KAFRA Publishes Book on Cultural Aspects of Jeddah
The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (KAFRA), known as Darah, has recently published on cultural aspects of Jeddah.
Dr. Thuraiya bint Ahmad Al-Osaimi authored this book titled “The Civilizational Aspects of the City of Jeddah Through the Books of Western Travelers,”
This publication is a part of Darah’s mission to spread knowledge about Jeddah’s deep history, economic importance, and cultural activities.
Jeddah’s Historical Significance
Jeddah, a central port city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia, has been historically significant. It served as the gateway for Muslim pilgrims to Mecca and Medina. Caliph Othman laid the city’s commercial foundation in 646. It was a port for pilgrims crossing the Red Sea.
The 1927 Treaty of Jeddah marked the British recognition of Saudi sovereignty over the Hejaz and Najd regions.
Darah’s Role in Preserving History
Established in 1972 through a royal decree by King Faisal, Darah is situated in Riyadh’s al-Murabba neighborhood. Consequently, it’s a cultural institution dedicated to managing and preserving documents.
Specifically, these documents are related to King Abdulaziz, his successors, and the national history of Saudi Arabia in general.
Moreover, Darah’s role extends beyond mere preservation; it actively engages in disseminating historical knowledge. Furthermore, its efforts have significantly contributed to the understanding and appreciation of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and historical heritage.ʿ
Book’s Scope, Methodology
Dr. Al-Osaimi’s book delves into the various facets of Jeddah as seen through the eyes of famous Western travelers like Niebuhr, Domingo Badia, Burckhardt, Charles Didié, Horakhronie, and Curtlmon. It covers Jeddah’s political, administrative, and economic conditions, focusing on its commercial port activities, food commodities, and craft professions.
The book also explores Jeddah’s social conditions, traditions, food, clothing, urban features, scientific life, and education during that era.
Dr. Al-Osaimi utilized a historical and analytical approach, sourcing information from cultural institutions in Saudi Arabia.
In summary, this book provides a unique lens to view Jeddah’s historical significance. It offered insights into its development and the interplay of various factors that shaped its identity.
The book’s exploration through the accounts of Western travelers adds a distinct dimension to understanding Jeddah’s rich heritage.
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