Dr. Abdulrahman Bin Rashed Aal Zanan has spent more than 28 years collecting artifacts and relics depicting the Kingdom's heritage, with some items 120-years-old. During this time he collected more than 1,500 relics from different parts of the Kingdom. Zanan has set up a museum carrying his name in his hometown Al-Afalaj. Zanan said his museum is open to all visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom. He said his pieces showcase traditional costumes and handicrafts which have disappeared a long time ago. He said the museum offers a unique opportunity for the young generation to learn about the heritage of their forefathers. He said he had the idea to start the museum 28 years ago. Zanan said that a copy of the Holy Qur'an, which is written in Ottoman calligraphy on only one page measuring 70 cm long and 40 cm wide, is one of the most important pieces of the entire collection. Apart from this, he has a special section for an old traditional house which is built of mud and contains a sitting room which is called the “Majlis”. In addition, there are also rooms for the older members of the family and boys and girls. Zanan has another section which outlines the history of traditional dishes across the Kingdom and another display with traditional weapons and old metal and paper currencies. He also has a small grocery which is named the “District Shop”. He said his hobby of collecting relics has cost him a great deal of money. But he does not mind traveling thousands of kilometers to any part of the Kingdom even if it is only for one or two rare pieces. He said that he was once involved in a funny situation at the museum. “Once a family visited me and during the tour of the museum, the family's grandmother noticed the old coffee utensils and insisted that she, and her son and his wife, drink coffee from it. I gave in to her request and served them coffee in the same traditional items.” Zanan said the grandmother was so happy because it must have brought back fond memories for her. After some time, the same family surprised him when they brought him an old coffee pot which was several decades old.
