Hi Kanumommy - This area of the city is indeed suffering from neglect. The priority of the Kingdom since its inception in 1932 has been modernization. Consequently there seems to be little regard for preserving historical sites and buildings. Mecca and Medina, two of the most important holy cites in Islam, are unrecognizable. Much has been bulldozed and replaced with skyscrapers and many have complained that these holiest of cities have been turned into Las Vegas wannabees. This country's history prior to 1932 sadly has little significance to the current monarchy.
Well, it's not up to me to tell Saudis what to do in their own country, but they do seem to have a sense of pride in their heritage and seem to have the resources to do preservation work. That's why I was surprised to see the area in this condition. Is it a World Heritage Site? Maybe it should be and then the government might take more interest? Even though the country lacks a tourist infrastructure, everyone can " visit" it in pictures like yours. Yeah,I know about Mecca and Medina. Still haven't figured out why building " Big Ben" next to that sacred site was considered a good idea. And you're right...lol! The buildings do resemble Las Vegas casino hotels. Kinda makes you wonder where some folks spend their out-of-country vacations....
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It does feel very old, and very of its part of the world.
Do they take care of the historic district? Looks like some parts are suffering from neglect...
Hi Kanumommy - This area of the city is indeed suffering from neglect. The priority of the Kingdom since its inception in 1932 has been modernization. Consequently there seems to be little regard for preserving historical sites and buildings. Mecca and Medina, two of the most important holy cites in Islam, are unrecognizable. Much has been bulldozed and replaced with skyscrapers and many have complained that these holiest of cities have been turned into Las Vegas wannabees. This country's history prior to 1932 sadly has little significance to the current monarchy.
Hi William - Stay tuned. I will be publishing more photos of this area coming up. Many of the buildings are literally crumbling.
Well, it's not up to me to tell Saudis what to do in their own country, but they do seem to have a sense of pride in their heritage and seem to have the resources to do preservation work. That's why I was surprised to see the area in this condition. Is it a World Heritage Site? Maybe it should be and then the government might take more interest? Even though the country lacks a tourist infrastructure, everyone can " visit" it in pictures like yours.
Yeah,I know about Mecca and Medina.
Still haven't figured out why building " Big Ben" next to that sacred site was considered a good idea. And you're right...lol! The buildings do resemble Las Vegas casino hotels. Kinda makes you wonder where some folks spend their out-of-country vacations....
It does look very old and the street is such a narrow one!
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