SITES IN SAUDI ARABIA Registered and nominated for registration
in the UNESCO World Heritage List
At the National Museum, an exhibition to mark the visit of theUNESCO Director-General to the Kingdom
www.scta.gov.saSaudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities
Rabi I 1430 – March 2009
Mada’in Salih was registered in the UNESCO
World Heritage List in 2008 - 1429
An accord supporting the registration of MADA’IN SALIH, Historic AD-DIR’IYAH, and Historic JEDDAH in UNESCO’s World Heritage List (WHL).The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has worked on registering these sites. MADA’IN SALIH was registered in the WHL in 2008 (1429 Hijri). The SCTA submitted the AT-TURAIF registration file for Historic AD-DIR’IYAH in 2009 (1430 Hijri). Currently, the SCTA is working on completing the registration file for Historic JEDDAH in order to present it at the start of 2010 (1431 Hijri).The following is a brief description of these sites:
Al Hijr (MADA’IN SALIH)An ancient oasis in North-western Arabia
where they founded the Nabataean Kingdom. The capital of the Kingdom they founded was at Petra, in Jordan, while the most important city in the southern provinces was Mada’in Salih, which lay close to the frontier.The spoken language of the Nabataeans was a form of northern Arabic, as is evidenced by part of the vocabulary they used and by the proper names they bore. However, they used a form of the Aramaic script for writing, which they developed by adding ligatures between the letters.
Environmental Diversity in Mada’in SalihThe region of Mada’in Salih is characterized by impressive rock formations, especially sandstone hills of varied colours, from red to yellow and white. The beauty of the landscape is also increased by the golden sand dunes which border it on all sides.
The different areas of the siteThe site covers a considerable area - 1621 hectares. The tombs are divided into groups with varying significance.
The Tombs of Area “C”This group of monuments lies south of the residential area. It consists of two sandstone hills, one small and one large. The large hill contains eighteen tombs, the façades of which bear different types of architectural decoration, whereas the small hill contains only one tomb.
Qasr al-FaridThis tomb is located at the southwest of the site. It was given the
name Qasr al-Farid because it is completely isolated from the other tombs, “farid” meaning “lonely” in Arabic. The main characteristic of the façade of this tomb is that it has four pilasters, two on the sides and two in the middle, whereas all the other façades at Mada’in Salih bear only two pilasters, standing on each side of the façade. Qasr al-Farid is one of the most famous tombs in Mada’in Salih.
The Qasr al-Bint tombsThis group of tomb lies west of the Jabal Ithlib. The tombs are carved into two sandstone hills. One is very large and oriented in a north - south direction. It contains twenty-nine tombs. The other one is much smaller, lying northwest of the former, and containing only two funerary chambers cut on its eastern flank.
Jabal IthlibThis toponym refers to two mountain rages which dominate the site to the northeast. These mountains, with their high peaks, seem to have been particularly important to the Nabataeans since they chose them to be their religious area. They thus carved inside the Jabal and on its outer face, various types of sanctuaries and other structures related to the cults or rituals that they practiced there. One of them, called the Diwan, appears to have been a room for banquets near which are carved several niches with betyls (sacred stones).
Qasr as-SaniA group of tombs occupies two sandstone hills in the southern part of the site. The western hill contains only one large tomb called Qasr al-Sani, which bears an inscription dated to the month of April of year seventeen of King Arêtes IV, which is equivalent to the year AD 8. The eastern hill contains six undated funerary chambers without a decorated façade.
The tombs of the Jabal al-Mahjar areaThis group of tombs lies northwest of Qasr al-Bint and occupies three elongated sandstone hills, one of which is called the Jabal al-Mahjar (“Quarry Mountain”). This area contains fourteen tombs and a well dug entirely into the rock.
The tombs of the Khraymat areaThis area lies west of the Hejaz railway. There are, indeed, fifty-three tombs in the Khraymat area, distributed at the foot of several sandstone hills. Their facades, of different types, present a great variety of architectural decoration.
The residential areaThe residential area is located on the plain which lies in the middle of the site. Its limits have been determined thanks to the fieldwork undertaken by the Department of Antiquities. It was surrounded by a mud brick city wall, the remains of which are still visible on its northern, eastern and southern sides. The excavations which have been conducted by the Department have also brought to light the foundations of houses. It is important to note that the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities supports the excavation project at Mada’in Salih in cooperation with a French team of archaeologists and researchers working under the authority of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. These excavations will certainly shed new light on the stages and the characteristics of human occupation in this part of the site.
