Riyadh heritage impresses spouses of foreign diplomats

Foreign ambassadors’ wives visited Masmak museum recently and expressed their admiration for the rich Saudi cultural heritage and civilization. This visit was part of the Foreign Ministry’s collaboration with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
Among the visitors were the wives of the ambassadors of Argentina, Azerbaijan, France and Mali.
The museum, which was built in 1865, conjures up the ancient history of Saudi Arabia. It served as a military post and as an ammunition storehouse until it was acknowledged as a patrimonial symbol of the establishment of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to Arab News, the French ambassador’s wife, Maude Besancenot, said: “I have visited Masmak ten times and each time I find something new.”
The envoys of Argentina, Azerbaijan and Mali referred to the rich cultural treasure that the museum represents. They said the museum is a window on the past shedding light on the establishment of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
They said that the museum is a testimony to the national diversity and history of the Kingdom in general and the capital in particular.
According to Sabine Farra de Cerda of Argentina, the visit was significant, “As we learned more of the history of the Kingdom. It was a valuable opportunity to see who unified this country with a vast area.”
She said that during their visit to Janadriyah the National Festival for Heritage and Culture, where they came across the diversity of the Saudi cultural heritage.”
“I visited the National Museum in earlier, and was able to have a close look at the history and culture of the Arabian Peninsula,” de Cerda said. “My visit to the Masmak had introduced me a lot on how Saudi Arabia was established under King Abdulaziz Al Saud who strengthened it in all aspects. We have seen the great achievements in Saudi Arabia in a short time.”
She added: “The exhibits are exquisite, and the halls of the museum are really fantastic. The visit to the Janadriah and Masmak provided us a lot of information.”
Mrs. Besancenot said: “This is my 10th visit to the Museum at Masmak since my coming to Saudi Arabia five years ago. I accompany French officials who come to the Kingdom to visit the Museum to learn about the history of Saudi Arabia.”
“I’ve seen all the developments that took place here, and every time I visit the Masmak I see some new development in lighting, presentations and flooring. It has become an important milestone in Riyadh and in Saudi Arabia as whole.
“It is important here to say that the museum became more informative as such visitors can easily see many valuable things here specially the history of the Kingdom,” she added.
Azerbaijan Ambassador’s wife noted: “I’ve noticed during my visit to Riyadh then and now, and saw how the people live and their habits and traditions, and how they have evolved in Riyadh this way fast. I have read a lot about the history of Saudi Arabia, and it becomes interesting when we see what we read.”