Conical pigeon-houses on roof of rural dwellings, near Al Uqsur, Egypt

"Due to a shared cultural background, common social and economic conditions and inherited building materials and techniques, slight variations distinguish the character of the majority of villages in the various regions of Egypt (Nubian villages in the south are an exception). The main vernacular types of building found in rural areas are houses of prayer, cemeteries and dwellings. The dwelling -a cluster of which forms the community- generally does not exceed two storeys. It serves as a home, a store and a stable. Bearing walls and flat roofs are the dominant building system. The dwelling roof is used as a storage area for dry plant stems and stalks used for fuel. Conical pigeon-houses are commonly built on the dwelling's roof." [Oliver P., 1998: Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World. Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. North Africa and Maghreb. Cambridge University Press]. "Al Fayyum was an ancient center; noted for ruins dating to 12th dynasty (1991-1786 BC), & Greek & Coptic papyrus; today is center for cotton ginning & tanning." [The J. Paul Getty Trust: Art and Architecture Thesaurus]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for American Institute of Architects, directing the Egyptian portion of the documentary on Ancient Egypt, March 1965 and September 1965.