Bayt Salloum: Everyday Heritage Inside One of Jeddah’s Oldest Homes

Founded by Abdullah bin Obeid Salloum, the house spans 497 square meters and includes four floors. Its layout reflects how extended families once lived together under one roof in urban Jeddah.

Bayt Salloum retains many original features and objects: traditional seating areas, old irons, a kerosene refrigerator, and a “markab,” a local stove used for daily cooking. These items offer concrete examples of pre-electric household life.

One room was set aside specifically for the grandmother, a common custom in households of the region. This room often served as a quiet, respected space that symbolized continuity within the family unit.

“Maqaad Al-Sittat”, or 'women's seat', was a designated area where women gathered in the afternoons for conversation, tea, and shared time. This tradition reflects the neighborhood’s close-knit social culture and women’s roles in community cohesion.

The house includes open salon areas with low “Al-Karweeta” chairs arranged for group seating. These were used for social visits and informal gatherings, highlighting how domestic architecture encouraged interaction.

Harat Al Mazloum is one of the four original neighborhoods of Historic Jeddah. Bayt Salloum’s placement within this district adds to its cultural value and accessibility for visitors exploring Historic Jeddah.

The home is now included in a Ministry of Culture project to restore 400 historic buildings in Jeddah. The goal is to reactivate these spaces for cultural, economic, and educational use.