04-04-2025
Reviving heritage — the story of Bayt Isa
RIYADH: The historic Bayt Isa — named after Isa bin Mugayel — in Riyadh's Irqah district is now open to members of the public following major restoration.
Born in 1873, Isa was one of the sons of Irqah. His grandson, Bader Al-Mugayel, spoke to Arab News about the deep connection to his ancestors' legacy that led him to renovate the building in 2022.
'Three years ago, I saw the area. Of course, what made me interested was my grandfather,' he said.
After 16 months of hard work, the historic house is now open to visitors free of charge.
'We wanted this project to be Saudi-made and with local products,' explained Al-Mugayel. 'The goal isn't investment; the goal is that this place doesn't die.'
Highlighting the architectural techniques used in the traditional houses, he added: 'Any house has something in it. It has engineering. It's impossible to build a house that lasts for a long time without a solid foundation.'
Some of the houses in the area date back 200 years. The distinctive Najdi architecture plays a crucial role in the heritage of Irqah and is characterized by flat roofs, thick walls and intricate geometric patterns.
The restoration of Bayt Isa adhered to these architectural principles, ensuring it reflected the traditional building techniques of the Najd region.
'When we came to restore, we found that they actually followed certain measurements. they didn't exceed 3.5 meters,' said Al-Mugayel.
The resilience of the materials used, especially wood that can bear heavy loads, underlines the ingenuity of generations past.
Al-Mugayel's commitment to preserving the integrity of the structures is clear in his approach — very little has been changed.
Future plans include a motel, to allow guests to experience a taste of life in another time. He also hopes to include local cafes and markets, prioritizing the involvement of local producers and families. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote tourism and cultural heritage.
'Our strategy is to ensure that local families benefit from this project,' said Al-Mugayel, who has engaged with those producing traditional Najdi food.
'We want everyone to come and witness how people lived in the old days,' he told Arab News.
'We opened it for free. You come, walk around, have coffee, tea, and see the house.'
