Rawasheen in Makkah: A civilized window to the past and present

1 / 3
Hijazi people cared a lot about the quality of their houses’ interiors and temperatures. Rawasheen helped them reduce the consumption of energy to cool the inside of buildings. (Supplied)
2 / 3
Photo/Supplied
3 / 3
Rawasheen served as panoramic windows for mothers to watch their children in the streets while maintaining total privacy. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 24 April 2021
Follow

Rawasheen in Makkah: A civilized window to the past and present

  • Architectural designs reflect the identity of the holy city, and a culture that is still present in the minds of Makkans

MAKKAH: Visitors to Makkah can see Makkan Islamic architecture throughout the city’s central area and main streets, where Rawasheen and Hijazi doors are still present on the facades of hotels overlooking the Grand Mosque.

These architectural designs reflect the identity of Makkah, and a culture that is still present in the minds of Makkans, who see it as an extension of the past, and an embodiment of the holy city’s historical wealth.
Architect Talal Samarkandi told Arab News that Rawasheen — the elaborate patterned wooden window frames found in old buildings in Makkah and Jeddah that maximize natural light and air flow — are rooted in Hijazi architectural heritage, constructed with rare wooden tools, which used to be purchased from India, Indonesia and Sudan.
“The heritage is featured on doors, windows and mashrabiyas (a type of projecting oriel window enclosed with carved wood latticework),” Samarkandi told Arab News, adding that beautiful inscriptions used to decorate the sharabeesh holes in ceilings and doors. “People believed that the house was identified by its door, and thus, made sure that their doors and windows were beautiful and stylish.”
He added that timber was used for environmental purposes, as wood is a poor conductor of heat and is used for ventilation.




Rawasheen — the elaborate patterned wooden window frames found in old buildings in Makkah and Jeddah that maximize natural light and air flow — are rooted in Hijazi architectural heritage, constructed with rare wooden tools, which used to be purchased from India, Indonesia and Sudan. (Supplied)

According to Samarkandi, Hijazi people cared a lot about the quality of their houses’ interiors and temperatures. Rawasheen helped them reduce the consumption of energy to cool the inside of buildings. Rawasheen served as panoramic windows for mothers to watch their children in the streets while maintaining total privacy. They were also the “social media” of the age, allowing people to communicate with their surroundings. These stylish windows were also used as trade portals, where people could dangle baskets tied to a rope to buy goods from street vendors outside.

Embracing the Makkan legacy promotes the heritage and architectural charm of the city, and creates a new touristic destination for visitors from different cultural backgrounds.

Dr. Samir Barqah, History researcher

“Mashrabiyas were placed in front of the Rawasheen to cool houses, with holes in them that allowed fresh air to enter the rooms of the houses,” Samarkandi added.
One of the advantages of the Hijazi customs in old buildings was respecting rights and duties, he noted. Owners of taller buildings could not stare at their neighbors in lower buildings; mashrabiyas were closed and tilted from the top.
The art of inscriptions on doors developed and flourished. At the time, carpenters used to engrave their names on the doors, with some now centuries old.
Wooden doors were also carved in Islamic architectural patterns, forms and shapes, such as the five-pointed star that represents Islam’s five pillars, the eight-pointed star usually placed at the base of the dome over the seat of a ruler or person of power, the 12-pointed star that represents the months of the year, and the crescent, which is related to the moon in all tribes, used to determine the Qibla.

HIGHLIGHT

Wooden doors were also carved in Islamic architectural patterns, forms and shapes, such as the five-pointed star that represents Islam’s five pillars, the eight-pointed star usually placed at the base of the dome over the seat of a ruler or person of power, the 12-pointed star that represents the months of the year, and the crescent, which is related to the moon in all tribes, used to determine the Qibla.

“Each country has its own architectural trends, which are inspired by its culture and history. Our trends kicked off in Makkah, where we see a lot of these architectural features in the central area and the main facades of Makkah’s streets,” he added.
History researcher Dr. Samir Barqah suggested Makkah has a unique architectural legacy. “Makkah has witnessed different architectural cultures over the years,” he said.
“Embracing the Makkan legacy promotes the heritage and architectural charm of the city, creates a new touristic destination for visitors from different cultural backgrounds, and encourages pilgrims to stay longer in Makkah, which would boost the economy and create hundreds of jobs for nationals,” he told Arab News.