Al-Hijr lies in northwest of Saudi Arabia, between the cities of Medina and Tabuk, 22 kilometres north of the city of
al-Ula.Remains of human occupation in the region go back to ancient times. The area has been a significant focus of human settlement over a long period, due to the abundance of factors supporting an early shift to a sedentary way of life. These include fertile land, the presence of sources of water and a strategic position with respect to the great centres of civilization in the ancient Near East. Prehistoric remains have been recorded at the top of some of the mountains which surround the site of Mada’in Salih. Moreover, many rock faces in the area are covered with petroglyphs, some of which are prehistoric.According to several passages in the Qur’an, the site was already inhabited in the third millennium BC by the Thamudic tribes. Lihyanite, Minaic and Thamudic inscriptions which have been found on the site, are evidence for an occupation in the first millennium BC.The Nabataeans probably settled in Mada’in Salih in the first century BC and were politically independent at least until the beginning of the second century AD. They are the only inhabitants of the site who left behind them the remains of a real city. The part of the city in which the people were living was surrounded by various necropolises, which contained monumental rock-cut tombs as well as ordinary pit tombs, while a specific area was devoted to sanctuaries. Water was provided by a dense network of wells.During the Islamic period, al-Hijr was an important stop on the Syrian pilgrimage road. A citadel and a large reservoir were built for the pilgrims’ convenience. Finally, at the beginning of the 20th century, a railway station was constructed at Mada’in Salih on the so-called Hejaz railway, which linked Turkey to the city of Madina, also crossing Syria.
The Nabataeans in al-HijrOriginally, the Nabataeans were a group of Arab tribes whose economy was based on pastoralism. Little by little, however, they settled, developed several cities and became traders. They also became experts in the art of collecting rain and spring water, which was then stored for use during the dry season, in large, deep cisterns.The Nabataeans occupied a territory in the south of Sham
Group of Qasr Al -Bent
Qasr Al-Fareed
HistoricAD-DIR’IYAH
The SCTA provided the
nomination file in the districtof Historic AD- DIR’IYAH for registration in the UNESCO
World Heritage List in Muharram 1430 - January
2009
AD-DIR’IYAH is one of the Oases of WADI HANIFA, which refers to the
name of the tribe to which the Royal Family of AL SAUD is related. Oases have been a focus of human settlement since the earliest of times.
Rich scenic natural features such as gullies, gorges and fertile areas of pasture distinguish AD-DIR’IYAH. This demonstrates the underlying relationship between material expressions of human culture expressed through settlement design and architecture and environmental features. Here the dwellings are set on the banks of the wadi, and branching in between its curves are irrigation systems, natural channels and tunnels that feed the agricultural villages which enrich the geographical surroundings of AD-DIR’IYAH into a rural idyll.
AD-DIR’IYAH may be named after IBN DERA, the governor of the ancient kingdom of YAMAMAH, or it may be named after the village where AL SAUD family came from in the eastern side of Arabia, They AL SAUDS settled in the area between GHASEEBAH and MULAIBEED. The arrival of their ancestor, MANEA AL MURIDI, in 1446 A.D (850 Hijri), is considered to be the date of establishment of AD-DIR’IYAH.
AD-DIR’IYAH soon took a prime position on the pilgrimage route to MAKKAH AL MUKARAMAH. It took over and consolidated a number of villages in WADI HANIFA. The ruler IMAM MOHAMMAD BIN SAUD, the founder of the First Saudi State [from 1788 A.D (1157 Hijri) to 1818 A.D (1233 Hijri)], adopted the call of SHAIKH MOHAMMAD BIN ABDULWAHAB, and led the rise of the Islamic Revival Movement in the area. This opened a new page in the history of AD-DIR’IYAH, radiating the message of reform, and accomplishing numerous achievements. AD-DIR’IYAH’S political and military stature grew. Merchants were attracted to its markets and there was an increase in the economy and trade. There was a concomitant growth in education and AD-DIR’IYAH became a beacon for scholars.
