AvantGardeJournals: MONUMENTS IN DIRIYAH: A HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL VALUE by Hissah Obaid Alshammari, Princess Norah University

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. 2^nd Edition. The Ministry of identifier, Saudi Arabia 0.1391 e.

Jabarti, A.H. The wonders of monuments in translations and news. 2^nd 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. 2^nd Ed. Cairo, 1976.

Essa, M.A. City AL Daria Arabs. No. IV, 1386, pp. 324-330.

Diriyah base first Saudi state. 1^st 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.

[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.

[19] Ibn Ghannam, Parterre ideas and Understanding, p 6.

[20] Moghanam, fortifications Diriyah, p 364.

[21] General Authority for the Development of Riyadh.

Figures