Jeddah, 20 April 2025 (22 Shawwal 1446H)

In a setting steeped in history and echoing the spirit of the past, the Historic Jeddah district hosted specialized cultural events organized by the Ministry of Culture's Historic Jeddah Program as part of the "Land of Art" initiative to mark World Heritage Day, drawing wide engagement from intellectuals, academics and figures from the arts and thought.

The two-day program featured a series of lectures and dialogue sessions covering traditional architecture, sociology, and the history of sport and traditional trades, aiming to build community awareness of the importance of heritage protection and to turn it into a sustainable civilizational and developmental resource, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Bait Nassif Courtyard: A Platform for Cultural Dialogue

The courtyard of Bait Nassif hosted the "Cultural Counsel" forum, an open dialogue space dedicated to reviving the cultural and human heritage of old Jeddah. Discussions covered the architecture within the old city walls and explored the collective memory tied to its historic buildings, along with the emotions and sense of belonging they evoke.

Heritage as Identity and Investment

Sessions also examined ways to invest culturally in Historic Jeddah and the potential to turn the heritage district into a thriving economic hub built on culture and creative tourism. Discussions also focused on the social fabric of old Jeddawi society, from customs and traditions to the role of neighborhood elders (umda) and deep-rooted community ties.

A Global Celebration of Heritage

The events form part of the Ministry of Culture's ongoing efforts to protect and preserve national heritage, strengthen cultural identity, and cement the importance of historic sites in the collective consciousness. They also align with the goals of World Heritage Day, established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and adopted by UNESCO, to promote international cooperation in protecting cultural and human heritage.