JEDDAH: An urban heritage district in Madinah, preserving and celebrating the historical customs and traditions of the city’s neighborhoods, was officially launched on Wednesday with a special cultural evening.
Guests from across the Muslim world attended the official launch, along with a number of officials. They were given a tour of the district, including the shops along Al-Einiyah Street, one of the most notable streets in the city, displaying traditional products, food and local handicrafts. They were also told of the area’s heritage and the history of Madinah’s neighborhoods.
The evening began with a speech by Mohammed bin Mustafa Al-No’man, the general supervisor of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah Studies and Research Center. He said that the plan for the heritage district was initiated by Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman to preserve the area’s cultural heritage and the architectural history of its old neighborhoods.
“The district gets constantly developed to meet the heritage, culture and history needs of the different age groups, and is today entering a new stage to complete the previous stages it underwent and become a heritage site and tourist attraction that brings together families in a historical atmosphere,” he said.
He also highlighted the fact that the heritage district recreates one of the most historically important streets in Madinah, Al-Einiyah Street.
“The heritage district is today a tourist destination for Madinah’s residents and visitors,” he added, explaining that scheduled tours will begin soon. Al-No’man also said that the district is steeped in the heritage, history and traditions of the city, including its traditional foods. The evening concluded with an introduction to Madinah’s folk arts.
