Dating history: SR 220 m set aside to develop old Jeddah

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities has taken a series of measures for the development of Jeddah’s historical region as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to enlist the region as a UNESCO heritage site.
“We have allocated SR 220 million for this purpose,” said Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the SCTA, adding that restoration work on 18 heritage buildings in the region has already begun.
Other old Jeddah development programs are the establishment of a special municipality in the region, the opening of an antiquities office, financial support for investment projects in the region and transformation of one of the buildings into a heritage hotel.
Some historical sources refer to the history of Jeddah as pre-dating the Islamic era. However, a major turning point occurred during the reign of Uthman bin Affan, the third caliph, who had ordered that Jeddah be made a harbor to receive pilgrims.
The area is considered to be most important due to its authenticity, distinguished planning and unique architecture. It has historical landmarks and buildings such as the Old Jeddah wall and gates, Al-Mazloom, Al-Sham, Al-Yaman and the Al-Bahar quarters, in addition to a number of historical mosques including Othman bin Affan, Al-Shafie, Al-Basha, Ukash and Al-Hanafi.
The old area also houses a number of old souks —Al-Nada, AI-Khasequiyyah Al-Alawi and Al-Saghah.