GEOMETRICAL MOSAIC DECORATIONS AT QASR AL-HALLABAT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The mosaic artists at Qasr al-Hallabat possessed great technical skill. Comparative study of the decorative

elements increases our understanding of the relationship between Qasr al-Castal and Byzantine sites. The

artists, whether they were Muslim or Christians, had no difficulty in using their experience of traditional

motifs, including those found in churches, to decorate the palace of the new Muslim rulers.

Qasr al-Hallabat is one of the most important structures with geometric mosaic pavements in Jordan. The

purpose of this study is to examine the individual designs in comparison with others to understand

influences from the region and beyond. Wherever possible, comparative examples have been chosen from

sites that are relatively close so that a comprehensive overview of mosaic production in the region may be

possible. Every effort has been made to discern the major sources of influence at Qasr al-Hallabat, and in

particular those coming from Asia Minor and elsewhere outside of the region.