Elijah's hill (documentation & restoration)- Architectural graduation project

Elijah’s Hill Graduation project on christian pilgrimage in Jordan

Students names : Hadeel Atyyat Noor Abdullah Hamza Hammad Supervisor : Dr. Firas Gandah Al- Balqaa Applied University Faculty of Engineering Department of Architecture 2021/2022 _ First semester

Thesis This book is a graduation project thesis for Christian pilgrimage in Jordan. A project revive and develop the pilgrim’s path and to set more attention to the archaeological remains and arts in the area.

The main issue that the project has come to solve is the lack of attention to the remains and the fact that churches and mosaic floors were corroded due to exposure to the waters of the Jordan River which contains a high percentage of salinity, which has erased the identity of those significant monuments.

It has come to set an urgent documentation of thus remains and develop the area in which to make the pilgrimage more clear and walkable. It will discuss the history of the area, show proposed development plan zoning, and discuss how it will be documented using virtual reality technology.

The goal is to study this path and revitalize it because of its great impact on local tourism, identifying the correct pilgrimage route, and attracting incoming tourists to stay for a longer period of time.

Contents I II III

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1 Location ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 Site content ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6 a. Northern church ………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………...... 7 b. Cave church ……………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………. 12 c. The mosaic floor ……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………...... 20 d. Church of the Arch ……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………. 22 e. Prayer Hall ……………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………… 26 f. Water system ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 29 IV Water system contents .…………….………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 30 a. Cistern ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 33 b. Pools ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....... 34 c. Cylindrical well …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 35 V Percentages ……….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…… 36 VI Master plan ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 45 VII Virtual reality documentation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 56 VIII Standards and regulations …………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 65 IX References …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 70 .

Introduction

Tell Al-Kharar (Tell Elijah) Wadi al-Kharar is the modern name for the ancient "Sapsavas" shown on the Madaba mosaic map from the 6th century CE. The site is located two kilometers east of the Jordan River, west of the village of Kafrin on the other side of the famous site of Jericho on the western side of the Jordan River. Initially Wadi al-Kharrar, Tell al-Kharrar or Tell Elijah (Mount Mar Elias in Arabic), where tradition identifies the place where the prophet Elijah ascended heaven (II Kings 2:6-14) and where a monastic complex was built in the Byzantine period.

The hill is a small mound consisting of white marl linden mixed with red soil and was occupied in the Roman and Byzantine eras.

Excavations revealed three churches, three caves, three baptismal and circular baths well built of well-cut sandstone, as well as an outer wall that surrounded the hill.

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LOCATION

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Christian pilgrimage path from mount Nebo to the Baptism site near the Jordan river

Wadi al-Kharar, which surrounds the hill of Nabi Elias in the east and meets the Jordan River in the west, is considered a source of For fresh water in the bath site, where an oasis of tamarisk and palm trees is spread on its sides And the reeds, in addition to the caves that spread along the length of this valley, and which are considered the place where it was The monks take refuge there, and along the path of Wadi Al-Kharar, we find a density of green plants and a diversity of cover Vegetarian and animal The presence of water in Wadi Al-Kharar contributed to the diversity of vegetation and animal cover and was a major factor The stay of the monks at the site.

In 1975 the archaeologists Ibrahim, Sauer and Yassine visited Tell Al-Kharrar (Elijah's Hill) during their survey and dated the site to the Early Roman, Late Roman, Early Byzantine and Late Byzantine periods.

Jesus Christ baptism site

Elijah’s hill (tell al_kharrar)

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Elijah’s Hill Graduation project on christian pilgrimage in Jordan

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Land Of Savsafas Rhotorious monastry walls

Cave church

Northern church

(The western church)

Water system

Remains of external wall

Other remains

Church of the arch

Prayer hall

(Pope John Paul II church)

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The Northern Church 7

The Northern Church the chancel area, which measures 4.20m N-S x 4.15m E-W and the nave, which measures 8.85m E-W x 4.15m N-S. The chapel has two entrances, one located in the northern wall 0.70m wide and the other located on the western side.

The floor of the church was covered with a colored mosaic floor composed of a frame and crosses with geometrical designs.

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The Northern Church No roof tiles were recovered from the excavations, pointing to the possibility that the roof consisted of wooden beams.

The internal walls of the church were covered with a layer of smooth white plaster.

