interest in the architectural traditions of Al-Andalus, the Seljuks, and the Safavids. Through comparative studies, I seek to identify broader patterns in Islamic urbanism and aesthetics across regions, while remaining attentive to local specificities and historical contexts.