Timeless tapestry of Najran’s architectural legacy

Updated 8 sec ago
Follow

Timeless tapestry of Najran’s architectural legacy

  • Najran old city’s archaeological sites date back over 3 centuries
  • 5 traditional styles in harmony with nature, says local academic

RIYADH: Najran’s rich architectural heritage, crafted with local materials and traditional techniques, blends past and present in a way that aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on preserving the nation’s culture.

It serves as a valuable inspiration for sustainable, technologically advanced projects such as NEOM and Qiddiya, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Najran maintains its distinct character through its architecture. The mud houses showcase architectural solutions tailored to local environmental conditions and are deeply rooted in customs and traditions.

The old city of Najran stands as a vital part of the Arabian Peninsula’s cultural heritage, featuring archaeological sites including castles, palaces, and traditional homes that date back over three centuries.

Abdulrahman Al-Majadah, assistant professor of urban design at Najran University, told the SPA that traditional houses in Najran typically do not exceed 100 sq. meters.

The remaining land is reserved for livestock, grain storage, and summer living areas. These old mud houses are noted for their simplicity, beauty, and harmonious design, standing apart from the interconnected urban layout of traditional Islamic cities.

Rather than being enclosed by protective walls, the old city consists of several residential complexes shaped by social customs, nestled among farms, and reflecting a strong sense of security and cohesion.

Al-Majadah noted five traditional styles of Najrani houses: Al-Qasbah, Al-Darb, Al-Mushulaq, Al-Murabba, and Al-Muqaddam.

The Al-Qasbah style, typically found in village centers, features a circular design with a broad base that narrows upward, resembling guard towers and earning it the name Al-Abraj, he explained.

Al-Mushulaq is characterized by rooms facing the main entrance, taking a U or L shape, with two to three floors. The most common is Al-Darb, which has seven floors, while Al-Muqaddam is simpler, consisting of a single floor with a roof.

Decorative elements play a vital role in enhancing the beauty of these traditional homes. Horizontal bands adorn the upper edges of buildings, some featuring hollow arches, with doors and windows framed in white gypsum.

The arrangement of windows creates a rhythmic exterior, and the buildings often reflect the natural colors of materials including wood, gypsum and clay.

Nasser Ayran, a restoration expert for mud houses in Najran, highlighted the increasing demand for the rehabilitation of these traditional homes, driven by a desire to preserve cultural heritage and enhance the visual appeal of local villages.

Given the limited land, dividing properties among heirs is impractical, making preservation the better option.

The Heritage Commission is playing a key role in documenting urban heritage and creating a national registry of sites throughout the Kingdom for researchers.

The construction of these houses involves using mud and stones. The initial stage, known as Al-Wathar, includes laying a horizontal row of stones called Al-Madmak. Drying times vary from two to three days in winter to one day in summer before the second layer is added.

Roof construction uses palm trunks, tamarisk, or sidr, coated with mud plaster, and treated with lime in a process known as Al-Qadad. This meticulous craftsmanship emphasizes the deep connection between Najran’s architectural heritage and its cultural identity.


Saudi energy minister joins launch of consortium to promote sustainable concrete

Updated 26 January 2025
Follow

Saudi energy minister joins launch of consortium to promote sustainable concrete

  • NovusCrete seeks to accelerate adoption of durable saltwater concrete
  • Initiative led by the Oil Sustainability Program and includes leading Saudi organizations

RIYADH: Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Sunday attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding to launch the NovusCrete consortium, a global collaboration to develop and accelerate the adoption of sustainable and durable saltwater concrete.

The consortium, led by the Kingdom's Oil Sustainability Program, also seeks to create standards for using seawater in concrete, promote sustainability in construction by recycling waste, extend infrastructure lifespan, and reduce environmental impact.

Leading Saudi organizations taking part in the consortium include the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Investment Recycling Company, NEOM through its Design and Construction Sector, Sika, and ClimateCrete.

The participating parties said they aim to develop sustainable technologies for concrete production, focusing on reducing the construction sector’s carbon footprint and enhancing material efficiency.

They will also improve Saudi Arabia’s construction sector by promoting seawater concrete solutions using local materials.

The signing ceremony in Riyadh was also attended by Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of PIF; Saad Al-Qasabi, governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization; and Khalid Al-Salem, president of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu.

The new consortium includes international organizations, such as the American Concrete Institute.

It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability.


India celebrates 76th Republic Day in Riyadh, highlighting cultural ties with Saudi Arabia

Updated 27 January 2025
Follow

India celebrates 76th Republic Day in Riyadh, highlighting cultural ties with Saudi Arabia

  • ‘Let us continue to work together,’ says Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan

RIYADH: Ambassador of India to the Kingdom Suhel Ajaz Khan underlined that a mutual appreciation of culture was strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and India during the latter’s 76th Republic Day celebration in Riyadh.

