MONUMENTS IN DIRIYAH: A HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL VALUE
Author:Hissah Obaid Alshammari,
Princess Norah University
Introduction:
Diriyah
historic oasis and Wade Hanifa is located northwest of the city of Riyadh, the capital
of Saudi Arabia (Figure 1)[1]. It
attracted human settlement since ancient times around the detour area of Wade
Hanifa forming oblique area called Alauajja. This was in fact the traditional
name for Diriyah[2].
It truly played an important role in the Kingdom's history because it was a
center of Call for reform and source the first Saudi state and its capital. It highlights
the role of political and religious establishment including and emerged on the
foundations of the state and the doctrine since its inception. It
also includes many of the important monuments demonstrated status to tourists exhibiting
historical importance during the previous eras (Figure 2).
Natural Characteristics of Diriyah:
Diriyah originated
between the two banks of Wade Hanifa, which is characterized by its natural
resources such as joists and fertile land that has helped the human
architecture and stability, as evidenced by ancient of houses and irrigation
canals to support agriculture. It was influenced by human exploitation of the
environment and resulted in flourishing civilization and the embodiment of the
cultural identity of city’s originality[3].
[1] Diriyah town founded blocker bin Rabia Mureydi Dirie
called AL Daria proportion to his hometown, which gave them ALdroua (a small
town or village was near the old Qatif), which is Relative to the Dari his
grandfather also see about this place Essa, Mohammed al-Fahd, "City AL
Daria " Arabs, No. IV, 1386, p 325.
[1] General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities,
historic city centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, 1431/2010, p 25.
[1] General Authority for the Development of Riyadh.
[1] Fakhiri, Mohamed Ben Omar, News Najed, achieving
Abdullah Cub, University of Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, d., T, p
60.
History Diriyah:
The history of Diriyah
goes back to around the middle of the fifteenth century, specifically the year
850 AH when bin Rabia Mureydi moved his family from the east of the Arabian
Peninsula to the area of Najd[4], upon
the invitation of his cousin, Ibn
Dari of Hejr and Algozah[5].
He then granted them the areas of "Almlebed" and "Gosebh" where he settled with his family. The city then became highly
populated with agriculture, and was the foundation for a strong town called "Diriyah"
in honor of their family name[6]. This
put the foundation for a place that can recognize their family history for
generations to come[7].
Soon after, Diriyah
became a transit trade route linking the east and west of the peninsula, as
well as a control passage over the pilgrim routes leading to Mecca. This expanded
its authority on a number of villages of Wade Hanifa and neighboring sites in
the territory the Aradh. With the presence and initiatives of Muhammad bin Saud
and Muhammad bin Abdul Wahab, a new page in the history of Diriyah was about to
be written, as it became the base of the state and the seat of government and
science since the year 1744[8]. This
gave rise to strong political foundation, military center, religious authority
and accumulation of wealth. As such, traders flocked to the markets and the
city gradually become a beacon for science, education and science students from
various regions[9].
This continued well nearly a century and the city served as the country's
supply of scientists and leaders, and remained the capital of the Saudi state until
the ear of Turki bin Abdullah Al-Riyadh around the year 1824[10]. Although
the capital moved to Riyadh, Diriyah retained its heritage and historical
importance.
Downfall of Diriyah:
Ibrahim Pasha
was able to enter Diriyah after a siege that lasted more than six months[11].
The fall of Diriyah was not like other cities that had fallen to the Ibrahim
Pasha, but nevertheless, it represented the fall of the state, and was ushered
in the demise of the unity, security, and prosperity and order in parts of the
Arabian Peninsula.
[1] Abdul Rahim, Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, the first Saudi
state, Tabh second, Cairo, 1976, pp. 27.
[1]Ibn Bushr, uthman bin Abdullah, title glory in the
history of Najd, the achievement of Abdul Rahman Al-Sheikh, the second edition,
the Ministry of identifier, Saudi Arabia 0.1391 e, c 2, p. 29.
[1] Ibn Uthaymeen, Abdullah Saleh, Saudi Arabia's history,
Fourteenth Edition, Riyadh, 1428/2007, p 87.
[1] Ibn Ghannam, Hussein, Parterre ideas and Understanding
Going to if the imam and census invasions with Islam, Cairo 0.1368 e, c 2, p 4.
