
Baha's stone building craft thriving as local artisans embrace heritage
Building using stone, a cornerstone of the region's heritage, remains integral to Baha's cultural fabric, with locals working to adapt the practice to meet contemporary demands, a Saudi Press Agency report highlighted.
Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, a seasoned builder in Baha, highlighted the labor-intensive nature of the building process, which lasts several months and involves using various types of stones, including cornerstones, long stones and the supporting Al-Mateen or Al-Dahr stones, which are essential for erecting a room.
Saleh Al-Zahrani, another local builder, highlighted the process of finishing a building with mud plastering, using juniper trees for doors and windows, and embellishing them with decorative carvings. The houses are further adorned with white quartz stones, creating a distinct look.
The architectural similarities among buildings in Baha are notable. Dwellings are closely arranged, and villages feature narrow streets and a central square for social activities.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab News
4 days ago
- Arab News
Charitable group Ensan's schoolbag project targets 16k children
RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphan Care, Ensan, will provide bags this year for 16,007 students at 22 schools in the Riyadh governorate. Ensan has allocated over SR3.2 million ($853,000) for the project, with each bag costing SR200, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. The money for the bags and stationary needs will be deposited into the bank accounts of parents and guardians. Ensan has other projects to help children including providing tutors, and transport to and from school. The organization also assists in getting young people scholarships, and admission to universities, colleges and specialized institutes. Ensan has called on the public to assist with funding for their projects via the platform


Arab News
10-08-2025
- Arab News
Heritage festival serves up Baha's beloved muqana bread
RIYADH: Each region of the Kingdom preserves customs passed down through generations. Muqana bread is a staple of Baha's traditional cuisine, and local artisans prepare the dish at markets and heritage festivals, 'drawing large crowds,' according to a Saudi Press Agency report. Recognized as the region's official dish by Saudi Arabia's Culinary Arts Commission, muqana bread is prized for its distinctive flavor. At the recent eighth Alatawelah Heritage Festival there was a muqana pavilion, at which visitors could watch the bread being made. Traditional bread maker Ahmed Al-Shuyukh explained that the dough, made from wheat flour, is flattened into a circle, baked on a heated rock, then covered with a clay or metal lid and buried in hot ash and embers until cooked. This traditional method gives the bread a distinct smoky flavor and crisp texture, and it is often served with ghee, honey, or yogurt, Al-Shuyukh told the SPA. The festival 'supports local artisans in the preservation of folk heritage, and promotes cultural tourism,' according to the SPA. Another section of the festival 'celebrated the traditional work of women, showcasing their historic contributions to family and community life,' by featuring presentations of food preparation, wool spinning, basket and mat weaving, and firewood collection. 'Young girls demonstrated these skills for visitors, offering a glimpse into rural life of the past,' the SPA added.


Arab News
06-08-2025
- Arab News
Artisans showcase heritage at Al-Atula festival
RIYADH: Live demonstrations of traditional crafts by skilled artisans at the eighth Al-Atula Archeological Village Festival have drawn significant interest, according to a Saudi Press Agency report. Festival supervisor Othman Al-Zahrani said the event features more than 10 sections dedicated to traditional crafts. These include ancient building techniques, door and window engraving, sword and dagger making, and Sadu weaving, the SPA reported on Wednesday. The sections offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional professions firsthand with the artisans using simple tools and natural materials rooted in the heritage of the Baha region. The event aligns with the Year of Handicrafts, an initiative launched to celebrate and support traditional crafts across the Kingdom. The Baha region is known for its thriving craft industries that reflect the identity and history of its people. More than 200 artisans from the region practice and preserve 20 distinct types of skills passed down through generations and showcased in local markets and cultural events.