MAKKAH, 6 June — Makkah residents welcomed the decision by higher authorities to preserve the Ajyad Castle and change plans for the construction of a commercial complex on the site. The contractors, Saudi Bin Laden Group, were informed by the Makkah Municipality of the decision.
Abdullah Rashed, a municipal official, said the castle was about to be demolished. “We received orders to withdraw and hand the issue over to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Call and Guidance, as it belongs to them.”
The plans for the new construction have been changed. The castle will be preserved and the new towers will be built in areas surrounding the castle.
Musleh Hassan from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, said that they have new plans and map from an Egyptian company. “Authorities realized that the castle is a great historical site, and it also means a lot to the people of Ajyad. Therefore, they have decided to maintain the castle and build the towers around it,” said Musleh.
The decision brought a sigh of relief to Makkah residents who were worried about the future of the castle which was built during the Ottoman era. Adnan Diwan, a 60-year-old man who has lived all his life in the Ajyad district, said he was glad that the castle will be preserved. “It means a lot to us because we are so used to seeing it for a long time. It reminds us of our history.”
Musleh said the site is a endowment property now. “The construction company will keep it as an investment for some years and then it will be handed over to the ministry,” added Musleh.
The fort on Makkah’s Bulbul Mountain has been endowed to the Haram Mosque. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd had approved the move in February.