The AD-DIR’IYAH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM includes villages and districts located on the eastern bank of WADI HANIFA, including GHASSIBAH, AZZUHRAH, AZZUWAIHRA, ALBIJAIRI, and ALMULAIBEED. This is in addition to the districts located on the west bank, such as the AT-TURAIF district and the connecting gorges and gullies of WADI HANIFA. The work is being conducted through ongoing cooperation between the ARRIYADH DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, THE SAUDI COMMISSION FOR TOURISM AND ANTIQUITIES, and the AD-DIR’IYAH Governorate and Municipality.
The care extended by the Saudi Government to Historic AD-DIR’IYAH is demonstrated by a Royal Decree (MB/5455) dated (191427/7/ Hijri) that commissioned SCTA with the task of registering the AT-TURIAF district in AD-DIR’IYAH within the list of the World Heritage Sites of the UNESCO. On October 16, 2006 (241427/9/ Hijri) SCTA presented the site of AT-TURAIF district within its initial list for sites to UNESCO’S WHL. SCTA submitted the nomination file prepared according to the requirements of the WHC, and expects the Committee to discuss the nomination file in the meeting of WHC in 2010.
The IMAMS of the first Saudi State were famed for their knowledge, fairness, determination, submission to religious values, and their firm grip on the spirit of Islamic belief, customs, and virtuous traditions. They secured peace, allowing the inhabitants to live in security, knowing their lives and positions were safe. Soon great portions of Arabian Peninsula came under the power of AD-DIR’IYAH.
AD-DIR’IYAH continued to be the most prominent city in WADI HANIFA during the 18th and 19th centuries (12th and 13th centuries Hijri), and it withstood even the onslaught of the Ottoman Army who tried to destroy it in 1818 A.D (1233 Hijri).
The current Government is very concerned with the preservation of Historic AD-DIR’IYAH. This is shown by the recent issuing of a Royal Decree (M/528) dated (171429/6/ Hijri). As a result of this, the ARRIYADH DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (ADA) has undertaken the task of developing AD-DIR’IYAH through a Higher Committee headed by His Royal Highness Prince SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD. This Committee includes a number of officials from designated authorities.
Group of Qasr Salwa Buildings in Al-Toreef district
Al-Toreef district in Al-Dir>iya
Distinctive architectural details in historic Jeddah.
HistoricJEDDAH
Historic JEDDAH is situated in the centre of the modern city
of JEDDAH. Some sources indicate that its history dates back to the pre-Islamic era. A turning point in its history was in the days of the Muslim Caliph OTHMAN BIN AFFAN when he made it the port city for MAKKAH ALMUKARAMA in 605 AD (26 Hijri).
Historic JEDDAH includes a number of monuments, historic and cultural buildings, such as the remnants of the old boundary wall, and the old quarters: ALMAZLOOM, ASHAM, ALYAMAN, and ALBAHR. It also contains a number of Historic Mosques, the most notable of which are: OTHMAN BIN AFFAN, ASHAFIEY, ALBASHA, UKASH, ALMIEMAR, and ALHANAFI DJAMEA). There are old Souqs, such as: ANNADA, ALKHASKIYAH, ALALAWI, ASSAGHA, in addition to a large number of existing Cultural buildings that are still used.
Historic JEDDAH is a unique example of traditional architecture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, situated on the shores of the Red Sea. A great deal of artistic elements and design characteristics distinguish its beautiful residences and palaces. In addition, the layout of the old town forms a homogeneous pattern and gives an existing example of an authentic Arabic Islamic city.
The existence of urban spaces within the urban fabric distinguish Historic JEDDAH. These are exemplified through alleys, lanes, and plazas allowing a wider vista. Other functions are also addressed, for it forms the meeting point for the inhabitants in their gatherings, celebrations, and nightly entertainment; traditional cafés and shops providing specialized services often surround the plazas. Narrow alleys and lanes distinguish Historic JEDDAH’S suburbs by blocking some of the sun’s heat and providing much-needed shade. Moreover the close situation of the residences to each other and the winding lanes and
alleys help to providing the homes with a cool breeze reducing the air temperature. Mosques formed popular gathering points for the inhabitants of the old city. This tightly packed urban fabric helped in binding the inhabitants more closely together, and their meeting on a daily basis formed a sense of security.
