ABSTRACT
Courtyard housing dates back to the beginning of the third millennium before Christianity when it appeared in the buildings of al-Sham and those of between the two rivers: the Tigris and Euphrates. Arab nomads made use of the concept of a courtyard during their movement and stay in desert. They set up their tents around a central space, which provided shelter and security to their cattle. With the development of Arab-Islamic architecture, the courtyard became an essential typological element. It is likely that the previous nomadic desert lifestyle of Arabs had a strong influence on their desire to have an open space or spaces within their permanent houses. The courtyard therefore fulfils a deep-rooted need for an open area of living.
