Bashan House in downtown Jeddah has won the title of cultural symbol and will be turned into a cultural center. The decision was announced by Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed. Prince Mishaal is also the chairman of the Supreme Committee for Jeddah's Historical Festival.

The verdict came in the framework of recent municipal efforts to prepare for the festival and boost sustainable development in the city.

Mohammed Saleh Bashan, a famous businessman of his time, built Bashan House in 1273 A.H.

Abdul Qadir Baeshen, head of the initiative committee, said the house will represent Saudi culture and provide a historical background for writers, photographers and festival visitors. “It will offer a great service and present an excellent cultural and historical framework,” Baeshen told Arab News.

Bashan House will host meetings, discussions, seminars and lectures to provide information and cultural background about the area to writers, journalists artists and visitors.

Baeshen explained that this cultural center will be a new monument to spread historical awareness and will serve as a gathering point for residents and visitors.

Abdulaziz Alandidjani, adviser to the committee, said that Bashan House will also work as a media center for Jeddah's Historical Festival. He added that one of the center's initiatives is to target a million young Saudis in the next three years in order to instill in them a feeling of pride in national culture.