Al-Aan Palace: a lofty landmark of Najran’s heritage

1 / 3
Built on top of Al-Aan Mountain, Al-Aan Palace’s inhabitants would have enjoyed a mesmerizing view of the surrounding landscape. (SPA)
2 / 3
Built on top of Al-Aan Mountain, Al-Aan Palace’s inhabitants would have enjoyed a mesmerizing view of the surrounding landscape. (SPA)
3 / 3
Built on top of Al-Aan Mountain, Al-Aan Palace’s inhabitants would have enjoyed a mesmerizing view of the surrounding landscape. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 01 June 2024
Follow

Al-Aan Palace: a lofty landmark of Najran’s heritage

  • Constructed in 1688 using traditional practices that incorporated the use of mud and natural resources

RIYADH: Najran’s ancient citadel, Al-Aan Palace, is a landmark of Najrani architecture and heritage. With its unique design, the structure has become a magnet for tourists visiting the southern region to explore its history and culture.

Najran, in the southwest of Saudi Arabia, is a region known for its vibrant culture and rich history. Surrounded by the Sarawat Mountains, it stands out for its mudbrick architecture, winding streets and bustling souks.

Al-Aan Palace — also known as Saadan Palace, because it is situated in the village of Saadan — was built in the 1600s on top of Al-Aan Mountain, and its inhabitants would have enjoyed a mesmerizing view of the surrounding landscape.

Saudi architect Khalid Al-Ojyan, from the Royal Commission of Riyadh City, told Arab News about the concept behind the palace and how it was built.

“Al-Aan Palace is a heritage landmark in Saudi Arabia,” he said. “(It) was built in 1100 AH (1688) by Shaikh Mohammad Ismail and HibatuAllah Al-Makrami, the governors of the region.”

Najani architecture was heavily influenced by the natural materials available, Al-Ojyan said. The mixture of rocks and mud created mudbricks, which have been commonly used in the region for centuries.

The palace was largely constructed using these mudbricks, although other natural materials also feature. For example, the ceilings showcase the intricate use of natural materials such as wood from palm tree trunks as well as tamarisk and sidr trees, along with palm fronds, highlighting the region’s reliance on its natural resources and the craftsmanship of its builders.

The circular and rectangular towers surrounding the palace were likely added for strategic defense purposes, Al-Ojyan said.

He highlighted the shape and size of the palace windows, which were also designed to provide protection. On each of the palace’s four stories, the window size increases. The lower levels of the building were designed with smaller windows to protect against intruders.

The palace was renovated by the Saudi Heritage Commission five years ago, both externally and internally, the architect added.

The palace’s architectural features — the mudbrick construction, the use of other natural materials, and its defensive features — all contribute to the experience that Al-Aan Palace provides for visitors while showcasing the culture, heritage, and ingenious building practices of Najran.


UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

Updated 03 November 2024
Follow

UNESCO chair hosts translating cultures workshops

RIYADH: The UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, supported by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, recently hosted three online workshops.

The workshops were attended by members of the Translating Cultures Lab and researchers with an interest in translating cultures.

The lab unites renowned scholars and early-career Saudi researchers to publish papers on the 2024 theme, “Rethinking Translating Cultures and its Conceptual Framework,” focusing on knowledge transfer and translation in the Global South.

At the workshops researchers presented papers and received feedback from lab members to refine them for publication.

In the first two workshops, six papers were presented, addressing issues in translating cultures, including cultural narratives, religious concepts such as “mahr” in Islam, and humor translation in modern Saudi literature.

Other topics included foreignizing and domesticating Arab culture in translation, translation as knowledge transfer, and translating Plastic Arts into Arabic.

The papers were presented by scholars from King Khalid University (Saudi Arabia), Indira Gandhi National Open University (India), Jagiellonian University (Poland), Mohammed I University Oujda (Morocco), the Catholic University of America (US), and an independent Australian researcher.

The third workshop reviewed papers for an edited volume by the Translating Cultures Lab on the theme of “Rethinking Translating Cultures.”

