Effects of floods on ancient stained glass plaster windows of Al-Surian monastery, Wadi El Natrun, Egypt "Analytical study and conservation methodology"

One of the most important ornamental features of the Coptic and Islamic architectural typologies is made up of stained glass plaster windows. One of the most remarkable monuments in this respect is the Monastery of Al -Surian, in Wadi El Natrun, where there is a large collection of these windows, in which the variety of geometric forms and units of colored glass has been most variedly explored. The current investigation examines how the stained glass windows of the Monastery of the Syrians were impacted by the 2015 flooding, where strong infiltration of water led to significant damages. A mixed documentary and analytical study was done using a USB digital microscope, stereo microscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) thus allowing an in-depth examination of the pattern of damages on the windows. Moreover, the application of analytical methods such as: Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the compositional ratios in the glass and plaster constituents was used. The moisture content of the plaster samples was also done to determine the vulnerability of the samples to moisture when stored. The empirical results led to the creation of a holistic restoration and maintenance processology that is used to ensure the preservation of the stained glass windows and also prevent risks that may occur in future related to environmental factors like floods and high humidity.