[الدكتور أحمد باذيب]

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Strict rules remained in force until recently in an attempt to control building within the area of the walls. No alterations could be made which did not conform closely to what was there before. Even the previous positions of doors and windows had to be exactly reproduced. This is one reason for thinking that, at least in form and basic disposition, the Shibam houses are likely to be Close to an ancient type. But we may be certain that if owners
Shibam. The base of the staircase court in Plate 32, showing the stone mills for grinding rock salt or grain.
were persistent enough in persuading their fellow townsmen, some changes must eventually have been allowed, and these probably included extension upwards. Nevertheless, a view across the rooftops shows how remarkably uniform the building level is throughout the town. There is hardly any overlooking. Although the upper floors set back gradually as they near the top to allow the creation of terraces outside the family rooms, their privacy is more or less ensured by surrounding them with screen walls to above standing height.

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