Historic Jeddah: An Ever Evolving Architecture
Discover the unique architectural elements that have shaped Jeddah's identity over centuries.
A bird's-eye view of Historic Jeddah (2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage
Global influence
By the 7th century CE, Jeddah had established itself as both a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes – its strategic location facilitating trade between Africa and Asia in particular – and a gateway to Makkah for Muslim pilgrims who arrived by sea.
Jeddah: A Historic Port and Pilgrimage Gateway (2024/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage
Jeddah served as a vital hub for pilgrims arriving by sea. It was a place to gather, exchange stories, seek guidance, and prepare for the journey to Makkah, purchasing essential items along the way.
Public Spaces, Roads, and Lagoon Lake (2023/2024) by Jeddah Historic District / Ministry of CultureUNESCO World Heritage
The city's proximity to the sea has influenced its climate and architecture, shaping Historic Jeddah’s unique character embodied through different architectural elements.
Roshan
These intricately carved wooden screens are a common feature in Historic Jeddah’s traditional architecture. They provide shade, ventilation, and privacy, while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of buildings.
Coral stone construction
Many of Historic Jeddah’s buildings are constructed from coral stone, a natural material that is well-suited to the region's climate. Coral stone is durable, insulating, and has a distinctive appearance.
Tairama (wind towers)
These traditional structures were designed to capture cool breezes and channel them into buildings, providing natural air conditioning.
Barha (courtyard design)
Many historic homes feature central courtyards, which provide shade, ventilation, and a space for social gatherings.
Woodcarving
Intricate woodcarvings, particularly in the form of Roshan screens, are a hallmark of Historic Jeddah’s architecture. These intricate latticework panels are often adorned with geometric patterns and floral motifs.
Metalwork
Jeddah has a long tradition of metalworking, producing items such as jewelry, household utensils, and decorative objects. The artisans often incorporated Islamic geometric patterns and calligraphy into their designs.
Minarets
There are also impressive structures such as Al-Shafi'i Mosque. The mosque's minaret, a testament to the city's architectural prowess, stands as a prominent landmark on the Jeddah Skyline.
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