The Government of Saudi Arabia, the inhabitants, and visitors are all attracted to Historic JEDDAH, as it becomes a destination for JEDDAH’S Visitors and VIP guests of the Government, and a target for writers and photographers.
Historic JEDDAH represents a unique example of a comprehensive urban fabric reflecting the characteristics of the Red Sea Coast urban heritage, multiple floors and architectural detailing on its elevations especially the wooden screening element or “MASHRABIYAH” with distinctive designs are examples of these buildings. This style of building is extinct in the majority of cities and towns of the Red Sea Coast.
The Historic and Cultural value of Historic JEDDAH is in its location in the centre of Modern JEDDAH, where it reflects an example of Historic city centres that have disappeared from most modern cities in Arabia and from some cities of the Red Sea Coast in particular. This example integrates both the cultural and intellectual aspects of urban design with other examples in Islamic States, and contributes to the knowledge of authentically old cities and architecture in accordance to the criteria for World Heritage.
Historic JEDDAH is a major example of a traditional urban area planned and constructed in a traditional manner using local building materials (such as stone and wood) compatible with the social requirements and cultural characteristics of the region. The buildings highlight a clear example of people interacting with nature using local materials in building techniques, their artistry in using local materials, their innovative architectural thinking in proper design. The design illustrates internal organization, preserving Islamic
privacy within the resident’s realm, whilst allowing for ventilation, illumination, and orientation. All the factors ensure the best possible comfort for the inhabitants, by adding shade and privacy to lanes as well as open areas. Historic JEDDAH also reflects the integration between people and the surrounding environment. Unless steps are taken to preserve this architectural and cultural treasure, this example is destined to annihilation especially given the dominance of Modern Architecture and planning and construction systems.
Historic JEDDAH is the oldest urban area of JEDDAH city, from whence modern urban expansion sprawled, especially after the destruction of its historical fence. It currently forms the Historic centre of JEDDAH city. Its buildings reflect the forms of Islamic civilization with a unique urban style reflecting Andalusia and Ottoman art, whilst Arabic designs prevail, especially in the architectural and decorative forms in Mosques and Residences. Most houses are constructed with Coral stone and decorated with wooden
screens (Rawasheen). The latter are a unique style in the Art of Islamic civilization, preserving the privacy of the inhabitants.
In 1970 (1399 Hijri), the Ministry of Municipalities and Rural affairs (MOMRA) studied Historic JEDDAH by commissioning Robert Mathew consultants; they suggested the Preservation of 537 buildings, from amongst those in good condition. The consultants categorized them into three grades (First, Second, and Third), documenting them and establishing a basis for planning criteria to be implemented on these buildings and in the plans for Historic JEDDAH in general. JEDDAH
Municipality adopted a project concerning the Conservation and Rehabilitation of Historic JEDDAH, The project began in 1970 (1399 Hijri), being the oldest conservation project for urban heritage in the Kingdom. This included a number of sub projects for developing the Historic area within the project.
In Coordination with SCTA, JEDDAH Municipal Trust adopted
the Development Project for Historic JEDDAH, aiming to group both conservation and protection policies and Rehabilitation, development, and proper utilization that satisfies the owners, but allows for consistent development for this crucial part of the city. This Project was honoured by H.R.H the late Prince MAJID BIN ABDULAZIZ, and H.R.H late Prince ABDULMAJEED BIN ABDULAZIZ, and H.R.H Prince KHALID ALFAISAL Governor of MAKKAH AL MUKARAMA Region, and H.R.H Prince MISHAAL BIN MAJID BIN ABDULAZIZ the Governor of JEDDAH.
In (191427/7/) A Royal Decree Number (MB/5455) commissioned SCTA to register Historic JEDDAH within UNESCO’S World Heritage List.
SCTA is currently working on preparing a nomination file for Historic JEDDAH’s registration within UNESCO’S WHL to present it in 2010
SCTA is working on the preparation of the registration file of Historic JEDDAH for UNESCO’s
World Heritage List, to be
submitted in2010
Photo by: • Scta• High Authority for the development of the city of Riyadh. • The province of Jeddah. • Talal Al-Bakr. • Engineer Mohamed Mahmoud Pablli.• Photographer Kamaan Al Kamaan.
