New Graduates Revive Jeddah’s Architectural Heritage
In a bid to protect and rejuvenate this historical legacy, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts and the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts have heralded a new era with the graduation of their first diploma course aimed specifically at reviving Jeddah’s architectural heritage.
Suzan Al-Yahya, CEO of the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts, emphasizes the importance of nurturing national talents to preserve and recognize the economic, historical, scientific, and social significance of Saudi traditional arts.
Historic Jeddah, often heralded as the gateway to the holy city of Makkah, is a city that tells tales of trade, pilgrimage, and cosmopolitanism through its unique architecture. As a vital port, it has been the confluence of myriad cultures, manifested in its distinctive urban landscape. The essence of Jeddah’s architectural heritage lies in its Red Sea architectural tradition, characterized by imposing tower houses with ornate wooden Roshan, and coral stone structures, forming an intricate pattern of mosques, markets, and public spaces.
Training the Custodians of History
The inaugural diploma in Traditional Building Arts & Crafts saw eleven students from diverse backgrounds, predominantly female, acquire expertise in various traditional techniques like woodwork, gypsum carving, and architectural drawing. They engaged hands-on in local heritage projects, offering modern perspectives on preserving tradition. Mustafa Hassan, a graduate, expressed his deep connection with Historic Jeddah and the intricate architectural designs that the program allowed him to explore.
Expansion of Horizons
For graduates like architect Hanan Bucklain, the program was an eye-opener to new crafts and remarkable skills previously unknown. The hands-on experience was complemented by field trips to historical sites, providing an immersive learning experience vital for applying their skills to grand projects.
Moreover, the students’ efforts culminated in an exhibition that included the creation of “Roshan,” a traditional wooden feature that filters light and air, maintaining privacy, and “Mangour,” intricate wood-carved screens that can replace walls. These projects utilized traditional painting techniques with natural pigments, showcasing how the architectural heritage of Jeddah can be both preserved and functionally incorporated into contemporary life.
The Ongoing Narrative
The graduates’ endeavor is more than a revival of architectural styles; it is a reconnection with a cultural narrative that has shaped Jeddah’s identity for centuries. As they infuse new life into the historic fabric of the city, they ensure that the architectural splendor of Jeddah continues to tell its stories not just as relics of the past but as living elements of the city’s ongoing narrative.
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