The days are numbered for many of the shops in the Historical Area in downtown Balad here. The municipality has formed a commission to close down the stores as part of a broader program for restoration work on the ramshackle wood-and-limestone houses there. “One of the most important goals is to close down the stores because they are dangerous for the historic buildings – they catch fire from time to time, leading to the destruction of these buildings.” said Mohammad Ajaj, assistant undersecretary of Service for Safety and Government Relations. There are a number of old souqs in the area, such as Al-Nada Souq, AI-Khasequiyyah Souq, Al-Alaweey Souq, Al-Saghah (Jewelry) Souq). All these souqs are plumb in the midst of a large number of heritage buildings that are all still in use. Among the many historical sites there the Old Jeddah Wall and Gates, the old quarters (Al-Mazloom Quarter, Al-Sham Quarter, Al-Yaman Quarter, and Al-Bahar Quarter) and centuries-old mosques, such as Uthman Bin Affan Mosque, Al-Shafeey Mosque, Al-Basha Mosque, Ukash Mosque, AI-Meamar Mosque, and Al-Hanafi Mosque. Ajaj said the General Administration of Government Relations and Civil Defense are included in the commission that aims to preserve the historical identity of the place and prevent its use for commercial activity. He said some 240 stores in the area will have to go. “The municipality has distributed fire extinguishers to all buildings in the area. Now we can re-plan safety measures by formulating the best ways to secure the area from fires and other sorts of danger. This will help prevent further tragedies – especially since many people still live in the old buildings,” Ajaj said. The historical area of Jeddah is located in the center of Jeddah city, along the western coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea has historical resources refer to the history of Jeddah as dating back to the era before Islam. However, the major turning point in the history of Jeddah occurred in the era of the Khalifa Rashid (Rightly-Guided) Uthman Ibn Affan on the year 647 AD, when he ordered it's transformation into a harbor receiving pilgrims heading to Makkah for Haj. At that time, it was named the country of consuls (Balad Al-Qanasil) and until today, Jeddah remains the main route for sea and air access for pilgrims, as well as many of those arriving by land transportation. Jeddah has always remained under the influence of the following successive Islamic Caliphate. The historical area of Jeddah is considered to be one of the most important areas in the city of Jeddah due to its authenticity, its distinguished planning, and its unique architecture. It contains many historical landmarks and buildings such as: the Old Jeddah Wall and Gates, the old quarters (Al-Mazloom Quarter, Al-Sham Quarter, Al-Yemen Quarter, and Al-Bahar Quarter), there are also a number of historical mosques (Uthamn Ibn Affan Mosque, Al-Shafeey Mosque, Al-Basha Mosque, Ukash Mosque, Al-Memar Mosque, and Al-Hanafi Mosque). The old Area also houses a number of old Souqs (Al-Nada Souq, AI-Khasekiyah Souq, Al-Alaweey Souq, Al-Saghah (Jewelry) Souq) and a large number of heritage buildings that are all still in use. The area is currently undergoing massive development, which would create a substantial shift through consecutive rehabilitation phases. “In a few years, Jeddah's historical area will become a renowned cultural and tourist area of the highest level,” Ajaj added. Saudi Arabia is hoping that Jeddah's historical area will also qualify as a UN Heritage Site. Last month, Madain Saleh in the northwest got that honor. __
