Golden Qa’a, al-‘Azam Palace, 18th c. (Ottoman), Hama, Syria
Rami Alafandi (photographer), 2010
The Golden Qaʿa of al-ʿAzam Palace built by Asʿad Pasha al-Azm in Hama, Syria, showcases a harmonious blend of decorative elements, creating a captivating interior. Artisans skillfully combined painted wooden cladding, stone mosaics, ceramic tiles, marble, colored muqarnas, and stained-glass windows. These elements were seamlessly integrated, evoking the grandeur of the owner while providing a serene, tranquil environment for visitors. From the late 13th century onwards, qamariyyāt featured vibrant colors like blue, yellow, and red. Mamluk and Ottoman craftsmen expertly balanced light, color, and form, using distinct color zones and perforated backgrounds to create sophisticated, light-filtering artworks that enhanced both beauty and functionality.