Monumental Structures of Bilyar: new approach. Buildings with Underfloor Heating

Abstract

The article discusses the monumental buildings of Bilyar, located in the citadel of the fortified settlement. Great mosque of Bilyar and other public buildings were investigated in the 70s of XX century. At the same time their reconstruction, which became canonical were made. Consideration of Bilyar buildings in the context of the architecture of the entire Muslim world makes it possible to make some adjustments both in the interpretation of buildings and in the elements of their reconstruction. The building with underfloor heating near the Juma mosque was considered the house of a feudal lord and was reconstructed as a two-story domed building. Another multi-room building with heated floors was interpreted as a caravanserai. Underfloor heating, plastering floors and walls with a water-resistant mortar, and a water drainage system indicate that these buildings were public baths. Like all eastern baths, they had one floor and were multi-domed buildings.

Keywords

• archaeology
• volga bulgaria
• bilyar
• monumental buildings
• stone buildings
• underfloor heating
• baths
• reconstruction