ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF KOYA Iraqi Kurdistan
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Covered, enclosed commercial buildings have been a common feature of Middle Eastern cities since the Middle Islamic period. Several buildings of this type survive in northern Iraq (in Mosul, Kirkuk, Kifri, Sulaymaniya and Erbil). The two qasariyas in Koya still strike a perfect balance between the degree of historical authenticity and sustainable contemporary use. The Old and New Qaysari originate in 1840 and 1904, respectively, and consist of long, parallel bazaar alleys with shops and workshops on both sides, vaulted by a series of low segmental domes and closed by large gates with decorated portals. The qaysariays were repaired several times and most of the shops are still in use. PHOTO BY: Karel Nováček (Palacký University Olomouc)
Old Qayseri
New Qayseri
PHOTO BY: Karel Nováček (Palacký University Olomouc)
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