The present research paper discusses the deterioration aspects
of the Mihrab (Prayer Niche) of Madrasa Gawhariyya, attached to
Al-Azhar Mosque. The mihrab consists of decorative units made
of marble, ceramic, and wood. Different factors, especially the previous
restoration, resulted in many deterioration phenomena that led to
the damage and deterioration of the decorative units of the mihrab. This
research paper aims to study these aspects using different methods
of examination and analysis, such as visual and optical examinations,
Scanning Electron Microscope attached to Energy Dispersive X-ray
Spectrometer, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results obtained gave
important insights into the deterioration processes of the Mihrab,
such as dirt, cracks, and crystallized salts on the surface, the
deterioration of the ceramic units, in addition to the deformation and
deterioration resulting from the previous restoration of the mihrab.