[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Heritage exhibition proves a big hit with 15,000 visitors" ids="103132,103133,103134,103135,103131"] By Badea Abu Al-Naja SO far 15,000 people have visited Hara Makkawiya, an exhibition that showcases the ancient heritage of Makkah and its people, since it opening in the city recently. Located at Al-Zahir neighborhood, the exhibition will continue for the next four months. "The exhibition focuses on various traditional crafts, Al-Bait Al-Makki Museum and productive families. It is an initiative aiming to give visitors a clear idea about Makkah's ancient neighborhoods and alleys. It reflects Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal's vision, which highlights the importance of developing human resources and the land to enhance the Islamic identity of Makkah," said Sheikh Adel Ameen Hafiz, who conceived the idea of the museum and who is also the chief of Al-Nuzha neighborhood. The exhibition, which is held outdoors in the open air, also showcases the traditional architectural style of buildings in Makkah. The architectural style puts emphasis on the main characteristics of the people of Makkah — kindness and chivalry and generosity. Hammam Sadiq, the exhibition supervisor, said visitors can get a chance to know about over 25 trades, which used to be the main business activities for making a living for most people decades ago. "Some of these trades still exist today. The exhibition puts on display the tools used in these trades. Around 300 young men were trained on the use of these tools to show visitors how the tools are used and explain the basic features of each trade," said Sadiq. Visitors get to see many artifacts and vintage vehicles, he added. The exhibition has proved to be very successful insofar as more and more visitors are flocking to enjoy its various displays and activities. The exhibition is yet another successful initiative of Sheikh Hafiz who has introduced several projects to promote Makkah's heritage and ancient history. His attempts aim to acquaint visitors of Makkah with its history, old and new, and how the city has evolved over time. He also provided 150 productive families with stands free-of
