Al-Ghamdi Brothers Restore Old Archaeological Building in Al-Dhafir Village, Al-Baha

Al-Dhafir village has the potential to become a hub for historical and archaeological tourism, says Al-Ghamdi, SPA
Al-Dhafir village has the potential to become a hub for historical and archaeological tourism, says Al-Ghamdi, SPA
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Al-Ghamdi Brothers Restore Old Archaeological Building in Al-Dhafir Village, Al-Baha

Al-Dhafir village has the potential to become a hub for historical and archaeological tourism, says Al-Ghamdi, SPA
Al-Dhafir village has the potential to become a hub for historical and archaeological tourism, says Al-Ghamdi, SPA

Yanallah Al-Ghamdi and his brothers undertook a remarkable initiative to restore and rehabilitate an old archaeological building in Al-Dhafir village, Al-Baha city.

Al-Ghamdi said that the building was restored through their own efforts, and that they aspire to revive the entire village, which holds historical importance as a regional hub that has witnessed significant events over time, SPA reported.

It is also home to various historical and archaeological mosques, including the King Abdulaziz Mosque, which was part of the Crown Prince's project for the renovation of historical mosques.
According to Al-Ghamdi, Al-Dhafir village has the potential to become a hub for historical and archaeological tourism. It features several buildings that used to be headquarters for different ministries, as well as the region's first school, established in 1353 AH. They highlight the village's historical significance as a hub connecting neighboring areas to Al-Baha.
Al-Ghamdi said the village is considered a significant archaeological site in the region, and expressed hope that the Ministry of Culture will undertake restoration efforts and document its historical events, given the existence of reliable references and testimonies from the elderly. He also commended Al-Baha governor's office for its dedication to preserving and reviving the region's heritage.
The village is currently holding several engaging programs and activities organized by the residents, which have had a positive influence on the younger generation.
Al-Ghamdi said that the restored building houses several exhibits related to his family's experience in traditional medicine, a profession they have practiced for over 130 years.



Japan’s Sado Mines Added to World Heritage List

This photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows a mine on Sado island. (AFP)
This photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows a mine on Sado island. (AFP)
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Japan’s Sado Mines Added to World Heritage List

This photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows a mine on Sado island. (AFP)
This photo taken on May 9, 2022 shows a mine on Sado island. (AFP)

A network of mines on a Japanese island infamous for using conscripted wartime labor was added to UNESCO's World Heritage register Saturday after South Korea dropped earlier objections to its listing.

The Sado gold and silver mines, now a popular tourist attraction, are believed to have started operating as early as the 12th century and produced until after World War II.

Japan had put a case for World Heritage listing because of their lengthy history and the artisanal mining techniques used there at a time when European mines had turned to mechanization.

The proposal was opposed by Seoul when it was first put because of the use of involuntary Korean labor during World War II, when Japan occupied the Korean peninsula.

UNESCO confirmed the listing of the mines at its ongoing committee meeting in New Delhi on Saturday after a bid highlighting its archaeological preservation of "mining activities and social and labor organization".

"I would like to wholeheartedly welcome the inscription... and pay sincere tribute to the long-standing efforts of the local people which made this possible," Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said in a statement.

The World Heritage effort was years in the making, inspired in part by the successful recognition of a silver mine in western Japan's Shimane region.

South Korea's foreign ministry said it had agreed to the listing "on the condition that Japan faithfully implements the recommendation... to reflect the 'full history' at the Sado Gold Mine site and takes proactive measures to that end."

Historians have argued that recruitment conditions at the mine effectively amounted to forced labor, and that Korean workers faced significantly harsher conditions than their Japanese counterparts.

"Discrimination did exist," Toyomi Asano, a professor of history of Japanese politics at Tokyo's Waseda University, told AFP in 2022.

"Their working conditions were very bad and dangerous. The most dangerous jobs were allocated to them."

Also added to the list on Saturday was the Beijing Central Axis, a collection of former imperial palaces and gardens in the Chinese capital.

The UNESCO committee meeting runs until Wednesday.