The available recovered material suggests a late Byzantine date.

What distinguishes this church is the Greek inscription found inside.

“By the help of the grace of Christ our God the whole monastery was constructed in the time of Rhetorios, the most God-beloved Presbyter and Abbot, may God the Savior give him mercy.”

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Showing the plan and material of the church.

3d view of the church

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Mosaic floor

Inscription

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Cobles stone

Cave Church 12

The Western Chu The church was cut away and a retaining wall was built. measures 13m x 13m and consists of two parts.

The well preserved apse, an old cave, was cut into the natural rock and located under the northwestern pool.

The other part of the church consisted of four bases built of well-dressed sandstone ashlars forming a nave and two aisles, making the church a basilica type.

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rch “Cave Church” The floor was covered with colored mosaics that unfortunately were destroyed.

Only fragments with remains of gray lime mortar were found during the excavation. Some of these fragments show designs of crosses that decorated the floor. Pottery shreds indicated a late Byzantine date.

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remains of gray lime mortar were found

well-dressed sandstone ashlars Pottery shreds indicate a late Byzantine date.

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The Mosaic Floor 20

The mosaic floor The excavations uncovered a small building that measures approximately 6m x 6m located north of the Western Church and west of the Northern Church.

The only remains of the building is the mosaic floor decorated with floral designs, which is in a poor condition. only the foundations are still in situ. The function of this structure should probably be interpreted in association with the nearby churches.

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Church of the arch 22

Church of the arch A structure built of well-dressed sandstone blocks. The general shape of the structure is rectangular, its dimensions are approximately 13.5m EW and 9m N-S.

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Many parts of this building have disappeared, especially the upper courses, the walls and part of the floor, with only limited portions still preserved.

What remains are a few stones resting on a lime-plastered surface overlying carefully prepared rubble stones and gray to dark ashy mortar that resembled the bedding cement of the structure.

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Church of the arch only a small portion in the southeastern corner of the church is still in situ. The fill contained fragments of lime with some mosaic tesserae still adhering to it.

Impressions on the mortar bedding and the springs of arches indicate that a system of arches was used to support the roof of the structure. It is clear that the structure represents a small chapel located near the southwestern corner of Tell Al-Kharrar (Elijah‟s Hill). The chapel had three arches to support the roof.

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The 5th -6th Century mosaic floor in the Church of Pope John Paul II

The prayer hall 26

Prayer hall It’s located down the slope of Elijah’s hill and near its southern corner. It is a rectangular structure, measuring 10.70 ×7.40m, built of undressed field stones. A plain white mosaic pavement covered its floor, while the roof was probably made of wood and reeds. The excavator thinks that based on its construction and location it may have functioned as a prayer hall or chapel. It could date from before the fourth century AD (Mikhjian 2005: 407).

If so, it might be the earliest worship facility at the site.

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Prayer hall chapel material

White mosaic

undressed field stones

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The water system

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Water system contents

A

B

C

Cistern

The pools

Cylindrical wells

Water cistern with vault

Southern pool, northern pool and north west pool

Rustom’s well, 12 meter cylindrical well

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The wat Water was carried to the pools in pipes through settling basins before emptying into a cistern (6.4m x 3m) with a total capacity around 100 cubic meters.

The cistern was roofed by a vault system and had a white mosaic floor on top.

The water system is located between the prayer hall and the nearby small chapel.

The water was carried to the system in ceramic pipes through settling basins before emptying into a cistern and a well connected with water channels.

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er system Numerous springs are still feeding the area, such as 'Ayn al¬Kharrar (John the Baptist spring) which is located in Wadi al-Kharrar, and other springs to the east such as 'Ayn Salim, 'Ayn al-Fawara and others.

The ceramic pipe, partly preserved at Elijah Hill, reached the site near the prayer hall, where a medium size settling tank had been built. The water then continued its course through a stone aqueduct and poured its water into two small settling tanks and afterwards directed to the pool and via another branch to the cistern, while a third branch goes to the north-eastern side.

