RIYADH: Rich in historical and cultural significance, Diriyah sparks the imagination and curiosity of travelers and history lovers.
At-Turaif, a historic district in Diriyah, northwest of Riyadh, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Diriyah is of great significance as the birthplace of the first Saudi state.
Filled with stories and legends, Diriyah offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved landmarks and architectural wonders.
Egyptian traveler Sara Hamed visited At-Turaif district and Diriyah on a winter night.
She told Arab News: “I learned that Saudi Arabia originated here, and it’s a fantastic site to begin your journey through the nation’s past.
Filled with stories and legends, Diriyah offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved landmarks and architectural wonders. (Supplied)
“I was fascinated by the section displaying traditional outerwear because I am interested in fashion, and I really enjoyed the exquisite museum that displayed historical and customary items belonging to well-known figures like Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud.”
Through ongoing revitalization efforts, Diriyah is becoming a cultural and tourism hub showcasing the best of Saudi Arabia’s heritage and innovation.
Eyup Yurtseven, from Turkiye, said: “Diriyah whispers history at every corner. Cobbled streets echo with memories of laughter shared with friends over steaming coffee, nestled within old-style buildings. For me, it’s more than a place; it’s a balm for the soul.
“Whenever stress claws at my days, I escape to Diriyah’s embrace. Palms sway gently, offering shade and whispered secrets to the wind. Oxygen-rich air washes away worry, replaced by the peace of being present.
“I can’t wait to witness the magic unfold, while forever cherishing the haven it already is,” he added.
When Kenda Nabeel, from Jeddah, first visited Diriyah, she was intrigued by the museum’s use of technology and the way it linked the past with the present.
She said: “The entire experience was wonderful and simple. I toured Salwa Palace, a historical site that captures a significant period in the Kingdom’s history by acting as a window looking out onto the first Saudi state’s founding.
The Attire of Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud in Diriyah Museum. (Supplied)
“Everything is very easily accessible, and I enjoy learning about the past. I particularly enjoyed the way information was delivered using unconventional technology, such as videos played on a projector. It was the best thing I could have found in Riyadh, combining elements of both history and the modern era.”
There are several museums in Diriyah, including the Museum of Traditional Architecture, Military Museum, Museum of Treasury (Beit Al-Maal), and the Horse Museum.
The Museum of Traditional Architecture features paintings that chronicle the history of the use of clay in construction, as well as the history of architecture and building in the Najd region, covering all phases of construction and their methods.
The Museum of Treasury showcases different currencies, trade techniques, as well as examples of generosity during the first Saudi state’s history and different kinds of endowments. There are also exhibits about the economic system utilized to run the affairs of Beit Al-Maal.
The stories of battles and defensive actions that took place in Diriyah throughout the first Saudi state’s existence are embodied in the Military Museum. Amid mud buildings, it showcases combat weaponry and related apparatus.
The Ardah troupe’s headquarters, located in Thunayan Bin Saud Palace’s northern square, is also part of the museum.
Some of the mud dwellings from the first Saudi state are now available to rent, allowing visitors to experience the intricacies of Diriyah’s past. The Social Life Museum offers a detailed insight into community life during the era.
The Arabian horse holds significant cultural value in the region, and the museum presents the history of Arabian horses during the first Saudi state, including information on their breeding, origins, and artifacts that belonged to the older knights.
The best time to visit Diriyah is during winter, from October to March, avoiding the summer heat. But it is becoming a year-round tourist destination with a full calendar of events and attractions.
