My World: Al-Diriyah and Wadi Hanifa

[fahim mohammed]

Not far from my house is located a UNESCO World Heritage Site...District of Turaif, Al-Diriyah and Wadi Hanifa.

You can find information about this area on Wikepedia. It shall give one an idea about the area and its history.

The first thing one notices as one approaches Wadi Hanifa is our flag. It is huge..and I mean huge.

So lets descend and take a quick ride through this area of palm groves and gardens and some structures.

 

[fahim mohammed]

If you checked up on Wiki, they mention a dam around here.

I shall not go there. The arrows are clear as to which way to go..

Instead I shall go into a small palm grove and a disused, but maintained water well..

The bottom arrow ( for those wondering ) points towards Arja.

 

[fahim mohammed]

When i was young, very young..I remember the mosques..not much different than this one; except this one has air-con, speaker, fans and lights added!!

Btw, this mosque is not just for exhibition; but a fully functioning one.

Let's step inside...

The roof, in the old days would be covered by palm leaves or such to provide shade.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Thanks for taking us on a tour, Fahim. I was surprised at first to have just a single flag and the small grove of trees.

This is now most enjoyable.

Asher

 

[Paul Abbott]

Hey Fahim, what a great document this last image is. It's quite a strange one really, provoking a sense of wonder with the elements of the fans, dispenser, swept clean floor and prayer mat...and it's a mosque!

 

[fahim mohammed]

Asher, Paul..

Thanks for taking an interest in this brief car ride thru a part of Riyadh.

We are having the Eid holidays, and the grandkids wanted to do something..so I took them here this morning.

Paul, I had missed the coming together of the elements you mentioned. Thanks for bringing them to my notice.

It is difficult to preserve the structures on the one hand, and simultaneously provide for the convenience of those that visit here. Considering that the building materials originally used were not the strongest to begin with.

Next visit I shall bring you the photograph as seen on Wiki. I could only cover a small section today. Soon!

Kindest regards.

 

[fahim mohammed]

Let's continue our car ride and walk...

My parent's house was not much different than this...

 

[fahim mohammed]

Others had something a little more elaborate..

 

[fahim mohammed]

Work continues to strengthen and maintain the remainder of that which has not succumbed to the vagaries of time and the weather...

 

[fahim mohammed]

Here is a house which has been preserved. The structure is the same. Work has been done to renew it and strengthen it.

The aircon is, of course, a modern addition.

Want a look inside?

Later

 

[fahim mohammed]

Time to get back home.

But not before glancing at the house on the small hill to my left.

Till the next time when we visit Wadi Hanifa.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Work continues to strengthen and maintain the remainder of that which has not succumbed to the vagaries of time and the weather...

This is sad, with the mud structures crumbling. What are the plans - just let nature reclaim the place?

Asher

 

[fahim mohammed]

This is sad, with the mud structures crumbling. What are the plans - just let nature reclaim the place?

Asher

Work is constantly being done, in coordination with international experts, to preserve these sites.

Many sites have been re-built with similar mud, but re-enforced with modern materials, to better witstand the weather.

This is an example of a reclaimed structure..

Additionally boundaries are being place, designed to merge with the existing architecture, so as to protect them from harm from the visitors. While providing a place for visitors to relax and walk around..

Regards.

 

[Asher Kelman]

This architecture seems rather distinguished and refined, Fahim. Does the style have a name and the painting, no doubt a long tradition?


Asher

 

[fahim mohammed]

This architecture seems rather distinguished and refined, Fahim. Does the style have a name and the painting, no doubt a long tradition?


Asher

Not off hand Asher. But traditional.

Best.