Al-Amiriyah Madrasa and Mosque Restoration On-site Review Report

The Amiriya Madrasa was built by the last sultan of the Tahirid Dynasty at the beginning of
the sixteenth century. It is quite a large madrasa, including several spaces that were probably
private living spaces alongside a masjid and teaching rooms. The decoration, structure and
form of the spaces are rich and varied. Extensive stucco decoration in qudad plaster and
gypsum covers the walls and domes alongside tempera paintings.
The dangerous condition of the madrasa first prompted interventions to deal with the
structural elements of the building, such as the walls and roof. This was mostly finished by
1987. Cleaning and restoration of the stucco decoration continues to the present day, with a
team of experts form Italy restoring the paintings. The whole project is financed by
contributions from the Yemeni and Dutch governments.
The project started in 1982 and completion is planned for the end of 2004. The masjid will
then be opened for use by the inhabitants of Rada, and the rest of the building will become a
museum under the Yemeni Government Organization for Antiquities, Museums and
Manuscripts (GOAMM).