Mug Shot — «Jeddah - Al-Balad»

City: Jeddah Country: Saudi Arabia Edition: 08 Icon Edition Belongs to: 3 users (0 trading, 22 seeking)

Starbucks Jeddah Address: Sari Gate

The Al-Balad area is a warren of alleys with names that reflect their function such as The Alley of Perfumers, where traditional attars and perfumes were sold. One of the alleys that is unfortunately no longer there is Hug Me Alley. This passage was snake shaped and so narrow that only one person at a time could pass through it. If two people were to walk through, they would have to move so close as if they were holding each other.

The architecture of the historic quarter is characterised by the merchants' houses of the 19th century. The traditional tall buildings of old Jeddah are tall and graceful, constructed of coral, limestone and decorated intricately with beautiful Indian or Javan teak facades which ventilate the houses as well as shade the narrow streets.

An extensive renovation programme, run by the Historical Area Preservation Department, was set up in 1990 and aims to protect the city's architecture and heritage. The department now employs a staff of over fifty people and organizes digs, tours and local research.

Naseef House
The house has 15 rooms on seven floors and was erected about 150 years ago. It was made famous when King Abdulaziz lived there. It was built by Omar Afandi Naseef using a particularly well-respected man called Al-Ashara - a name that means the ten men. The architect got this name because he did such a good job that it was as if ten people had been working with him.

It was here that Abdul Aziz spent his first night in Jeddah after he led his victorious army into the capital of the western province in 1925.

  2008 Global Series ME, Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, 2008 Global Series

Karma: 7 Added by emantsal 0 Comments