Latest news with #traditionalarchitecture
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Historic Jeddah's wooden doors exemplify traditional Hijazi architecture
RIYADH: Ancient wooden doors scattered across the alleys of Jeddah's historic Al-Balad neighborhood exemplify the traditional architecture of the Hijaz region. Their beauty has been preserved for centuries, and they have become symbolic of the architectural identity that led to the area joining the UNESCO World Heritage List. These doors are crafted from teak and walnut wood imported from India and East Africa, renowned for their durability and weatherproof quality. They are reinforced with large iron nails and adorned with arabesque, geometric, and botanical engravings, reflecting the creativity of local craftspeople in Jeddah who developed this craft generation after generation. The wooden doors serve multiple architectural functions, according to the Saudi Press Agency, most notably protecting homes from summer heat and providing ventilation through finely decorated openings, in addition to their aesthetic appeal. Some doors feature double layers: a large outer one for visitors and a smaller one allowing easy entry and exit without opening the main door. As part of Saudi Vision 2030 efforts to preserve historic Jeddah, dozens of wooden doors have undergone meticulous restoration by specialized artisans using the same original wood, with careful documentation of engravings and decorations to ensure their preservation. These are testimonies to the evolution of Hijazi society and its adaptation to the environment. They carry in their engravings stories of trade and seafaring, showing how architecture preserves the identity of a place and the spirit of its people. Al-Balad is believed to have been inhabited since the era before Islam, according to Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage sources. Some of the buildings that stand there today were built around 400 years ago. Old Jeddah includes a number of monuments and heritage buildings such as the Old Jeddah wall and its historical open squares such as Al-Mazloom, Al-Sham, Al-Yemen and Al-Bahr Haras. The Old Jeddah wall was built to fortify the city from attacks initiated by the Portuguese coming in from the Red Sea, but it was torn down in the 1940s due to urbanization.
New York Times
01-08-2025
- New York Times
$880,000 Homes in Romania
Ferești | $860,000 (750,000 euros) These five wood cottages were built more than a century ago and brought to the property from different parts of Maramureş, in northern Transylvania, starting in 2014. They have the region's signature architectural features, including sharply sloping roofs, rounded dormer windows and wooden porches. The homes are clustered around a central lawn, an arrangement ideal for socializing. In total, there are 14 bedrooms with 22 beds and six full bathrooms. The largest house has around 2,000 square feet. Maramureș is a largely rural region where traditional local architecture and customs have been well preserved. Eight of the area's historic wooden churches, built between the 17th and 19th centuries, comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This property is in Ferești, a village where hiking, cycling and cultural tourism are the main tourist attractions. The Mocănița Maramureș steam train, with a locomotive that is more than 100 years old, is another draw in the region. The closest large city, Baia Mare, is about an hour west by car and has a medieval area and museums. Five miles west of the city's center is Maramureș International Airport, with flights to some European cities, as well as Tunisia. Cluj-Napoca International Airport, which has connections to Bucharest and many European cities, is about three hours by car. Size: 7,534 square feet (including the tree house) Price per square foot: $115 Indoors: The largest of the five cottages has three bedrooms and two bathrooms with showers. The others range in size, most with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Two of the homes are over a small bridge that crosses a fishing pond. All the cottages have white walls and colorful wooden doors and window frames, some green and others blue. The homes are sold turnkey, with traditional furnishings including vessel sinks, colorful ceramic plates on the walls, wood burning stoves and a large loom. Outdoor space: A traditional wooden gate greets residents and their guests. The property, on almost an acre, has outdoor amenities including a pond with fish, a stone storage room, a timber pavilion, a sauna, a hot tub and areas for grilling and eating. A zip line runs over the pond and is attached to a tree house studio apartment. Costs: The projected estimated property tax is around $300 per year. Contact: Daniel Lengyel | Romania Sotheby's International Realty | +40-722-235-083 Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Arab News
28-06-2025
- Arab News
Rooted in earth: Rafha's mud structures tell a story of sustainability
RIYADH: In the heart of northern Saudi Arabia, the mud buildings of Rafha stand as 'a vibrant narrative of traditional architecture, reflecting authenticity, creativity, and cultural identity,' the Saudi Press Agency said in an article on Saturday. These structures tell the story of an ancient past, 'embodying traditional architectural ingenuity that connects people to the land.' Located along one of the Kingdom's most significant tourist routes, the buildings 'integrate cultural heritage with the natural environment,' the SPA wrote, and 'serve as living records of generational memory, preserved through architectural details.' This makes them an appealing destination for anyone interested in history, heritage, and traditional craftsmanship. • The buildings in Rafha were constructed using indigenous methods and natural materials including mud, stone, wood, and palm fronds. • Local authorities are making efforts to restore and maintain these mud structures, preserving their historical and cultural value. The buildings were constructed using indigenous methods and natural materials including mud, stone, wood, and palm fronds. Their design responds to the local environment, maintaining balanced indoor temperatures during scorching summers and cooler winters. Most feature an inner courtyard, surrounded by rooms arranged in a circular layout, reflecting a strong sense of community. These mud buildings illustrate 'a deep harmony between humans and their environment,' the SPA wrote, adding that they also 'reflect sustainable building principles that long predate modern green architecture.' Local authorities are making efforts to restore and maintain these mud structures, preserving their historical and cultural value while promoting them as distinct parts of the Saudi tourism landscape.
