The Architectural Route in Historic Jeddah

Embark on an architectural journey through the heart of Jeddah's rich history.

Jeddah Cityscape at Sunset: Historic Al-Balad and Lake Al Arbaeen (2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage

In Historic Jeddah, among its winding alleys and ornate facades, unfolds a story carved in stone, refined in wood, and adorned with rawasheen, or patterned wooden window frames. This journey spans centuries, blending beauty and function with tradition and innovation.

Zenel Facade (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage

Features of traditional architecture

In Historic Jeddah, traditional architecture appears at every turn—not as repetition but as wonder. It begins with mangabi stone from the Red Sea, carved into thick walls that reflect heat and retain moisture, shaped by generations of builders.

A world within a city (2023/2023) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage

Wooden beams reinforce the walls, making them strong yet flexible. Then come the rawasheen—Jeddah’s iconic wooden bay windows—carved in intricate patterns. They offer privacy, airflow, and reflect the taste and status of their owners.

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Bayt Al-Sharbatly (Egyptian Embassy)

Built in 1354 AH / 1935 CE, this home is adorned with rawasheen and detailed balconies. It once housed the Egyptian Embassy, becoming a symbol of political and cultural convergence in Jeddah.

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Bayt Zenel (Dutch Consulate)

Opposite the northern city wall, Bayt Zenel (1347 AH / 1929 CE) was the first house inside the wall built with reinforced concrete. The Dutch Consulate used it in the 1940s–50s, merging tradition with new architectural elements.

Al-Shafe'i Mosque (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage

Historic mosques

Mosques in Historic Jeddah are key to understanding the city’s spiritual and architectural heritage. Each one reflects distinct styles, construction periods, and community roles, blending faith with the evolving design traditions of the region.

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Al Shafe’i Mosque

In Souk Al-Jami’, Harat Al Mazloum, Al Shafe’i Mosque dates to the early 12th century AH. Its open courtyard and rectangular plan reflect Hijazi style. The minaret, added in the Ayyubid era, is a lasting architectural statement.

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Al Mi’mar Mosque

At the road to Souk Al'Alawi, between Harat Al Mazloum and Harat Al Yaman, stands Al Mi’mar Mosque. Built in 1093 AH / 1682 CE, its mihrab plaque confirms its date. Simple and multifunctional, it reflects Hijazi architectural values.

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Al Maghribi Mosque

In Harat Al-Mazloom, this mosque was built in 1263 AH / 1847 CE by Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Maghribi. An inscription inside preserves its place in Jeddah’s spiritual and architectural legacy.

Bayt Jokhdar (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage

Heritage hotels

In Historic Jeddah, restored homes like Bayt Kedwan, Bayt Jokhdar, and Bayt AlRayyes become heritage hotels. Restoration preserves each building’s soul—rawasheen, stone floors, and carved motifs tell stories from the past.

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These homes were once family residences, now reborn for guests. Authenticity remains, from etched wood to mosaic walls. Staying here isn’t just sleep—it’s an encounter with living history and the whispers of generations.

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Each hotel strikes a careful balance: Saudi character intact, modern comforts added. It’s a unique chance to live in a 19th-century home without missing the comforts of the 21st century.

Historic Jeddah's Skyline at Dusk (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage

Historic neighborhoods

Within Jeddah’s ancient walls lie four main harat: Harat Al Sham, Harat Al Yaman, Harat Al Mazloum, and Harat Al Bahr, each with its own architectural and social flair, shaping the soul of the city over centuries.

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Harat Al Sham, in the north, featured wide alleys and merchant homes. To the south, Harat Al Yaman was simpler and close to the sea. Harat Al Mazloum sits at the heart. Harat Al Bahr thrived on trade near the port.

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Together, these harat form an architectural symphony—stone paths, rawasheen, and mashrabiyas in rhythmic harmony. Each one has its unique feel, yet all contribute to Jeddah’s collective spirit and enduring identity.

Lake Al Arbaeen: A Tranquil Oasis (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage

Layers of legacy

Historic Jeddah showcases the evolution of architecture, culture, and community. From rawasheen to restored homes, each element reflects practical design and lasting heritage, offering insight into the city’s past and how it continues to shape its future.

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