“A shared love for culture brings our countries together,” he said. “From Bollywood cinema to yoga, music, and food, we have continued to be inspired by each other.

“We were delighted to participate in the annual Riyadh Season 2024 under the Global Harmony Initiative of the Saudi government,” he added, referring to a series of events which began in October to celebrate the culture of the Kingdom’s different expatriate groups.

India’s Republic Day was celebrated on Sunday evening in the Cultural Palace in Riyadh and brought together both Saudis and Indians in a commemoration of culture and history.

Omar Khan, an Indian native who has called the Kingdom his home for nearly three decades, attended the event.

The product manager at STC Technologies told Arab News: “I’m a second-generation, third-culture kid. I’ve seen Republic Days for the past three decades in Saudi Arabia.

“I think one thing that’s very important is the representation of my country. It makes me proud that, although India is a distant land for me and Riyadh is home, I feel very connected, and I see that the partnership of Saudi Arabia and India has grown leaps and bounds.

“I’m very proud to say that I am somebody who grew up in Saudi Arabia and yet is Indian by his roots.”

Indian youngsters took to the stage following the ambassador’s speech to perform a dance routine showcasing their country’s music and culture.

The embassy event also featured multiple booths to highlight the many Indian-owned businesses and products in the Kingdom, in the food, tourism, and medical sectors.

India’s Ministry of Tribal Affairs also had a booth to showcase handmade products from the country, including coats, artifacts, and silk pashminas.

Staff from Aster Sanad Hospital were present to help visitors with medical issues.

The ambassador said: “India will work with our international partners, including Saudi Arabia, to contribute to a world of peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

“With these words I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people for their long-standing friendship and support.

“Let us continue to work together to build a future based on mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.”


World Monument Fund to protect historic sites with Bahraini, Saudi, and Gulf partners

Updated 26 January 2025
Follow

World Monument Fund to protect historic sites with Bahraini, Saudi, and Gulf partners

  • There is a lot of interest in heritage of GCC countries, says fund president

MUHARRAQ: On a historical preservation tour around the Arabian Gulf region, the World Monument Fund recently visited the city of Muharraq in Bahrain before visiting Saudi Arabia.

A historically rich city with a story that dates to the late 19th century, Muharraq is the cultural heart of Bahrain.

Prior to gaining independence from British rule in 1971, Muharraq was Bahrain’s capital and center for public and governmental administrative, educational, and planning projects, before being replaced by Manama in 1923.

Bahrain's cultural heart, Muharraq, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. (AN photo by Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)

Though the city held many significant historical sites, its residents began to leave soon after and the area was left neglected.

Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and chairperson of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, founded the Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture and Research in 2002, a non-profit organization, as a form of cultural renaissance.

Since its founding, the center’s purpose has been to form a space where thinkers could gather and share ideas in philosophy, literature, poetry, art, and culture.

FASTFACT

In discussion with the Royal Commission of AlUla and the Heritage Commission for future partnerships, the World Monument Fund is visiting AlUla as well as Historic Jeddah for the Islamic Arts Biennale.

The most significant aspect of its work, however, has been the house restoration projects in Muharraq and Manama, where 28 historical houses, many of which belonged to prominent Bahraini figures and families, have been brought back to life under the leadership of Al-Khalifa.

As the World Monuments Fund celebrates 60 years, the organization is committed to safeguarding heritage around the globe. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

Over the weekend, a delegation from the World Monument Fund visited the Sheikh Ebrahim Center to see the restored houses firsthand.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the mission of the World Monuments Fund is to safeguard heritage all around the world, Benedicte de Montlaur, president of the fund, told Arab News.

Al-Khalifa was awarded the Watch Award by the World Monument Fund in 2015 and after a few visits to their offices in New York, she was asked to join them as a member of the board of trustees, making her the only Arab on the board.

Bahrain's cultural heart, Muharraq, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. (AN photo by Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)

In an interview with Arab News, Al-Khalifa said she felt it was her responsibility to keep them informed about the Arab world and all that it has to offer.

“The picture that travels to the world is not always true or complete, and in our Gulf countries there are many landmarks, monuments, and national identities that we would like to showcase,” she said.

The delegation first visited the Abdullah Al-Zayed House for Bahrain Press Heritage, the house of the first journalist to start a daily newspaper in the kingdom and which now hosts local and international speakers from the media sector.

Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa poses for a group picture with visiting guests in Bahrain. (AN photo by Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)

Next up was the Kurar House, where Al-Kurar Ladies spend their time embroidering traditional Bahraini thobes and other garments by hand. Like the strings of an instrument, three women work on the thread separately, and one stitches them together simultaneously on the fabric, creating a harmonious rhythm.

The delegation also got to see the only room left of Sheikh Ebrahim’s original house, a room that dates back around 200 years.

Following the tour of the Sheikh Ebrahim restored houses projects, they also visited the houses of the Pearling Path and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dilmun Burial Grounds.

A delegation from the World Monument Fund recently visited various sites in Bahrain including the Sheikh Ebrahim Center to see historical restored houses. (AN photo by Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)

With over 70 projects in the Arab world including the Louvre, the Smithsonian, and Babylon in Iraq, restoring the Imam Palace in the city of Taizz in Yemen, and Abydos in Egypt, the fund’s next mission is to become more active in the Gulf region.

“We see that there is a lot of interest in heritage in countries from the GCC,” de Montlaur said.

The first stop was Kuwait, where plans are underway to have Failaka Island added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Opera concert at visit of World Monument Fund delegation to Bahrain. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

After visiting their partners from the UNESCO Regional Center and the Sheikh Ebrahim Center in Bahrain, the delegation’s next destination is Saudi Arabia, “a country that is devoting a lot of time and energy at the moment to heritage,” de Montlaur said.

In discussion with the Royal Commission of AlUla and the Heritage Commission for future partnerships, the World Monument Fund is visiting AlUla as well as Historic Jeddah for the Islamic Arts Biennale.

“If you do not know your past, it is very difficult to build a future because you lose your identity,” de Montlaur said. “Especially in countries like here, that are developing really fast … it is extremely important also to pay attention to heritage places because it is very easy to destroy them, but when they are gone, they’re gone. They cannot be rebuilt.

As the World Monuments Fund celebrates 60 years, the organization is committed to safeguarding heritage around the globe. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

“Once you have lost the spirit of a place and built modern buildings everywhere, then you have lost touch with your past.”

Preserving the land’s past also draws in crowds of tourists who get to experience each country’s distinct identity and history for the first time to learn about the place and its people, de Montlaur added.

“Heritage places represent the pinnacle of human achievements of history.”

A delegation from the World Monument Fund recently visited various sites in Bahrain including the Sheikh Ebrahim Center to see historical restored houses. (AN photo by Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)

On how the Arab world can work together to create a stronger stance for historical preservation, de Montlaur said: “I think it is already happening,” citing the various projects in Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, etc.

She also added: “There is a big need for heritage preservation in other countries outside of the GCC, so they could align their forces.

“There is so much need in Egypt, in Gaza … in Syria … and I think what is very much part of the Arab countries is this solidarity, they can all unite around this heritage because this is the heritage of all the Arabs.”

Al-Khalifa added: “In Gaza, many landmarks have been destroyed, part of the upcoming plan is restoring some of those sites.

“It’s really a heritage of humanity as a whole and that is why every one of us, whether we are from the region or not, should care about it. But before anything else, it is the history and identity of the Arabs,” de Montlaur noted.

Speaking on the shared language and culture that unite Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Al-Khalifa, who is also a part of the Royal Commission of AlUla, said that emotions and love between peoples are what bond them forever.

“This visit is not only to Bahrain but to our Gulf,” she said. “We always repeat: our Gulf is one, our goals are one, and our history is shared; so everything that distinguishes us — from identity to monuments — is an extension of civilizations thousands of years old.”

 


Saudi permanent representative presents credentials to UNESCO chief

Updated 26 January 2025
Follow

Saudi permanent representative presents credentials to UNESCO chief

  • Abdulelah Altokhais is seeking to strengthen Kingdom’s cooperation with UN agency
  • Paris talks focus on collaboration to promote coexistence among peoples and cultures

RIYADH: Abdulelah Altokhais, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to UNESCO, presented his credentials to Audrey Azoulay, the organization’s director-general, at its headquarters in Paris on Sunday.

The Kingdom’s mission to the UN-affiliated agency wrote on the X platform that Altokhias is “continuing Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen joint cooperation with UNESCO and member states toward a better-shared future.”

During his meeting with Azoulay, Altokhais reviewed Saudi Arabia’s contributions to numerous UNESCO projects through its role in the organization’s Executive Council and membership of the World Heritage Committee.

He emphasized the need to enhance collaboration with UNESCO to promote peace and coexistence among peoples and cultures.

Altokhais studied philosophy at the University of Florida, and has worked in the cultural heritage, planning, and tourism fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported.