**6. Gateways and ornamentation**

Details used to reflect the social and economic strata of the residents. Beside richness of *rawshan*, this was also presented in gateways and ornamentation. Better houses usually have gateways with the finest elaborated woodwork. The principal external doors have two leaves. They are decorated with engraved panels; the right fold contains a smaller one "*khokhah*". The gateway is topped by pointed or semicircular arches decorated with different motifs (**Figure 24**). The gateway has two purposes; first, it identifies the social status of the owner, and second, it reaches to the *dehleez* leading to the reception hall while controlling field view to protect privacy.

External plaster, added to protect *Al-Mangabi* stone, was developed by adding decorative carving especially on the lower level of the building facades framing the main gateways and windows. Plaster was employed to the stone and instantly

**Figure 24.** *Main gateways with different levels of details.*

**Figure 25.** *Level of details that reflect the economic strata.*

carved while it is still wet. The plaster was profoundly engraved with ornamental geometric or floral designs which were cut so that the upper surfaces sloped downwards to ease water to run off the plaster. The technique was more laborious and more permanent. Again, richness of decoration (**Figure 25**) satisfies a basic human need of self-expression, being noticed, demonstrating the social and economic excellency which is a key ingredient of sustainability.