The UNESCO chair views “translating cultures” as a concept tied to broader debates in the humanities, regarding it as a continuous process involving translation, cross-cultural communication, and knowledge sharing. 


From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors

Updated 03 November 2024
Follow

From crocodiles to kangaroos — Riyadh Zoo thrills visitors

RIYADH: Riyadh Zoo has added a bird show to its already extensive lineup as part of Riyadh Season 2024, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The zoo offers an exceptional experience for wildlife enthusiasts, as well as giving visitors of all ages an opportunity to learn about animal life, environmental care, and conservation awareness.

A farm area has been enhanced to provide interactive activities that promote an understanding of biodiversity and the importance of preserving nature.

One of the highlights is the Croc Cave, where visitors can safely observe crocodiles up close.

At Kangaroo Arena, visitors can enjoy a rare encounter with the Australian marsupials and capture memorable photos.

To enrich the educational experience, the new farm area provides hands-on activities that educate visitors on nature and wildlife conservation.

The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving visitors ample time to enjoy its diverse facilities, which span 161,000 square meters and house over 1,400 animals of various species.

A variety of outlets and mobile food trucks offer a wide range of food and beverages, as well as family-friendly seating areas for comfort.

In a move aimed at enhancing inclusivity, Riyadh Season offers free entry to senior citizens aged 60 and older for its entertainment areas.

The initiative was announced by Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, as part of efforts to make the season more accessible to all.

Seniors can enter select areas by showing their Tawakkalna application at designated gates.

The areas included in the offer are Boulevard World, Boulevard Runway, and Wonder Garden, along with the standard free-entry areas such as Riyadh Zoo, Al-Suwaidi Park, and Souq Al-Awaleen. They will also have access to Boulevard City and VIA Riyadh without the need for prior tickets.

However, the offer does not cover events with reserved seating, such as concerts, plays, boxing matches, or special experiences, which require separate ticketing arrangements.

The initiative underscores Riyadh Season’s commitment to ensuring that all segments of society can enjoy its diverse offerings.


Saudi project clears 636 Houthi mines in Yemen

Updated 03 November 2024
Follow

Saudi project clears 636 Houthi mines in Yemen

  • The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly

Riyadh: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 636 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included four anti-personnel mines, 36 anti-tank mines and 596 unexploded ordnances, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 468,067 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

Project Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the orders of King Salman to help the Yemeni people, clearing routes for humanitarian aid to reach the country’s citizens.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the start of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.


Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia Iwai Fumio hosts reception to celebrate JSDF’s 70th anniversary

Updated 03 November 2024
Follow

Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia Iwai Fumio hosts reception to celebrate JSDF’s 70th anniversary

  • Ambassador Iwai welcomed the enhanced cooperation in the field of defense and security between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Japan: Japan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia IWAI Fumio recently hosted a reception at his residence on the occasion of the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ (JSDF) 70th anniversary.

H.E. Major General Shallah bin Thaar AlSalmi, Royal Saudi Land Forces, and a number of government officials and diplomats graced the occasion.

During his speech, Ambassador Iwai said the JSDF has now become a very active contributor to the international peace and stability through its participation in the international peace efforts such as counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden and the MFO in the Sinai Peninsula.

Ambassador Iwai welcomed the enhanced cooperation in the field of defense and security between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia particularly after the visit of HRH Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to Japan on July 31, 2023.

He mentioned the active communication on possible defense equipment and technology, cooperation on women’s empowerment and defense training and exchange programs.


18th KSrelief plane departs Saudi Arabia carrying vital aid to Lebanon

18th Saudi relief plane departs for Lebanon with essential aid supplies. (SPA)
Updated 03 November 2024
Follow

18th KSrelief plane departs Saudi Arabia carrying vital aid to Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief on Sunday sent an 18th plane to Lebanon carrying food, medical supplies and shelter kits.

The plane departed from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and landed at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut.

KSrelief chief Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah said the initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to helping people and countries in need worldwide.