Al-Qahr Mountains: A world of myth and legend

 In the northeast of Jazan province lies the mysterious Al-Qahr Mountains  which have had many myths, legends and stories written about them. Characterized by their rugged nature and diverse terrain, the mountains are located in Al-Raith governorate, about 130 kilometres away from Jazan city.

Name

The mountains’ Arabic name translates as “conquer” and was probably given in tribute to their high altitude, impregnable and steep peaks as well as the long and deep ravines that extend to the Lajab Valley. These features make them some of the most difficult to climb in the Kingdom. Some historians believe they were named after the Qahr war, while the locals call them the Zahwan Mountains.

Scenic terrain 

The Qahr Mountains are surrounded by many valleys, including Beesh Valley. They stretch side by side in a cylindrical and picturesque formation, from which narrow valleys branch. They are also covered with dense forests and green coffee trees interspersed with brown rock.

Historic landmarks

Many historical sites dating back more than 3,000 years can be found among the mountains. Researchers have discovered many remains of bodies preserved in rocky tombs built about 20 meters above ground level. Excavators also uncovered many footprints, some of which belonged to dinosaurs.

Petroglyphs depicting folk dances, plants and animals have been found in the mountain caves, while old houses and mosques can be seen dotted around the location.

Al-Riwaq Museum: Highlighting trailblazing Saudi women

 Noted female poet Al-Khathlan wanted to highlight the role of Saudi women in society since the unification of the Kingdom, so she set up Al-Riwaq Heritage Museum in Riyadh.

 Located in the Al-Suwaidi district, this museum is a one-of-a-kind institution that attracts visitors of all ages and regularly holds various activities over national holidays and social occasions.

Spanning an area of 1,000 square meters, the museum features hundreds of diverse historic pieces and heritage collections from different Saudi eras. 

It displays cooking tools, old decorative items, handicrafts, old TVs and radios, sewing tools, traditional clothes, and other interesting collectibles.

Al-Khathlan enlisted researchers to help her highlight the cultural and social role of women in the Kingdom by setting up a bridal corner and other similar sections to introduce future generations and students to women’s important role in Saudi Arabia.

The museum also features a heritage café suitable for friends and family to get together. There is also an event hall with a heritage theme in which small parties, weddings, National Day celebrations, and other cultural events can be held.

This museum is among 50 other private museums licensed and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, which promotes these institutions in popular tourist destinations and sets up signage guiding visitors to them on public roads. 

These institutions play an important role in educating the community about the Kingdom's cultural identity and preservation of heritage.

Al-Sayegh House: Yanbu’s premier art hub

 Yanbu is a wonderful historical and industrial city that dates back around 2,500 years. Located on the Spices and Incense Road that offered caravans a route from Yemen to the Mediterranean region, the area is home to many great heritage houses that were the residences of Yanbu merchants. Below, we cover one of the most iconic of these great properties – AlSaaegh House of the Arts.

Architecture

Al-Sayegh House is located in Yanbu’s historical area at the southern end of the Red Sea coast. Like other buildings in the area, it incorporates a traditional coastal architectural style. The house features intricately decorated wooden doors and windows while its walls were built from stone sourced from the coast and the ceilings constructed from palm tree trunks.

Art center         

Al-Sayegh House is a prime destination for art lovers and features several sections focusing on painting, photography, sculpting, Arabic calligraphy and development of artistic programs.

This historic building also offers many training courses aimed at improving local artists’ skills and hosts exhibitions for those interested in art and craftsmanship.

Al Aishi Fort: The illustrious trading history of Bariq

 

During the pre-Islamic era, the Asir province featured a prominent and ancient trade route that stretched from Yemen to Makkah and then to the Levant. Along the route was the governorate of Bariq, home to one of the greatest Arab markets known as Habasha, which took place over the first eight days of the Islamic month of Rajab. During the Islamic era, Bariq played an important strategic role during the Islamic conquests.

Bariq

Bariq is distinguished by its amazing historical landmarks that date back more than 4,000 years. The area was settled by successive civilizations in the southern Arabian Peninsula since the Amalik era. Therefore, it is commonplace to see villages and ancient stone houses spread along Bariq’s mountains and hills, also where picturesque green plantations extend up to scenic valleys. The governorate is known for its moderate climate in winter and heavy rain.

Al-Aishi Fort

Al-Aishi Fort, built from carved stone and mud, is one of the oldest archaeological fortresses in Bariq. Consisting of three stories, this centuries-old castle was designed in a distinctive architectural style similar to many other historic buildings in the governorate. Although some of the fort’s stones and floors were destroyed, the Ministry of Tourism restored it so that the building continues to stand as testament to Bariq’s beautiful history

The old treasures of Salloum House in Historical Jeddah

 In the famous historical Jeddah neighborhood of Al-Mathloum lies Salloum House, which continues to stand as a testament to the beauty of Hijaz culture.

Built by Abdullah bin Obaid Salloum in 1301 AH, the building was recently restored.

 And it is a popular attraction for visiting delegations and tourists from around the world.

This four-story house covers an area of 497 square meters and is designed in traditional Hijazi style.

 All of its old furniture has been remarkably preserved, including Hijazi-style seats, an old iron, a kerosene-powered fridge, grandmother’s room and a women’s living area dedicated to hosting neighbors.

 An old custom of Jeddah’s people, neighbors used to gather in the afternoon exchanging friendly talk while drinking tea.

To preserve historical Jeddah after it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, many restoration projects have taken place in the area under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, Jeddah Municipality and Ministry of Tourism. 

Notably, 400 historical homes including Salloum House were developed into tourist attractions and museums.

 These restorations aim to preserve the authenticity of these houses, which date back 100 years to 1,400 years, and truly showcase Jeddah’s deep history.

Yellow Lake is located to the East of Umran city, in Al-Ahsa, Eastern Saudi Arabia.

 

Rijal Almaa, Asir Region, KSA