[1] Anis, Muhammad, the Arab Middle East in modern and
contemporary history, Cairo, p 230.
[1] Wahba, Hafez, the Arabian Peninsula, in the twentieth
century, Cairo, 1955, pp. 213-214.
[1] For more details see the Ibn Bushr, the title of
glory, c 1, pp. 264-274.
Destruction of Diriyah:
Ibrahim Pasha remained
in Diriyah for nine months. It is worth noting that Muhammad Ali wrote to his
son Ibrahim, ordering him to combat the invaders, and warn people to evacuate.
He then launched his forces devastating the Pasha’s army and ordered the
demolition of neighborhoods and burning and cutting palm trees and trees before
leaving 1819[12].
Buildings within the neighborhood of Alturif were prone to destruction and
vandalism more than anywhere else, because they were the seat of the government
at the time[13].
Monuments in Diriyah:
Diriyah hosts several important monuments that
demonstrate its position and historical significance during the past ages, dating
back to the era of Imam Saud Al-Kabeer that witnessed the peak of its glory and
greatness. It was also the climax of prosperity and civilization. With that,
they residents established architectural installations as the state enjoyed
political, and economic prosperity, and a rise in the cultural level, and
despite that the era of Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Mohammed Bin Saud, which lasted
nearly forty years. It was also marked by security and prosperity. Such
establishments makes a lot of historians propose that many of these properties
are held in Diriyah the reign of his son Imam Saud Al Kabeer as a sign of
prosperity. The following is a review of some of the most important monuments
of Diriyah.
The
Remnants of Gosebh Neighborhoods:
Gosebh
neighborhood is the main base of the old city of Diriyah until 1682[14]. Even
during the transmission of the seat of government from Gosebh to the
neighborhoods of Alturif, it has always been occupied by residents and
continued to play a role along with the rest of the neighborhoods in Diriyah. The
Gosebh neighborhood is located at the foot of the high altitude of the plateau,
near the corner of confluence of tributary Kulaiql in the valley Hanifa. The
neighborhood takes the form of a triangle surrounded by a fence by the great
forts and towers to defend it, except the southern part, which then meets
tributary valley.
The neighborhood has a single entrance in the middle of
the northern gate of the fence where the huge system is controlled by to
provide security for the population. This
extends them through the straight towards the south dividing the district into
two parts. At the middle of the road on the right, the Palace of Imam Saud bin Abdul
Aziz is located[15].
This left him with a few foundations and towers high into the corner of North
West, up about thirteen meters still stands majestically despite the violent
assault which he suffered during the siege of the palace Diriyah. Furthermore,
the remnants of the houses are scattered on both sides of the road.
[1] Jabarti, Abdul Rahman, the wonders of monuments in
translations and news, second edition, Damascus, 1387 e, c 3, p 606.
[1] Ibn Bushr, title glory, c 1, p 274.
[1]Moghanam, Ali Saleh, Diriyah historical (Interestingly
neighborhood) World Heritage Site center of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
scientific meeting of the Fourteenth Assembly of the Gulf, held in Doha, Qatar
- 7-8 Jumada II 1434 AH / AD 17 to 18 April 2013,p405.
Alturif
Neighborhoods:
The
neighborhood of Alturif, as seen in Figure 3, is located over the mountain
south-west of Diriyah, and is one of the most important features of Diriyah archaeological.
This is because it includes most of the administrative buildings in the era of
the first Saudi state, and is surrounded by a wall of large towers for
surveillance purposes and for defense of the city. This neighborhood was primarily
built of bricks and stone foundations, tamarisk trees and fronds and palm
fronds. The gave it an advantage over the rest of the neighborhoods in Diriyah with
a view of the Wade Hanifa.
Mosque
of Imam Muhammad bin Saud:
A mosque of
Imam Muhammad bin Saud (Figure 4) is a landmark of the neighborhood of Alturif.
Imam Muhammad bin Saud played a major role in the era of the first Saudi state
at different periods. It is located under the palace from the northern side at
the foot of the valley, and was built of mud, stones and wood. The mosque has
an open courtyard, and a backyard at the level of the floor of the mosque.
