Al-Turath Foundation

Al-Turath Foundation is a private non-profit organization dedicated to preserving national heritage. It was established in 1996 and officially registered with the Ministry of Social Affairs (now the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development) in 2008. Located in Riyadh City, it operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture.

Establishment of al-Turath Foundation

Al-Turath Foundation was founded by Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud after his experience in rebuilding the traditional mud house in al-Udhiyabat Farm in Diriyah Governorate between 1988 and 1996. This site was later registered in 2021 as a Grade "A" cultural heritage site in the National Urban Heritage Register.

Among the foundation's notable efforts in heritage preservation are the restoration of the al-Murabba Palace (the palace of King Abdulaziz) and the implementation of the National Photo Archive Project for King Fahd National Library.

Objectives of al-Turath Foundation

Al-Turath Foundation aims to preserve Saudi heritage in particular and Arab and Islamic heritage in general. It also contributes to the adoption of projects related to the restoration and documentation of mosques, maintaining their architectural identity, and caring for historical mosques. Additionally, the foundation works on historical documentation of Saudi heritage.

The foundation's objectives include: Supporting professionals and students in heritage conservation by incentivizing them with the Prince Sultan Bin Salman Award for Urban Heritage, promoting heritage culture via institutional programs, publications, and periodicals, and incorporating heritage into educational curricula through the foundation's scientific forums and training courses inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The foundation also aims to hold seminars, conferences, lectures, and exhibitions to spread knowledge and engage the community in heritage-related matters. It is also concerned with the cooperation and partnership with entities and foundations concerned with heritage inside and outside Saudi Arabia, as well as supporting institutions and stakeholders in heritage preservation. Furthermore, the foundation encourages public interest in heritage through various heritage initiatives, raising awareness and knowledge about the importance of preserving it.

Sectors of al-Turath Foundation

Al-Turath Foundation encompasses various sectors dedicated to preserving Saudi heritage in particular and Arab and Islamic heritage in general. These include the National Program for the Restoration of Historical Mosques, Urban Heritage, Heritage Archives, the National Photo Archive, Heritage Publications, Cultural Heritage Forum, Training Programs, Prince Sultan Bin Salman Award for Urban Heritage, and Cooperation and Partnership for Heritage.