Walking through the streets of Al Balad, Jeddah’s historic district, feels like stepping back in time. The intricate wooden verandas and the coral-stone buildings create an atmosphere unlike any other. I visited during Ramadan, a time when the usually bustling neighborhood felt almost deserted. It was a rare opportunity to experience its beauty in a more intimate way.
A walk through Al Balad’s architecture
Al Balad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me, it is one of Saudi Arabia’s most beautiful places and a must visit when in jeddah. Visiting Al Balad during Ramadan offers a completely different atmosphere. While it is usually a bustling area filled with markets, street vendors, and visitors, during the day in Ramadan, the streets are much quieter. This allowed me to appreciate the details of the buildings, the play of light and shadows, and the silence of a place that is usually full of life.
Rawasheen and the Hijazi Style
One of the most distinctive features of Jeddah’s historic architecture is the rawasheen. They are beautifully carved wooden verandas that adorn the facades of the old buildings. These “balconies” were originally designed to provide shade and privacy while allowing air to circulate. And that’s what gives Al Balad its distinct character.
The Hijazi style, which combines coral stone walls with dark wooden rawasheen, is unique to this region and is best preserved in historic homes you can visit such as Beit Nassif in Al Balad.
Rawasheen can be found in several places around the world, especially in regions with strong Arab, Ottoman, and Mediterranean influences. I went to Malta last year and it has a similar architectural feature known as the gallerija—the traditional enclosed wooden balconies seen on many buildings, particularly in Valletta (see photo below)
Islamic architecture
With fewer people around, I had time to truly take in the details: the worn doors with their intricate carvings, the colourful window shutters… Islamic architecture is renowned for its intricate geometric patterns, and as a designer, I really appreciate the compositions, and symmetry. It’s like maths meets art.
A photographer’s dream
In Saudi Arabia (and in other parts of the Middle East), it is generally considered inappropriate to take photos of people without their consent, especially women. This is due to cultural and religious sensitivities regarding privacy and personal space. Visiting during Ramadan on a very hot day gave me the perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of Jeddah.
With its weathered coral stone buildings, beautiful alleys, and vibrant atmosphere, Al Balad is one of the most photogenic places in Saudi Arabia. The contrast between light and shadow, the textures of the historic homes, and the colors of the painted doors and window shutters make it a paradise for photographers. I came back with hundreds of pictures, and choosing the best ones for this article took me a while!
Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum
This museum is famous for preserving over 2,000 years of Jeddah’s history, with artifacts from pre-Islamic times through to the Ottoman period and beyond. What’s most interesting, though, is its distinctive architecture. Even if you decide not to visit, it’s worth seeing from the outside. In front of the museum, you’ll find miniature sculptures depicting various mosques and significant landmarks. You can even recognise some of the Nabataean tombs from Hegra. These detailed models highlight the region’s vast architectural heritage.
Sunset by Jeddah’s Waterfront
After visiting Al Balad, I headed to Jeddah’s waterfront. The sun was going down and the sky deepened into shades of gold and pink. I started with the King Fahd’s Fountain, one of the tallest in the world at 60 metres (853 ft), and continued walking to Al Rahmah Mosque and the The Golden Eagle Statue.
The call to prayer carried over the water, signaling the end of the fast. It gradually filled with movement, as people made their way to iftar. The contrast was striking, Al Balad’s quiet walk in the afternoon, followed by the lively energy of Jeddah’s waterfront in the evening!
Visiting Al Balad during Ramadan was a unique experience. While some might prefer the livelier atmosphere of a normal day, I found that the quiet allowed me to see Al Balad like an open-air museum. If you ever visit Jeddah, I highly recommend taking the time to wander through Al Balad’s streets. Its architecture, and end the day by the waterfront, watching the sun set over the Red Sea.
