Architecture of Qatar

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The architecture of Qatar, similarly to other Persian Gulf nations, is strongly influenced by Islamic architecture. Qatari architecture has retained its Islamic essence, evident in the unadorned, humble designs of its mosques. This tradition extends to other buildings, which feature many decorative elements such as arches, niches, intricately carved plaster patterns, gypsum screens (kamariat and shamsiat), and battlements atop walls and towers.^[1]

The country's hot desert climate heavily influenced the selection of building materials in traditional architecture. Rough stones, sourced from rocky hillsides or coastal areas, were commonly used. These stones were systematically arranged in rows, with clay from the Persian Gulf serving as the binding agent. This clay was also employed to coat wall surfaces, both inside and outside, and to fill the gaps between stones. Ceilings were similarly covered with clay. In situations where stones were scarce, mud bricks were sometimes substituted. As construction techniques evolved, clay, which was unsuitable for the rainy winter season, was gradually replaced with gypsum mortar for plastering walls. Various types of wood were incorporated as well, particularly wooden beams for supporting ceilings. Limestone, quarried from nearby rocky hills, was also occasionally used.^[2]