Jeddah:
An ancient city that has been known by the same name since the pre-Islamic period, Jeddah's origins date back approximately 3000 years.
The historical transformation of Jeddah began during the reign of the Rightly Guided Caliph Uthman bin Affan in 647 AD when he ordered its conversion into a port to receive sea pilgrims heading to Mecca for the Hajj. The city remains, to this day, a main crossing point for sea, air, and many land pilgrims.
Historic Jeddah has a long history, and its monuments tell the stories of those who lived there in the past. The historical monuments in the historic area of Jeddah date back through the years and decades, showcasing its rich heritage. The historic houses and popular markets stand as witnesses to the effects of the eras that have passed over them, becoming historical landmarks. Historic Jeddah is famous for its mosques, neighbourhoods, and the famous “Jeddah Wall,” among other landmarks.
The historic area of Jeddah is located within the wall built by the Mamluk Sultan Qansuh al-Ghouri in 915 AH. This area preserves the traditional character of the architecture, which is a harmonious blend of the climate and social traditions of the residents. The Jeddah Wall, which was removed in 1947 AD, contained many gates such as the Mecca Gate, the Medina Gate, and the Moroccan Gate. Coral limestone (excavated) was used as the main building material in the area, in addition to stones brought from the mountains near Jeddah.
The houses in historic Jeddah consisted of several floors, with the ground floor typically designated for receiving guests, while the upper floors were for the family. The designs of the houses were distinguished by the rawashin that covered large areas of their facades. The number of rawashin in each house varied based on the economic status of its inhabitants. The traditional building style remained prevalent in Jeddah until the Al-Zainal family began constructing their house using cement and reinforced iron.