Tourism & Hospitality | Sunday 22 February, 2015 7:32 am |

The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh (HCDA) has emphasized the importance of the Atturaif Quarter which was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2010.
“The Atturaif Quarter in Diriyah is the second historic site in the Kingdom to be added to the World Heritage List. The first was Madain Saleh in 2008,” a spokesman said.
He said that the district’s executive plan aimed to show the historical, archaeological and educational importance of Atturaif district, adding that it was the first capital of the Saudi state in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, northwest of Riyadh.

Founded in the 15th century, the Atturaif district bears witness to the Najdi architectural style which is specific to the center of the Arabian Peninsula.
The executive plan also aims to protect and conserve the quarter’s heritage, restore some of the buildings, upgrade and modernize infrastructure and establish cultural institutions that will plan and manage cultural activities, including museums, exhibitions and multimedia presentation and activities such as heritage markets and falconry shows.
An “all site museum” will be created, whose aim is to present Atturaif as a historical and archaeological site. The elements of the presentation will integrate the site’s landmarks and archaeological remains with the natural environment of the quarter. Rich interpretative exhibitions as well as live and interactive shows with activities designed to attract a wide spectrum of visitors will be added.

These activities will observe and respect the principles and regulations with regard to the maintenance and restoration of heritage sites, in a way that by itself will enable visitors to understand the history of the place.
Visitors will also experience the drama that the site has witnessed and feel its historical and archaeological importance. This will be done in an atmosphere that will be entertaining and interesting from the cultural point of view while, at the same time, respectful to local culture and customs.

Based on these plans, the Atturaif Quarter will include stabilization and reconstruction of ruins, site history, geographic and ethnographic interpretations; museums and exhibition programs illustrating the first Saudi state; and development of traditional handicrafts “live shows” and a “staying in traditional houses” experience.
The Atturaif district contains government buildings, such as Salwa Palace, from the first Saudi state. One of the key landmarks of Atturaif Quarter is the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Mosque, and the palace of Saad bin Saud, consisting of two stories with an external courtyard which was used as a stable.

Another important landmark is the palace of Nasir bin Saud with its simple design and huge space and the Guest Palace which contained the Atturaif public bath. The Atturaif Quarter is surrounded by a huge wall and most buildings in the area were built with mud-brick and stone. Tamarisk wood and palm fronds were used for the construction of intermediate floors and roofs.
Atturaif is distinguished for the its location, scale and impressive architecture that makes it special. The location offers an exceptional and commanding view of the neighborhood and of Wadi Hanifa.