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Saudi Arabia: Cultural Initiative Launched in Makkah to Promote Local Artisans

The cultural events run until Wednesday. SPA
The cultural events run until Wednesday. SPA
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Saudi Arabia: Cultural Initiative Launched in Makkah to Promote Local Artisans

The cultural events run until Wednesday. SPA
The cultural events run until Wednesday. SPA

New events focused on local crafts, organized by the Hira Cultural District in Makkah in partnership with the Saudi Heritage Commission and other entities, have been launched to promote local artisans and traditional crafts as part of national heritage initiatives.

A highlight was on Sunday the "little artisan" activity, which offered drawing and glass engraving workshops for children, fostering artistic awareness and talent discovery at an early age.

These events, which run until Wednesday, include cultural programs such as display platforms, discussion panels, and exhibitions of crafted products. They aim to expand artisans' commercial and cultural presence and to encourage public interest in authentic local products.

These events serve as a cultural destination in Makkah, allowing visitors to engage with artisans and learn about their skills in an interactive atmosphere that reflects national identity.

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Culture

European Film Festival Returns to Riyadh for Fifth Edition with 16 Films

File photo of the Saudi capital Riyadh - File/AAWSAT
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European Film Festival Returns to Riyadh for Fifth Edition with 16 Films

File photo of the Saudi capital Riyadh - File/AAWSAT

The Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the embassies of its member states and with the support of the Film Commission, has announced the fifth edition of the European Film Festival in Riyadh, featuring 16 films from 16 European countries, SPA reported.

The festival will begin on November 2, with public screenings running from November 3 to 10, building on the success of its four previous editions.

The program includes a diverse selection of cinematic works reflecting the variety of European film schools and traditions. All films will be presented with Arabic and English subtitles.

Culture

‘Rashrash’: A Silver Necklace Reflecting Jazan’s Traditional Women’s Jewelry Heritage

Adornment was not limited to silver jewelry but also included the use of kohl, henna, perfumes and hair-care products - SPA
Adornment was not limited to silver jewelry but also included the use of kohl, henna, perfumes and hair-care products - SPA
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‘Rashrash’: A Silver Necklace Reflecting Jazan’s Traditional Women’s Jewelry Heritage

Adornment was not limited to silver jewelry but also included the use of kohl, henna, perfumes and hair-care products - SPA
Adornment was not limited to silver jewelry but also included the use of kohl, henna, perfumes and hair-care products - SPA

Traditional jewelry in Jazan Region preserves part of the memory of women and reflects aspects of their social lives in the past.

Among these ornaments is the Rashrash necklace, a silver piece worn around women’s necks, valued for its aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, which are deeply rooted in the community’s customs and heritage.

According to SPA, silver held a prominent place in traditional Jazan women’s adornment, with jewelry ranging from necklaces, earrings and bracelets to decorative pieces worn on the upper arms and feet.

The Rashrash was among the ornaments worn by women in Jazan and was one of the pieces worn by brides as part of traditional wedding customs. Together with other jewelry, it formed the bride’s adornment for the occasion, reflecting the attention women paid to aesthetic details and the variety of silverwork used for personal adornment.

Adornment was not limited to silver jewelry but also included the use of kohl, henna, perfumes and hair-care products.

Women also used local plants and flowers to adorn their hair on special occasions. These practices were closely linked to the natural environment, which provided the plants and materials women used in their daily lives and social gatherings.

Culture

The Black Stone: Sacred Landmark at the Heart of the Holy Kaaba

The Black Stone is located at a height of about one and a half meters from the Mataf surface. (SPA)
The Black Stone is located at a height of about one and a half meters from the Mataf surface. (SPA)
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The Black Stone: Sacred Landmark at the Heart of the Holy Kaaba

The Black Stone is located at a height of about one and a half meters from the Mataf surface. (SPA)
The Black Stone is located at a height of about one and a half meters from the Mataf surface. (SPA)

In the southeastern corner of the Holy Kaaba stands the Black Stone, the faith-filled landmark from which Tawaf begins and ends, drawing the hearts and eyes of millions of Muslims performing the sacred ritual, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.

The Black Stone is located at a height of about one and a half meters from the Mataf surface. It appears black with a reddish tint, surrounded by a pure silver frame, and appears inside in the form of small cohesive parts held together by a binding substance.

During Tawaf, Muslims seek to kiss or touch the Black Stone, if feasible without hardship or crowding, or to point to it while reciting the Takbir, in adherence to the prophetic Sunnah, added the news agency.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia gives special care to the Holy Kaaba and its landmarks, driven by its dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque conducts periodic maintenance, cleaning, and perfuming of the Black Stone using specialized personnel and modern technologies, including high-resolution imaging to document its features with precision.