Part of the reconstructed water canalization system that took water into the main cistern and onto the monastic complex on (Elijah‟s Hill)

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The wat  The cistern (6.30m long x 4.30m wide with a total capacity of approximately 100m cube) was dug out of the natural lisan marl rock, it is the largest reservoir discovered at the site.  Well-cut sandstone ashlars were used to build its inner sides, while a thick layer of' lime was added and covered by smooth layer of' plaster to prevent any seepage. The cistern was roofed by a vault system and carried a white mosaic floor on top.  A canal feeds a cylindrical well (3.25m in diameter x 5.40m deep with a total capacity of approximately 45m cube), is located near the northwestern corner of' the cistern dating from the Byzantine period.

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The cylindrical well at Tell Al-Kharrar

er system The Pools Three rectangular pools (3.8m x 3m) and (4.3m x 2.3m ) (5.3m x 3.7m ) are located on the northern edge of the tell.

The first one is located on the lower southern slope, dating to the Late Roman period during the 3rd-4th centuries AD. The other two pools are located on the top of the northern edge of Tell al-Kharrar (Elijah Hill). Rectangular in shape, the southern pool had an inner staircase on the eastern side, and four steps extending along the full width of the pool. Pilgrims would descend into the pool to be baptized.

One of the three pools

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The water system The two northern pools are almost square in shape and also date from the same Roman period. Ashlars were added near the southwestern corner of the northwestern pool in later periods, possibly to form a staircase going down into the pool. The pools received their water supply through aqueducts.

Excavations under the damaged floor of the pool revealed a well dating from the Early Roman to Late Byzantine periods. Circular on top, it is built of well-cut sandstone ashlars.

The Northwestern pool

The 12 meters deep well at the top of Tell Al-Kharrar (Elijah‟s Hill) in the center of the northeastern pool .

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Percentages Questionnare answered by local and global visitors

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The willing to find more churches

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82%

18%

240

Yes

No

Total number

The willing to find hotels

54%

46%

240

Yes

No

Total number

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The willing to sleep near the site

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55%

45%

240

Yes

No

Total number

The time spent in the site 2%

5%

92%

5 hours

Less than 5 hours 240

Total number

8 hours 1%

10 hours 40

Prefared season of visit

Summer

Winter 240

Total number 41

65%

6%

15%

Spring 14%

Fall

Problems found in site Issue

locals

foriegners

Lack of transportation availability

17.86

5.63

Lack of shops

15.18

15.49

Lack of waiting areas

13.39

13.38

Less attention to givin services

8.04

9.15

Dificulty of walkability

7.14

7.04

Lack of hotels and rest stations

5.36

2.82

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Suggestions to develop the site

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suggestion

locals

foriegners

Providing transportatin to/from the site and cities

21.43

6.67

Rehabilitate architectural sites within the area

17.86

18.33

Development of the surrounding tourist areas

16.07

17.50

Providing walkable paths between places in site

6.25

11.67

Provide rest areas, gardens and hotels

5.36

15.00

Provide qualified tour guides

6.25

10.00

Levels of satisfaction Title

Review

Feeling safe and comfort Signs and guidors Local community

Restaurants & rest areas Tour guides srvices Costs of visit

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Master Plan Master plan development of walkability and services

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Land ownership

Elijah's hill

Governmental lands Private property

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Land ownership plan of the baptism site.

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Circulation Paths through baptism site

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Elijah’s hill

Accessibility To and from Elijah’s hill Visitor’s center

Proposed site for B&B

Distance from visitor’s center to the hill 1600 m Distance from the hill to Jordan river 2000 m Distance from visitor’s center to the site 500 m

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400 m

Area details

7381 m2

-330.90

Hill total area : 7381 m2 Slope : -330 m Distance from drop off spot to the hill : 400 m

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Proposed site Visitors center

Breakfast & Bed For pilgrims &non-pilgrims

Distance from visitor’s center to the site 500 m Total area of the land 5000 m2

Proposed built area 500

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Pinggu Village B&B, China

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Proposed zoning

Elijah’s hill Green & open spaces Museum Parking Car path pedestrian path

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VR

Interpretation of the past using digital technologies

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Virtual Reality

In architecture

Why is VR important for Archaeology?

Image result for VR historic archaeological sites VR can help archeologists to interpret and analyze eroded sites and artifacts. Alongside photogrammetry, VR can recreate archeological sites. When images of sites are fed into photogrammetry software, it provides measurements and maps as an output.

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A place where you can “visit” archeological sites in virtual reality. providing the immersive sensation of actually being inside a building makes it easier to communicate design intent clearly.

