Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2014
Size of heritage: 18 ha
- Buffer zone: 114 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 39,188°
Latitude: 21,484°

Summary

Historic Jeddah is situated on the eastern shore of the Red Sea. From the 7th century AD it was established as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes, channelling goods to Mecca. It was also the gateway for Muslim pilgrims to Mecca who arrived by sea. These twin roles saw the city develop into a thriving multicultural centre, characterized by a distinctive architectural tradition, including tower houses built in the late 19th century by the city’s mercantile elites, and combining Red Sea coastal coral building traditions with influences and crafts from along the trade routes.

Location on Map


Show bigger map on Openstreetmap

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah

Located in Saudi Arabia, Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. Situated at coordinates N21 29 2 E39 11 15, this ancient city has served as a gateway to the holy city of Makkah for centuries.

History

Historic Jeddah, also known as Al-Balad, has a rich history dating back over 2,500 years. It was a major port on the Red Sea coast and played a crucial role in the trade routes between Asia, Africa, and Europe. The city flourished during the 7th century when it became an important center for Islamic civilization.

Over the centuries, Jeddah witnessed the rise and fall of various civilizations, including the Nabateans, Romans, Ottomans, and the Abbasids. Each of these civilizations left their mark on the city, contributing to its unique architectural and cultural heritage.

During the 19th century, Jeddah experienced a significant transformation as it became the main port for Muslim pilgrims traveling to Makkah for Hajj. This led to the development of new neighborhoods and the construction of traditional houses, mosques, and markets. The city became a melting pot of different cultures, with influences from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Current State

Today, Historic Jeddah stands as a testament to its rich past. The city's architecture reflects a blend of traditional Arabian, Ottoman, and Western influences. The historic district is characterized by its narrow winding streets, traditional coral stone houses, and intricately carved wooden balconies known as "rawashin."

Despite the challenges of urbanization and modernization, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the heritage of Historic Jeddah. The Saudi government, in collaboration with UNESCO, has implemented various conservation projects to safeguard the city's unique cultural and architectural heritage.

One of the notable restoration projects is the preservation of Al-Balad's historic houses. These houses, with their distinctive architectural features, have been meticulously restored to their former glory. They now serve as museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, providing visitors with a glimpse into the city's past.

The historic district of Jeddah also boasts several well-preserved mosques, such as the Al-Matbouli Mosque and the Al-Shafei Mosque. These mosques not only serve as places of worship but also showcase the intricate craftsmanship and architectural styles of different periods.

Furthermore, the bustling markets of Historic Jeddah, such as Souq Al-Alawi and Souq Al-Nada, continue to thrive, offering visitors a vibrant and authentic shopping experience. These markets are renowned for their traditional handicrafts, spices, textiles, and jewelry.

Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a living testament to the city's rich history and cultural diversity. It serves as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant heritage of this ancient city.

Hotels and places to stay

Holiday Inn JEDDAH - AL SALAM

Address
Distance: 0,2 mi
King Khalid Street,P.O. Box 6582
21452 JEDDAH
Saudi Arabia

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Jeddah Radisson Blu Royal Suite Hotel

Address
Distance: 0,3 mi
MADINA ROAD P.O. BOX 11718
21463 Jeddah
Saudi Arabia

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


JEDDAH TRIDENT HOTEL

Address
Distance: 0,8 mi
MINA STREET P.O. BOX: 17466
21494 Jeddah
Saudi Arabia

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Jeddah Nahrawas Hotel

Address
Distance: 1,0 mi
Madares Road, Bagdadiya
27704 Jeddah
Saudi Arabia

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Red Sea Palace Hotel

Address
Distance: 1,4 mi
King Abdul-Aziz Street
21421 Jeddah
Saudi Arabia

Time Information

Checkout: 14:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Jeddah Radisson Blu Hotel

Address
Distance: 2,4 mi
MEDINA ROAD
21482 Jeddah
Saudi Arabia

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Golden Hotel Jeddah

Address
Distance: 0,4 mi
King Fahad Road (Sitten St)
22573 Jeddah
Saudi Arabia

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Safari Jeddah Hotel

Address
Distance: 1,3 mi
East Baghdadia Dst. Abdullah Balkhair
21955 Jeddah
Saudi Arabia

Time Information

Checkout: 14:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Grand Al Saha Hotel

Address
Distance: 1,4 mi
Madinah Road, near Alireza Tower
21521 Jeddah
Saudi Arabia

Time Information

Checkout: 15:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Qasr Al Hamra Waly Al Ahd

Address
Distance: 1,9 mi
King Abdullah Road
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia

Time Information

Checkout: 14:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed


Videos from the area

Mahmal Center Outside Al BalaD Jeddah.

Published: March 15, 2014
Length: 00:10 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: muhammad faisal

outside Mahmal center jeddah Evening time 1.

Al Mustahlik Supermarket in Jeddah

Published: August 09, 2012
Length: 28:55 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Eva Adam

Video created with the Socialcam app on iPhone: http://socialcam.com.

TAZKIA UMROH 2014 - Mar 26 - Apr 03

Published: April 13, 2014
Length: 25:08 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Gatot Sampoerna

Belanja di Balad Corniche Jeddah 2 Apr 2014 jam 11:30. Semenjak perusakan kain Kiswah di Masjidil Haram oleh jemaah Indonesia, banyak tempat yang tidak boleh dikunjungi oleh orang2 ...

جولة مجموعة قلب جدة في المنطقة التاريخية بجدة Heart Jeddah

Published: April 10, 2012
Length: 26:37 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Jeddah's Heart

بعض صور من قروب قلب جدة في الفيس بوك اشتركو معنا على https://www.facebook.com/groups/JeddahHeart.

مهرجان جدة الرمضاني بمنطقة البلد التاريخية

Published: July 05, 2014
Length: 52:36 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: ابو مهند

مهرجان جدة المنطقة التاريخية.

جولة مجموعة قلب جدة - Jeddah Heart

Published: April 09, 2012
Length: 54:37 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Jeddah's Heart

رحلة قروب قلب جدة إلى المنطقة التاريخيه ، مشاهده ممتعه. شكر خاص للاخ جبريل جبره على هذا الفيديو الاكثر...

Videos provided by Youtube are under the copyright of their owners.