Al Balad Journal
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Over time, Jeddah has been shaped by various forces and agents. It has evolved from a fishing hamlet to the Middle East's primary commercial centre, exceeding many's expectations. It holds great historical significance and stands at the core of Saudi Arabia's modernization. In this journal, we explore city's old town: Al Balad.
In the late 1970s, Jeddah's municipality launched the first campaign to protect Al Balad. In the 1980s, it was discovered that over a thousand historical structures had managed to endure the passage of time. Out of these, about half were identified as "buildings of architectural and historical significance" and were recommended for preservation and protection. In 2014, despite years of neglect, UNESCO recognized Al Balad's cultural significance by designating it as a World Heritage site. As a result, the area was given special protections, which placed various constraints on preserving its heritage.
