Al-Khandaq & its Architecture
A digital exhibition on the Sudanese town of Al-Khandaq. Learn about its rich development through the time that marked its architecture
Al-Khandaq: a timeless crossroad where cultures intertwine
Over the ages, it has witnessed passage of diverse peoples, each leaving their indelible mark on it. Today, Al-Khandaq stands as a testament to our shared human heritage, a living mosaic of history and tradition woven through the fabric of time.
Al-Khandaq people (2015/2022) by Ahmed Adam and Intisar SoghyarounUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
Despite their diverse origins...
... locals take great pride in their town and culture. They identify themselves as "Khandaqawi", emphasizing their unique identity rather than simply as Sudanese citizens or by their individual backgrounds.
Through this online exhibition, we invite you to delve into the essence of Al-Khandaq, to uncover the hidden gems of its architecture and unravel the tales that have shaped its identity.
Join us on a journey through time and space, where the walls speak volumes and the streets resonate with the echoes of centuries past.
Al-Khandaq (2015/2022) by Ahmed Adam and Intisar SoghyarounUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
An Archaeology Treasure
Al Khandaq boasts unique two-story mud brick buildings that once housed wealthy merchants. The town's skyline is dominated by the imposing Qaila Qaila, or red fort, dating back to the Christian period and continuing its significance into the Islamic time.
Professor Intisar Soghyaroun
Professor Intisar Soghyaroun, the first woman archeologist in Sudan and director of the Al-Khandaq archaeological project, began her work in 2003 with an extensive survey of the area and its surroundings. Since then, she has accomplished a thorough study of the town's history.
The Central Fort and Multi-story Building
This panoramic view showcases the central fort and multi-story buildings of Al-Khandaq, dating back to the early Christian era. These unique multi-story structures, constructed from mud and mud brick, represent a distinctive architectural style exclusive to this region.
Al-Khandaq (2015/2022) by Ahmed Adam and Intisar SoghyarounUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
The use of mud brick technique in Al-Khandaq's architecture serves as a poignant reflection of the region's cultural and geographical characteristics, particularly prevalent in warmer climates found across Africa and Western Asia.
Qaila Qaila (2015/2022) by Ahmed Adam and Intisar SoghyarounUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
Qaila Qaila: oldest structures
It is also called as "red fort" in an ancient Sudanese language.
It’s the oldest building in Al-Khandaq, originally serving as the residence of the governor during the reign of the Christian Kingdom of Dongola.
Multi-story Building (2015/2022) by Ahmed Adam and Intisar SoghyarounUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
Multi-story Building
The multi-story buildings were houses of rich merchants of Al-Khandaq, and they are a hallmark of wealth and prosperity.
They were inhabited during the period from 16th to 19th century, when Al-Khandaq was an important river port for merchants.
The triangle: a key element
However, the intricate zigzag pattern adorning the roof dates back to 3000 BC, originating from the C group, an ancient Sudanese culture, and remains a prevalent motif among Sudanese people to this day.
Zig Zag decoration (2015/2022) by Ahmed Adam and Intisar SoghyarounUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
In fact, Al-Khandaq inhabitants, deeply traditionalists, hold a profound reverence for decorations from centuries past, often incorporating old designs into new homes as a testament for their cultural heritage.
More about the triangle decoration
It can be linked with the symbol of the Holy Trinity.
While the intricate designs of the walls may initially appear to be influenced by Islamic art, they actually signify a deeper link to Christian influence.
This blend showcases enduring cultural influences over time.
Another influence of Christianity into the architecture
In the picture it can be seen a cross from the Christian tradition. Perhaps once part of a church that was destroyed, and now it serves as both a decorative element and a stabilizing force for a wooden column.
Al-Khandaq general view (2015/2022) by Intisar Soghayaroun and Ahmed AdamUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
Sudanese houses
The houses feature a significant architectural element: the rooftop terrace, serving as a gathering spot for family dinners under the evening sky. Additionally, each house comprises a central courtyard for social gathering and a living room designed for sleeping arrangements.
The Qubba (2015/2022) by Ahmed Adam and Intisar SoghyarounUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
The Qubba: grave site
The monument showcases a striking resemblance between Islamic and the Funj kingdom influence.
Known as Qubba, or “domed tombs”, it serves as a tomb for a revered religious figured named Hassan.
Interesting fact regarding Qubba
It is believed that Al-Khandaq was built on a large cemetery. The oral tradition states, that these are also remains of khalwas (Quranic school) and mosques.
The Beauty of Diversity
The most particular thing about Al-Khandaq is the diversity of its heritage: both Christian and Muslim.
The difference can be found in architecture and in the objects that have been discovered through the archeological studies on the site.
The diversity is reflected in the people, the culture, their faces and features, as well as the topography, geography, environment - all of which can be observed in this town.
- field director Ahmed Adam
British School (2015/2022) by Ahmed Adam and Intisar SoghyarounUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
The British School
Established by the British during Sudan's colonial period in the early 20th century, the British School evolved into a museum in 2018, in order to preserve the city's historical legacy while serving as a cultural hub for the community.
The local community engagement
Al-Khandaq people embraced the project with enthusiasm, forming a vibrant "heritage community" where volunteers eagerly lent their support. For example by hosting workers in their homes, providing sustenance, and offering general support to the workshops.
Resident of Al-Khandaq working (2015/2022) by Ahmed Adam and Intisar SoghyarounUSI Università della Svizzera italiana
Additionally, the restored building is hoped to be a new tourist attraction that will bring the area to flourish again, after more than half a century of stagnation.
Today, Al-Khandaq stands proudly on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, owing to its remarkable architectural heritage and the unwavering commitment of its population to safeguard and conserve their cherished home.
"Al-Khandaq town retains its original building structures in their actual locations integrated with the river environment which consisted of residential, governmental, religious, indigo factory and funerary which were made of mud brick, red brick, and local stone. The integrity of Al-Khandaq village reflects the cultural identity and illuminate collective memory of a special trade community." (UNESCO, 2024)
Further information can be found on the website of UNESCO.
This digital exhibition was developed by Susanna Phan in collaboration with professors Ahmed Adam and Lorenzo Cantoni, under the UNESCO Chair at USI. Initial ideas have been collected by the group projects of students in the Bachelor of Communication at USI as part of the course ICT for Cultural Heritage (academic year 2023-24*), taught by Stefano Tardini and L. Cantoni.
The implementation of this digital exhibition was possible also thanks to the help of all the excavation team of Al-Khandaq and of professor Intisar Soghyaroun.
Lastly, special thanks are extended to the local musician Ali Siding for sharing one of his pieces.
All photos are available under the Creative Commons License CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).
* G. Demuro, A. Dubuis, A. Fondelli, A. Gagliardi, E. Gianola, N. Gilardoni, D. Kocher, V. Magnelli Tieppo, B. Masetti, A. Neri, E. Spagnolo.
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