The Traditional Architecture in al-Bahah Province is an architectural style and building method that reflects the history of the community in al-Bahah Province, located southwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It embodies the province's cultural aspects, social customs, traditions, and economic conditions.
Materials used in traditional architecture in al-Bahah Province
The traditional architectural styles in al-Bahah Province are reflected in the construction of castles, forts, houses, and mosques, built using raw materials sourced from the local nature of the province, like trees such as wild olive (Olea europaea), juniper (Juniperus), acacia (Acacia), and Ziziphus spina-christi. Stones and sand are also used in constructing roofs, as well as columns, doors, and pillars, which are engraved with various designs and then coated with black tar. The colors used in the engravings vary, with granite and basalt stones used in construction, and quartz stones employed for decorative purposes. This architectural style reflects the craftsmanship of the residents of al-Bahah.
Traditional architectural styles in al-Bahah Province
Traditional houses in al-Bahah Province were built closely together using stone and clay, separated by narrow paths and alleys that allowed residents to share resources. These houses vary in shape including square, rectangular, and triangular forms, depending on the location of the land. They typically consist of two floors, with the ground floor designated for livestock and fodder storage, while the upper floor is used for living quarters.
Heritage villages reflecting traditional architecture in al-Bahah Province
Across the highlands of al-Bahah Province and the Tihama region lie several heritage villages that harmonize with the rugged and plain mountain terrain, as well as the varying climate, which ranges from mild to cold. This has influenced the architectural styles in al-Bahah Province. Among these villages is the historic Dhi Ayn Village, constructed in the seventeenth century. It consists of fifty-eight houses, most of which are multi-story stone structures, with some carved into the mountain peak.
The village of al-Atawilah includes Al Othman Sheikhdom Fortress, the Rubu' Quraysh Market, and the historic mosque, along with the adjacent historic villages of al-Khalaf and al-Khulaif, which feature ancient inscriptions with Quranic verses and prayers carved on basalt stones. Other notable villages include al-Abadilah, architectural Al Mousa, the historic village of Mutair al-Aysh in al-Hijarah, al-Malad, ad-Dhafeer, Raghadan, al-Sawad, al-Halah, al-Asda’, al-Bukair, Al Naamah, Jadra, Shabraqah, Bani Mohammed, and as-Subaihah Village.
Among the heritage and historical sites that reflect traditional architectural styles in al-Bahah Province is the fortress of Bakhroosh Bin Alas, located northwest of al-Qara Governorate. This fortress is surrounded by high walls and flanked by two towers. Another significant site is the historic Bin Raqoush Palace, located north of al-Bahah, built in 1833. It consists of five large houses, some with three floors, built in a unique architectural style. The complex includes a guest reception area (majlis), a mosque, servant quarters, a water well, and an internal courtyard, along with two additional houses around the palace, forming a complete residential system. Fortresses of the Two Brothers (Twin Fortress) overlooks the village of al-Malad and consists of two adjacent fortresses atop a high hill, surrounded by old heritage houses. Additional sites include al-Ayed Heritage Inn in Bani Kabir Village, al-Suhaifa Fortresses south of Baljurashi, al-Ainiyah Fortress, ad-Dar District in Qilwah, Bin Kadasa House, Raghadan Neighborhood, and al-Barakah Neighborhood. Some of these sites include museums that display the province’s history and heritage.
Interest in traditional architecture in al-Bahah Province
The National Register of the Heritage Commission lists 194 archaeological and heritage sites that reflect the architectural heritage of al-Bahah Province. According to the commission's statistics, the province includes seventy-two classified heritage villages marked with QR code signs. The commission has also rehabilitated and restored several villages and sites, including the heritage village of Dhi Ayn and Bin Raqoush Palace.
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