عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Culture

Alia Palace in Makkah: A Historic Witness to a Lost City from 1,300 Years Ago

Alia Palace in Makkah. (SPA)
Alia Palace in Makkah. (SPA)
TT
TT

Alia Palace in Makkah: A Historic Witness to a Lost City from 1,300 Years Ago

Alia Palace in Makkah. (SPA)
Alia Palace in Makkah. (SPA)

Standing tall southeast of Rabigh governorate in Makkah Region and a few kilometers from Miqat Al-Juhfah, the historic Alia Palace is a testament to one of the ancient Hajj pilgrimage and trade routes that connected Makkah to Madinah.

Perched on the left bank of the Wadi Al-Ghaidah, Alia Palace resembles the remnants of a crumbling fortress dating back to the Abbasid era. It forms part of a long-lost city, with only the foundations of basalt stone structures remaining, the Saudi Press Agency said on Monday.

The archaeological features of Alia Palace and its surrounding historic sites underscore the significance of the ancient city of Al-Juhfah, known anciently as Mahya'ah, which faded into obscurity during the early Abbasid period.

Constructed with exquisite Abbasid architectural style, the palace was built using black basalt stone sourced from the nearby mountains. The site also contains fragments of green-glazed pottery, which provide insights into the historical period of the palace through shards of various vessels.

Most Viewed

 
 
Culture

KSGAAL Signs MoU with Jordan Academy of Arabic

KSGAAL Signs MoU with Jordan Academy of Arabic
TT
TT

KSGAAL Signs MoU with Jordan Academy of Arabic

KSGAAL Signs MoU with Jordan Academy of Arabic

As part of its fifth annual international conference, themed "Arabic Language and Culture: Intersections and Dimensions," King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Jordan Academy of Arabic.

The agreement aims to foster cooperation in serving the Arabic language and its associated disciplines. It also establishes a framework for joint action to facilitate the exchange of expertise and integration of capabilities between the two academies.

KSGAAL was represented at the signing by its Secretary-General Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, while the Jordan Academy of Arabic was represented by its President Dr. Mohammad Adnan Al-Bakhit. The MoU was signed remotely.

The agreement outlines areas of cooperation, including research, studies, and scholarly projects related to the Arabic language and its sciences. It also covers the publication, translation, and printing of studies and the implementation of specialized training programs in linguistic sciences, SPA reported.

The MoU also covers the administration of the "Hamza" academic Arabic proficiency test for non-native speakers and the development of digital dictionaries and linguistic corpora. These resources will be made accessible through the "SIWAR" Linguistic Lexicon platform and the "FALAK" Linguistic Corpus platform. The two academies will also exchange linguistic and cultural data.

The memorandum provides for World Arabic Language Day celebrations and the organization of exhibitions, linguistic competitions, events, academic programs, seminars, training courses, and panel discussions. These activities aim to serve the Arabic language and enhance its presence, along with other areas agreed upon by both parties.

Culture

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Center Promotes Arabic Calligraphy Through Specialized Training

These initiatives support the center's efforts to develop the skills of practitioners and enthusiasts - SPA
These initiatives support the center's efforts to develop the skills of practitioners and enthusiasts - SPA
TT
TT

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Center Promotes Arabic Calligraphy Through Specialized Training

These initiatives support the center's efforts to develop the skills of practitioners and enthusiasts - SPA
These initiatives support the center's efforts to develop the skills of practitioners and enthusiasts - SPA

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy is conducting a series of specialized training programs and courses in Arabic calligraphy during the last quarter of 2026 across Madinah, Riyadh, and Dammam.

These initiatives support the center's efforts to develop the skills of practitioners and enthusiasts while promoting the art form as a key component of the Kingdom's cultural identity, SPA reported.

The programs support practitioners of all nationalities and contribute to the preservation of Arabic calligraphy by passing on its knowledge and skills to future generations.

Culture

Makkah's Traditional Architecture Inspires Modern Urban Identity

Among the most prominent features of the traditional Makkah house are the Rawashin - SPA
Among the most prominent features of the traditional Makkah house are the Rawashin - SPA
TT
TT

Makkah's Traditional Architecture Inspires Modern Urban Identity

Among the most prominent features of the traditional Makkah house are the Rawashin - SPA
Among the most prominent features of the traditional Makkah house are the Rawashin - SPA

Makkah's architecture reflects a long history in which an identity closely linked to the city's religious stature was formed, shaped by its geographical, climatic, and social environment to produce a distinct style that combines functionality and beauty.

Among the most prominent features of the traditional Makkah house are the Rawashin, projecting wooden windows and balconies that regulated light and air, reduced solar glare, ensured privacy, and gave facades their aesthetic character, SPA reported.

They are distinguished by their varied sizes, shapes, and intricate decorations, reflecting craftsmen's skill in merging practical requirements with artistic value.

The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has developed urban guidelines drawing on the city's architectural heritage to enhance the cityscape and integrate aesthetic, functional, and sustainability considerations. These guidelines are inspired by traditional elements including Rawashin, arched windows, recessed entrances, lattice patterns, and earth-tone colors.

Makkah's architecture today presents a model of balance between preserving identity and keeping pace with development, reinterpreting accumulated local knowledge and artistic values to meet the needs of the modern city.