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Turaif Quarter in Al-Diriyyah

Les noms des biens figurent dans la langue dans laquelle les Etats parties les ont soumis.

Arabie saoudite (États arabes)
Date de soumission : 28/11/2006
Critères: (iii)(iv)(v)
Catégorie : Culturel
Soumis par : Supreme Commission for Tourism
Etat, province ou région : Riyadh Province, Al-Diriyyah Governorate
Ref.: 5086

Description

Turaif is a small quarter within the historical town of Al-Diriyyah, about 15 km North West of Riyadh. Al-Diriyyah was the capital of the First Saudi State (1157-1233H/1744-1818G) and the starting place of Sheikh Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab's mission. Al-Diriyyah is situated on the edges of Wadi Hanifa and has large areas of palm groves. The history of Al-Diriyyah starts in the mid 9th Hijri century (15th century Gregorian) with the arrival of Manea' AI-Mereedi the 13th grandfather of the House of Al Saud. Al-Diriyyah then grew and developed into the home of the First Saudi State where it was the center of the call for monotheism. Al-Diriyyah became an urban center and Arab Islamic capital in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula spreading its influence to cover most of the Peninsula.

Turaif quarter is considered to be one of the most significant historical quarters in AI-Diriyyah for it contains some of the most significant archaeological buildings, palaces, and historical features, some of which are: Salwa Palace - the residence and first home of the Al Saud Amirs during the First Saudi State, Saad bin Saud Palace, Nasser bin Saud Palace, in addition to the Imam Mohammed bin Saud Mosque, Saad Mosque and The Guest House as well as Turaif Bath House. A large wall and number of towers surround the quarter and were used for surveillance and the defence of the city. The main material used to construct the buildings in Turaif was mud brick (adobe) on stone foundations. The posts were built of stone shaped cylindrical form. Alathel trees were used in addition to palm fronds to cover the roofs. Currently, Turaif is the only quarter in Al-Diriyyah that has retained most of its features represented in its palaces and archaeological structures. Turaif is considered to be a blueprint model for Islamic cities in the Arab peninsula as it represents a historical site for the documentation of architecture in the heart of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Najd Region). Supervising site management is the Antiquities Unit of Al-Diriyyah, of the Antiquities and Museums Division, and the Projects Department of the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh. The Antiquities Unit follows up all on-site operations in addition to the coordination of visits. The site is open for visits on daily basis from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, and 3:00 - 6:00 pm on Fridays.

Valeur universelle exceptionnelle

Satements of authenticity and/or integrity

Turaif is one of the oldest quarters of Al-Diriyyah and has earned a place of high regards since it was the residence and first home of Al Saud during the First Saudi State. Most of the buildings have not been reused after the destruction of Al-Diriyyah as a result of the battles between the Saudi forces and those of Ottoman leader Ibrahim Pasha in 1233H/1818. The Antiquities and Museums Division has documented and registered a number of buildings in Turaif quarter including, the Salwa Palace, Abdullah bin Saud Palace, Modhey Mosque and water fountain, the Guest House, Turaif Bath House, and Omar bin Saud Palace. Some buildings have been renovated, including Saad bin Saud Palace, the Guest House, Turaif Bath House, as well as the walls and towers of Turaif quarter.

Comparison with other similar properties

Turaif is considered a unique model of Najdi architecture in the Arab Peninsula.