Yanbu architecture harks back to ancient Hijazi culture

Once home to merchants, the historic Al-Sour neighborhood is regarded as one of Yanbu’s most important areas, distinguished by its tall buildings with stunning mashrabiyas — latticed wooden screens attached to windows — and intricately designed doors.

This area has been the site of several significant events over the years, the most significant of which relates to the Battle of Dhu Al-Ushairah, which took place during Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime. Several important people have lived in the city of Yanbu, most notably Thomas Edward Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), Abdullah bin Al-Hassan bin Ali bin Abi Taleb, and the prophet’s companion Abu Abdullah Harmala Al-Medlaji.

Historian Abdul Ilah Al-Fares said that the area has distinctive architectural features. “Al-Sour neighborhood’s buildings utilize the traditional coastal building style … The buildings are made out of coral stones (Al-Manqabi), while palm and tamarisk trunks were used for the roofs. Some of the most prominent buildings include Bayt Batin, Bayt Al-Khateeb, Bayt Jabarti and Bayt Al-Shami, along with some ancient heritage buildings.”

He said the district is an important commercial center in the city of Yanbu.

Al-Fares added: “Yanbu’s historical district contains memories of the noise of vendors and passers-by in its houses and markets. It is considered one of the most important tourist destinations on the Red Sea, as it combines popular heritage with the cultural achievements that Yanbu is currently witnessing.”

There are about 100 old buildings in the area from which the Red Sea coast can be seen.

“The neighborhood’s wooden rawashin and mashrabiyas are unique for their traditional architectural style that brings back the greatness of the past and … represent the authenticity of the time and place of the old Hijazi architecture.”

“In general, the rawashin are aesthetic design units that protrude from the walls of the buildings and overlook the street or central courtyard. They are supported by protruding wooden foundations that showcase the skills of carpenters through the woodwork of their interlocking sections, corbels, inclined cornices and window shutters, which consist most of the times of small net-like curtains,” Al-Fares said.

The city of Yanbu is 200 km west of Madinah and 300 km north of Jeddah. The city is divided into Yanbu Al-Nahr, Yanbu Al-Nakhl and Industrial Yanbu.