The text, descriptive and evocative, highlights a stunning selection of scenic pictures. Both the photographs and the words convey the author’s deep love for this beautiful region which Prince Khalid Al-Faisal describes in his foreword as “the rose of Al-Hejaz, the oasis of desert travelers and the gem of western Arabia.”
Al-Dajani’s strong feelings go back to his childhood spent in the desert of Arabia. Even when he became a pilot, he could not forget the beautiful memories of a life which he had taken for granted. The idea for this book was born during a trip to Al-Shafa mountains: “I remember, very early one Thursday morning, I took my camera and headed west toward Al-Shafa mountains. It was about a 45-minute drive. When I arrived, the sun was just sending its golden rays over the mountain peaks. To me, this is when the face of Arabia is the most beautiful. And it was this visit to Al-Shafa mountains that day that led me to share that beauty, here in the pages of this book,” Al Dajani explains.
Some of the best photographs reflect the play of light in the mountains from early dawn till sunset. Master of his art, Al Dajani is always on the lookout for that one-of-a-kind picture. Driving early one morning along Al-Hada Road, he witnesses on camera, a dramatic change of weather. In a matter of seconds, the line of billowy white clouds turns black and moments later, the hidden sun beams its rays through this trail of darkness. Pictures of the sunset are simply awsome. Dajani often climbs up a mountain during the morning and spends the rest of the day observing nature, patiently waiting for the sunset. This labor of love has produced some breathtaking panoramic views.
One of the most scenic sunset features ranges of mountains in distinct shades of brown and apricot. The presence of these desert colors creates an eerie atmosphere. The caption clears the mystery: Moisture from the high mountains and dust particles from the desert of Tihama plain collide over the ridges, forming a serene image of only color and lines.
Dajani enjoys nature’s beauty and trees in particular. He has photographed them at all times of the day in Tihama plain, along Al-Hada Road, at the foot of Mount Humran, in the woodlands of Al-Shafa and Al-Hejaz: “I delight in the fragrance of juniper berries, the shapes of acacia branches, and their vivid green blanketing the mountains. Trees do act: They dance with the wind, are calmed by rain, and smile in springtime” Dajani writes.
A book on Taif would not be complete without showing the famous rose farms and its amazing diversity of wild flowers. Western Arabia has a rich and spectacular flora. This comes as a revelation to many people whose image of Saudi Arabia is that of a desert country devoid of vegetation. Looking at the fields covered with flowers, the small lakes, the waterfalls, the green hills and the streams, it is easy to understand why Taif, one of the oldest cities in Arabia, is a haven, especially during the summer. In old times, desert travelers looked forward to resting in its cool oasis, a refuge in the midst of the desert wilderness.
Charles Doughty (1843-1926), the 19th century British traveler who recorded his journey to Arabia in” Arabia Deserta” wrote about his desire to visit Taif “with sweet and cool air, and running water, where are gardens of roses, and vineyards and orchards.” Located on the edge of Al-Hejaz mountains, Taif enjoys an average temperature of 27 degrees from June to September. It was chosen as the seat of government during the hot summer months. Dajani takes us inside some of the imposing palaces which remind us of the city’s rich past. Ibn Sulaiman Palace is sadly abandoned but Shubra Palace has been well maintained. Originally built by Sherif Abdullah Pasha, it is a copy of a building in Egypt. Thousands of tons of marble were imported for its construction. Shubra palace once used by King Abdulaziz, is now the historical museum of Taif.
Al-Katib Palace was built in 1894. Four years later, the owner, Muhammad Ali Al-Katib, was arrested and taken to Istanbul by the Ottomans. This imposing mansion of 45 rooms, five kitchens and eight bathrooms has typical Hejazi style windows. This majestic building was once occupied by King Faisal. Save a guard, no one lives there since 1967.
Mohsen Al Dajani has truly captured the essence of Taif. His genuine love for the city and its surroundings transpires throughout the book. A scent of roses lingers in the air… a foretaste of Eden. Taif has never been so inviting!
