Muxrabija

The Muxrabija (from the Arabic mashrabiya, peep-box; plural muxrabijet) is a typical element of vernacular Maltese architecture. It consists of an ornate timber screen, perforated with an intricate network of holes, tightly fitted into a window or loggia[1] projecting from the facade of the building, usually over the main door or to its side.[2] Stone-carved muxrabijiet are also reported.

Wooden muxrabija in Qrendi
Stone-carved muxrabija in Zabbar

The muxrabija is also known as ‘in-nemmiesa’, ‘ix-xerriefa’ and in Gozo as ‘il-kixxiefa’ or ‘lkixxijìja’ and ‘il-glusija’ (probably from the French jalousie).[3]

Muxrabijet and roundels (round motifs sculpted on building facades) are the only two features of vernacular Maltese architecture directly deriving from Arabic culture. The muxrabija is a typical Mediterranean feature, whose oldest record dates back to the VII century in the Middle East. The oldest-surviving muxrabijet in Malta date back to the years 1300–1400.

Muxrabijet had the task to keep the interior of the building cool by allowing circulation of air through the carved wood. They were also used as cooling device for storing water, and as a security measure to observe the outside without being seen.[4]

The muxrabija is considered the ancestor of the ornate Maltese balcony, the gallarija, which is of closer resemblance of today's mashrabiya in the Arabic world.

List of muxrabijet in Malta
  • Tal-Karmnu Street, Victoria Gozo
  • Sqaq il-Qajjied, Siggiewi
  • 84, Santu Rokku Street, Birkirkara - House of Censu Borg (Brared), stone muxrabija with decorative style
  • Ta’ Ghammar, Gozo
  • Il-Knisja Street, Gharb
  • Doni Street, Rabat Malta
  • Ta’ Monita, Marsascala

Bibliography

Notes
  1. Micara, L.; Petruccioli, A.; Vadini, E. (2016). The Mediterranean Medina: International Seminar. Gangemi Editore. p. 76. ISBN 9788849290134. Retrieved 2019-11-24.
  2. Cassar, G. (2014). Qrendi: Its People and Their Heritage. Qrendi Local Council. ISBN 9789995785000. Retrieved 2019-11-24.
  3. "One of Malta's unique Arabic windows, the Muxrabija, will get a deserved restoration". maltatoday.com.mt. Retrieved 2019-11-24.
  4. "The Muxrabija Window - Culture Malta Culture Malta". culturemalta.org. Retrieved 2019-11-24.


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