House Guests and the Alturif Bath:
The
construction of House guests and Alturif bath can be attributed to the era of
Imam Saud bin Abdul Aziz (1803-1814). They are located south of the
neighborhood of Alturif, overseeing the small valley at the bottom of a well-supplied
bath and annexes water, with advanced building structure, bath guesthouse,
which is a yard widening surrounded its sides different columns. This where
fourteen columns carrying a big umbrella were erected. There is also a building
with only two small rooms small, perhaps the warehouses. The building featured
many decorative elements in various forms wehere Imam Saud welcomed delegates
and guests. The east side of the building includes entrances topped with
luxurious pointed arches (Figure 5).
Attached to the
guesthouse was the Alturif bath that was probably only one of its kind in the entire
region of Najed at the time. It represented a planning model for baths in Turkey.
The entrance was through the north wall, where reception room was located and
surrounded by the four terraced plaster. The western side of the compartment
door leads to the corridor connecting to the square shape warm room, which also
benches for rest and relaxation (Figure 6). The room was those who want to
shower in hot water (Figure 7)[16].
[1] Saud Al-Kabeer bin Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed
Al-Saud is a rulers first Saudi state rule since the death of his father in
1218 AH / 1803 until his death in 1803 AH / 1814, see Al-Essa, Mohammed,
Diriyah the base of the first Saudi state, the first edition, Obeikan
Bookstore, Riyadh, 1415/1995, p 74.
Palace Salwa:
Palace Salwa is
the single largest palace in Diriyah, located in the northern quaint
neighborhood, and is bounded to the north by Wade Hanifa, east by the money
house, west by the mosque of Imam Muhammad bin Saud, and south by the Palace of
Imam Abdullah. It was established by Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in the
late eighteenth century, with wells attached to it to provide residents with
water. This palace includes five residential units built on the eras of
successive rulers (Figure 8). The Prince occupied it to manage the affairs of
state until it became a court site for trials[17].
Palace
of Imam Abdullah bin Saud:
This Palace is
characterized by large area and the size of walls that distinguish it from
other palaces. It is located in the north side of the neighborhood of Alturif,
next to the Palace of Salwa from the south. It is built for multi-purpose
utilization. The foundations of walls are stones which are easily obtained from
the rocky areas of Diriyah. Between the palace and the castle of ALduresh (the
largest castle in Diriyah), there was a corridor runway paved with stones and
was called "trail Faisal" overseeing the valley. Located next to field,
there was an area called "elbow Horse"[18]
with stables for horses. Meanwhile, there were many deficiencies within the
neighborhood of Alturif, characterized by strong architecture and its
projection, which takes the form of box, while the majority of these palaces rise
around a central courtyard in the middle, overlooking the exterior facades with
solid vents and decorations in the form of triangles.
Examples of such palaces is the Saad bin Saud, wutg
two-story and the advantage of an outdoor courtyard used as a horse stable and
all needed services. It also contains an internal courtyard, overlooked by
rooms Palace. Another example is the Palace of Nasser bin Saud with its shape
box and an area of extensive and layout simple, consisting of one floor. As
well, the Mishari bin Saud Palace and which was observed with design beauty and
luster decoration design. Lastly is Palace Tinean and Omar bin Saud bin Saud.
[1] Yassin, Zuhair Camel, bath Alturif and annexes,
Ministry of Education, the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums,
Riyadh, d. T., pp. 86-88.
[1] General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities, Saudi
architectural heritage diversity within the framework of unity, Riyadh,
1431/2010, p 16
[1] General Authority for the Development of
Riyadh.
Mosque
Preacher Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab:
This mosque was
established by Preacher Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab in the neighborhood of
Albjeera (Figure 9), which is located on the eastern bank of the Wade Hanifa.
This area enjoys scientific importance and key centers of knowledge. It also
hosts the Preacher’s residence and school, which is the first university in the
region. This school in fact graduated generations of scientists that related
constituted the Call for reform. In addition to this mosque, here existed a
number of mosques and Quran study schools which have contributed to the
enrichment of scientific activity in Diriyah, the overall Najd and the Arabian
Peninsula in general.