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Mythology

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We aim to merge between real 360 photo of the site using a special 360 camera and designing in Unity program to achieve

Bringing the past to life

The first step is to record everything in 3D using a process called photogrammetry. Each area will be recorded in high resolution 3D. After the surveying, the 360 photo will be used in Unity to design the archeological remains into their original form with original material and making the content interactive for “visitors”.

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To help the audience understand the heritage features they are discovering, pop up information points will be supplied.

These will give insights into some of the many discoveries made during the excavations.

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Standards & Regulations

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Restoration regulations Restoration work must be carried out within the framework of the following rules: 1. Determining the materials included in the composition of the archaeological building to be maintained and restored.

2. Determining the prevailing spoilage factors as a start to study their effects and how to avoid their dangers.

3. Determining the type of damage and studying the circumstances in which it was found or affected by the archaeological building.

4. Study the methods used in maintenance and restoration to exclude the damaged ones and stop working with it.

5. Developing and recommending the use of materials that are more resistant to damage factors in maintenance operations and restoration.

6. Determining the specifications of the materials to be used in maintenance and restoration operations, and developing appropriate methods.

7. Studying and examining the commercial products used in maintenance and restoration to determine their suitability for the materials included in the building’s installation.

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Curricula and methods of restoration :

General principles governing the maintenance and restoration of archaeological buildings:

1. Analytical method (archaeological) 2. Critical restoration theory 3. The integrative approach to comprehensive restoration

Types of antiquities restoration projects 1. partial restoration 2. Comprehensive restoration 3. Decompile and rebuild 4. Regular maintenance and hygiene 5. prevention projects 6. Rehabilitation of the environment surrounding the impact

1. Failure to carry out maintenance and restoration works that result in changing the physical and moral characteristics of the building 2. Don't overdo the repairs 3. Carrying out restoration work in the manner and manner that facilitates the differentiation between the restored and non-restored parts of the archaeological building.

4. Maintenance and restoration of important archaeological buildings must be carried out with the participation of those responsible for them and those specialized in their scientific subject.

5. Do not start maintenance and restoration operations until after extensive study 6.It is necessary to use maintenance and restoration materials that facilitate their removal without damaging the elements of the archaeological building, when the method and method of maintenance and restoration is to be modified.

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Restoration operations of mosaic floors in Jordan: 1. Diagnostics include a. Comprehensive examination b. work planning c. full documentation 2. Renovation: There are a number of necessary repairs, including: a. External insulation b. Uprooting plants and roots c. Removal of crystallized salts d. consolidation

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References

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References • • •

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• https://mw17.mwconf.org/paper/virtual-reality-and-archaeological-reconstruction-be-there-be-back-thenullastret3d-and-vr-experience-in-htc-vive-and-immersive-room/ • https://eis.hu.edu.jo/deanshipfiles/conf10271646.pdf • http://www.cpas-egypt.com/pdf/Ashraf_Gaafar/Researches/010.pdf • https://petra.gov.jo/Include/InnerPage.jsp?ID=2080733&lang=ar&name=archived_news • https://www.baptismsite.com/elijahs-hill/ • https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0a63/477978d005e306c392426146784cdce256a7.pdf • https://www.museumnext.com/article/how-virtual-reality-is-bringing-historical-sites-to-life/ • https://we.tl/t-jEEuP6eeVw • https://www.viefrancigene.org/en/detailed-catalogue-of-accommodations-facilities/ • http://waterinventory.org/surface_water/jordan-river-basin • https://joanneslongwalk.blogspot.com/2021/09/more-about-via-francigena-del-sud.html • https://www.amicidellaviafrancigenaviterbo.com/la-via-di-francesco • https://www.exploreworldwide.com/blog/walking-the-camino-de-santiago-how-to-plan-your-trip • https://www.viefrancigene.org/it/guida-app/ • http://www.gracecentered.com/christian_forums/history-forum/just-where-was-the-mount-of-transfiguration/ • https://www.laidbacktrip.com/posts/mount-nebo-jordan • https://www.academia.edu/5767001/CULTURAL_ROUTES_THE_VIA_FRANCIGENA_CASE_STUDY • https://www.in-italia.com/italy/pilgrims-route-via-francigena/ • https://slideplayer.com/slide/12185524/

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