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Saudi Heritage Commission Organizes Scientific Symposium on Al-Faw Archaeological Area

The Saudi Heritage Commission said it will hold the "Scientific Symposium on Cultural Landscape Research on the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.” SPA
The Saudi Heritage Commission said it will hold the "Scientific Symposium on Cultural Landscape Research on the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.” SPA
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Saudi Heritage Commission Organizes Scientific Symposium on Al-Faw Archaeological Area

The Saudi Heritage Commission said it will hold the "Scientific Symposium on Cultural Landscape Research on the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.” SPA
The Saudi Heritage Commission said it will hold the "Scientific Symposium on Cultural Landscape Research on the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.” SPA

The Saudi Heritage Commission said Tuesday it will hold the "Scientific Symposium on Cultural Landscape Research on the Al-Faw Archaeological Area.”

The symposium aims to raise awareness about the area, and highlight its historical and archaeological significance, and the ongoing research and excavation projects that began with the late Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Ansary, a pioneer in the study of archaeology in the Kingdom.

The Kingdom successfully inscribed the Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area in Riyadh Region on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural site of outstanding universal value to humanity, during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi on July 22-31, making it the eighth Saudi site to achieve this recognition.

The symposium showcases the contributions of King Saud University in Al-Faw archaeological area, reflecting the commission's partnerships with public, private, and non-profit sectors.

It also explores Saudi Arabia's historical and cultural importance, emphasizing the need to enrich the academic field with cutting-edge archaeological studies, and facilitate the exchange of expertise and insight in the field.

The commission seeks to raise public awareness about the country's extensive archaeological heritage, which spans millennia.

Field visits to the area will be organized for speakers and participants in the symposium, and 22 research papers on topics such as the origins of the Al-Faw archaeological area and its social and economic history will be presented for discussion in five sessions.

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Wooden Doors: Testament to Aseer's Artistic Heritage

Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)
Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)
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Wooden Doors: Testament to Aseer's Artistic Heritage

Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)
Wooden doors are testament to Aseer's artistic heritage. (SPA)

Researchers in architecture consider intricately decorated wooden doors, which have endured for centuries, as prime examples of the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic depth that have characterized the Arabian Peninsula, particularly the Aseer region.
Traditional decorations on wooden doors and windows have been a hallmark of architecture in the Arabian Peninsula since ancient times. These decorative elements have not only served as a reflection of a carpenter's skill, they have also played a significant role in marketing their work.
In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency, Dr. Ali Marzouq, professor of archaeology and Islamic arts at King Khalid University, emphasized the social significance of this art form. He noted that people derive psychological comfort from beautifying their belongings, and the decorative motifs associated with Islamic architecture, such as engravings and writings on doors and windows, became an integral part of building design, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Researcher Dr. Saleh Abu Arad concurred and highlighted the importance of the "door and window industry" as a skilled craft that relies on the use of local wood and the application of various techniques to create doors and windows of different sizes. These structures are often adorned with beautiful engravings and may include metal accents such as handles or rings.
The type of wood used in door and window construction significantly impacts the final product. The talh tree (red acacia), known for its cohesive fibers, is a preferred material for high-quality doors and intricate decorations. Carpenters have excelled in engraving decorations on both external and internal doors, taking advantage of the talh tree's properties.
Internal wooden doors and windows are often decorated by the housewife or with the help of female relatives and neighbors. These decorations incorporate a variety of geometric, botanical, and symbolic motifs, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests and visitors.
Aseer region has a rich tradition of skilled carpenters who have mastered the art of creating traditional architecture doors and windows. These craftsmen have demonstrated their expertise in incorporating various geometric and botanical motifs into their designs, drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural world. While they avoid using human or animal figures, they skillfully employ plant, geometric, and symbolic elements to create unique decorative compositions.
Researcher Maryam Al-Omari said that popular artists frequently used geometric shapes, such as triangles and diamond shape, in their door designs. These were often combined in various ways, creating intricate patterns.
Due to the creativity and skill involved in carving and engraving wooden doors, they have become symbols of social status.
Marzouq said that the main door holds significant social importance, reflecting the owner's wealth and status. Elaborately decorated doors made from expensive wood are often found in the houses of wealthy villagers, while simpler doors are more common in the houses of ordinary people.
The tradition of decorating doors continues today, with people often renewing the decorations on their doors to celebrate holidays or special occasions.
In coastal Tihama, some people even plant aromatic plants around their main doors, creating a fragrant entrance.
In 2021, the Ministry of Culture recognized the importance of preserving this heritage and republished the works of the late French professor Thierry Mouget whose extensive photographic documentation of southern Saudi Arabia in the 1980s captured the region's architectural style, historical legacy, social life, and customs. His work sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of the Aseer region.