Monuments
of the Blida Neighborhood:
This
neighborhood is located in the center of Diriyah’s historical area and to the
north-west of the Alturif neighborhood. The monuments of Blida Palace Blida
represent an important figure, with the tower, and its walls. The Palace of
Blida is a square building with dimensions of (40x40m), leaving nothing but
walls of Foreign Affairs, which topped balconies. There was space for guests to
sit under the light and ventilation, with the gate of the palace situated on
the western side by the wooden door. The door was made of wood and built
tamarisk ornate brick and stone foundations of the similarity to palace itself.
Market
Season:
This market
featured two rows of shops, east and west, with an area of to exhibit goods to
shoppers in the middle. The market was a popular destination for traders from
all over the Peninsula, especially those who want to meet traders from Yemen
and Tihama, Hijaz, Oman, Bahrain, and Iraq. Due to the rainy season, the shops
were built of reeds, as it would be easy to move from the bottom of the valley.
Diriyah
Walls:
Traditionally, the city was surrounded by walls, with
entry and exit through the gates were often closed at night to prevent raids of
Bedouins, and enemies of the neighboring villages. Diriyah often become a
target for opponents for the ongoing Call for Reform, in addition to the wealth
and economic prosperity within the city. For protection from enemies, the
cities needed defense and fortification. It was mentioned by Ghannam that
people Diriyah when they knew the malicious intentions of governor Al-Ahsa
Araar Ben J. to invade the city by the year 1172 AH, they decided to get ready
by building walls and fences around Diriyah[19].
Historically,
the fence was subject to any external attack and the wall was built again
during the reign of Imam Abdullah bin Saud Al-Kabeer, as it fell in front of
the forces of Ibrahim Pasha. When re-structuring commenced, an increased number
of defense towers were established on the walls (Figure 10) to withstand
further potential ambush[20].
State
Care and Attention to Diriyah:
Given the
importance of Diriyah historic heritage and urban tradition, the state has paid
attention to it. The reconstruction efforts of Diriyah trned it into a cultural
center for tourist (Figure 11). The High Commission for Riyadh Development is now
responsible for developing and maintaining Diriyah. Such efforts included the
development of Diriyah historic villages and neighborhoods, located on the east
bank and west of the Wade Hanifa as well as the Alturif neighborhood.
The General
Authority for Tourism and Antiquities was also mandated to work on the
registration of historical sites within the neighborhoods of Diriyah especially
the Alturif. The initial list of sites can then be included in international
World Heritage listings. Only the Alturif neighborhood was in the list compiled
by UNESCO’s World Architectural Heritage by March of 2010[21]. Nevertheless,
many other locations within the Diriyah region need more attention.
[1] Ibn Ghannam, Parterre ideas and Understanding, p 6.
[1] Moghanam, fortifications Diriyah, p 364.
Conclusions:
In this study,
we examined the historical value of Diriyah. It became clear to us that the
land of Diriyah is rich in monuments and architectural heritage, as it once was
the focus of attention of archaeologists and historians Saudis, Arabs and foreigners
since the early period. We also identified significant landmarks that
highlighted the political, scientific, commercial and religions importance of
the city. Fortunately, this value has motivated the authorities in Saudi Arabia
to exert efforts for restoration and maintenance as well as international recognition.
[1] General Authority for the Development of
Riyadh.
References:
Anis,
M. The Arab Middle East in modern and contemporary history. Cairo, d. T.
Ibn
Bushr, U. Title glory in the history of Najed, the achievement of Abdul Rahman
Al-Sheikh. 2nd Edition. The Ministry of identifier, Saudi Arabia
0.1391 e.
Jabarti,
A.H. The wonders of monuments in translations and news. 2nd Edition. Damascus,
1387 e.
Ibn
Uthaymeen, A.S. Saudi Arabia's history. 4the Edition. d. N. Riyadh. 2007.
Abdul
Rahim, A.R. The first Saudi state. 2nd Ed. Cairo, 1976.
Essa,
M.A. City AL Daria Arabs. No. IV, 1386, pp. 324-330.
Diriyah
base first Saudi state. 1st Edition. Obeikan Bookstore, Riyadh,
1995.
Ibn
Ghannam, H. Parterre ideas and Understanding Going to if the imam and census
invasions with Islam. Cairo 0.1368 e, c.
Fakhiri, M.O. News of Najed,
achieving Abdullah Cub. University of Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic
University. d., T.
