Historic Jeddah: Character & Characteristics
From trade routes to building Blocks, elements from the Architectural Legacy
Architectural characteristics
The district is characterised by its distinctive architecture, which combines local building traditions with influences and crafts from along the trade routes, a testament to its role as a meeting point for different civilisations.
The Art of Mashrabiya (2024/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage
Roshan windows
Dotted with wooden latticed coverings on balconies or bay windows (roshan), these were purpose built to support air flow and preserve the privacy of homes. They were also a symbol of luxury.
Coral and wood (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage
Al Mangabi stones
Most structures were primarily built using local materials such as coral or Al Mangabi stones, quarried from the nearby Red Sea.
Wooden rawashin (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage
Coral Stone
The intricately carved wooden roshan (plural rawashin) windows paired with coral stone can be found in tower houses built by wealthy merchants in the late 19th century.
Beauty of Green (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage
Bayt Noorwali
This historic house showcases traditional architecture and offers a glimpse into the lives of Jeddah's wealthy 19th century merchants.
A Jeddah family bonds through traditional storytelling (2024) by JHD and MOCUNESCO World Heritage
Community character
Jeddah’s neighbourhoods weren't only known for their landmarks or location, but also for the people who lived there.
Historical Jeddah Signages (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage
Historic Jeddah’s four "harats", or districts, each had unique characters. Al Sham was home to wealthy merchants, Al Mazloum bustled with skilled artisans, and Al Yaman housed sailors. Al Bahr served as the coastal gateway, vital for trade and cultural exchange.
Trita (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage
It's always been woven together by a shared sense of community and hospitality such that the district's many coffeehouses and gathering places have served as social hubs for centuries, fostering a strong sense of belonging among residents with cultural events, and festive spirit.
A Timeless Marketplace - 2UNESCO World Heritage
The vibrant souks & bustling atmosphere have been a central part the district’s life for centuries. Selling a variety of goods, from spices and textiles to gold and silver jewellery.
Dahab store (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage
Souq Al’Alawi is known for textiles, while Souq Al Badu offers Bedouin crafts. Souq An-Nada specializes in spices and perfumes. Souq Qabel is famous for its gold jewelry, and Souq Bab Makkah is renowned for its traditional clothing and accessories.
Discover Historic Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage
Discover Historic Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
A visual collation of the various events and happenings in Historic Jeddah
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