Moghanam,
A.S. Diriyah fortifications and military confrontations. The tenth
scientific forum held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 1-3 March 2009.
Diriyah
historical (Interestingly neighborhood) World Heritage Site center of the
kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Scientific meeting of the Fourteenth Assembly of
the Gulf, held in Doha, Qatar. 17-18 April 2013.
Wahba,
H. The Arabian Peninsula, in the twentieth century. Cairo. 1955.
General
Authority for Tourism and Antiquities. Saudi architectural heritage diversity
within the framework of unity. Riyadh. 2010.
Historic
city centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh. 2010.
Yassin,
Zuhair Camel. Bath Alturif and annexes. Ministry of Education, the General
Directorate of Antiquities and Museums. Riyadh, d. T.
[1] Diriyah town founded blocker bin Rabia Mureydi Dirie
called AL Daria proportion to his hometown, which gave them ALdroua (a small
town or village was near the old Qatif), which is Relative to the Dari his
grandfather also see about this place Essa, Mohammed al-Fahd, "City AL
Daria " Arabs, No. IV, 1386, p 325.
[2] General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities,
historic city centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, 1431/2010, p 25.
[3] General Authority for the Development of Riyadh.
[4] Fakhiri, Mohamed Ben Omar, News Najed, achieving
Abdullah Cub, University of Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, d., T, p
60.
[5] Abdul Rahim, Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, the first Saudi
state, Tabh second, Cairo, 1976, pp. 27.
[6]Ibn Bushr, uthman bin Abdullah, title glory in the
history of Najd, the achievement of Abdul Rahman Al-Sheikh, the second edition,
the Ministry of identifier, Saudi Arabia 0.1391 e, c 2, p. 29.
[7] Ibn Uthaymeen, Abdullah Saleh, Saudi Arabia's history,
Fourteenth Edition, Riyadh, 1428/2007, p 87.
[8] Ibn Ghannam, Hussein, Parterre ideas and Understanding
Going to if the imam and census invasions with Islam, Cairo 0.1368 e, c 2, p 4.
[9] Anis, Muhammad, the Arab Middle East in modern and
contemporary history, Cairo, p 230.
[10] Wahba, Hafez, the Arabian Peninsula, in the twentieth
century, Cairo, 1955, pp. 213-214.
[11] For more details see the Ibn Bushr, the title of
glory, c 1, pp. 264-274.
[12] Jabarti, Abdul Rahman, the wonders of monuments in
translations and news, second edition, Damascus, 1387 e, c 3, p 606.
[13] Ibn Bushr, title glory, c 1, p 274.
[14]Moghanam, Ali Saleh, Diriyah historical (Interestingly
neighborhood) World Heritage Site center of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
scientific meeting of the Fourteenth Assembly of the Gulf, held in Doha, Qatar
- 7-8 Jumada II 1434 AH / AD 17 to 18 April 2013,p405.
[15] Saud Al-Kabeer bin Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al-Saud is
a rulers first Saudi state rule since the death of his father in 1218 AH / 1803
until his death in 1803 AH / 1814, see Al-Essa, Mohammed, Diriyah the base of
the first Saudi state, the first edition, Obeikan Bookstore, Riyadh, 1415/1995,
p 74.
[16] Yassin, Zuhair Camel, bath Alturif and annexes,
Ministry of Education, the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums,
Riyadh, d. T., pp. 86-88.
[17] General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities, Saudi
architectural heritage diversity within the framework of unity, Riyadh,
1431/2010, p 16
[18] General Authority for the Development of Riyadh.
[21] General Authority for the Development of Riyadh.
Figures
Figure 1: A map showing the location of AL
Diriyah
Figure 2: Historical ruins AL Diriyah
Figure 3: The neighborhood ancient residences
Figure 4: The mosque of Imam Muhammad bin Saud
Figure 5: The ruins of the guesthouse and the Alturif bath
Figure 6: Terraces reception room at the Alturif bath
Figure 7: Guesthouse and the Alturif bath after
restoration
Figure 8: The eastern facade of Palace Salwa
Figure 9: Mosque of the Preacher Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab
Figure 10: View of the defensive fortifications in AL Diriyah
Figure 11: AL Diriyah restoration and rehabilitation of buildings
Figure 12: The central region AL Daria after development
