A Typical South-Arabian Architecture

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is renowned for its distinctive Arabian traditional architecture, which varies across regions. However, when one thinks of Saudi traditional architecture, the charming and colorful houses of Rijal Alma often come to mind. This village is not only famous for its stunning scenery but also for its significant historical role in the region.

Located just 20 kilometers west of Abha, the capital of Aseer Province, Rijal Alma is set in a bend of an extensive valley on the ancient trade route between Yemen and the rest of the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea. Despite the challenging geography, the climate here is more pleasant than in other parts of the country, with cooler temperatures and higher humidity.

For its exceptional features, Rijal Alma is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The scenery around the village includes steep hills overlooking a sinuous road that once facilitated the spice and incense trade. Defensive watchtowers dot the hillsides, showcasing the strategic planning of the builders.

A traveler reaching Rijal Alma will find a place rich in history and tradition, now oriented towards tourism. The village has taken on the appearance of a living museum, with restored and developed areas that still retain their historical charm.

The original village comprises dressed stone square towers, patterned with gleaming lumps of sugar-white quartz, typical of the local culture. These structures tell the story of a culture that capitalized on available materials and demonstrated sophisticated use of dressed stone to create complex buildings. The solidly built houses served as both mini-fortresses and comfortable homes, reflecting a culture immersed in trade and influenced by travelers passing through.

Inside the walls of Rijal Alma, visitors will find a treasure trove of vibrant colors and intricate designs painted by skilled artisans. The village also houses a museum in one of its six-story stone buildings, preserving pieces of its rich history.

Part of the village was restored and preserved by the local community, earning the Prince Sultan bin Salman Prize for Preservation of Urban Heritage in 2006. The residents initiated rehabilitation works to attract tourists and benefit from the area’s economic potential.

Historical Significance

Rijal Alma is also known for the involvement of its people in decisive events that shaped the religious and political landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. During the Muslim conquests, the people of Rijal Alma played major roles, including participating in the Battle of Al-Qadisiyah in 636 CE and protecting Madinah as a stationed garrison.

In 1331 CE, Rijal Alma became the capital of the principality of Hala during the reign of Mossa Al-Kenani. In the 18th century, Aseeri men, including those from Rijal Alma, showed courage at the Battle of Besel near Taif against the forces of Muhammad Ali Pasha. In 1822, Rijal Alma and Bani Mghaid overthrew the Sharif who worked for the Ottomans in Aseer, leading to the independence of Aseer from the Ottoman Empire in 1825.

Rijal Alma’s armies also defeated Ibrahim Pasha in 1835, who had previously annihilated the first Saudi state. The people of Rijal Alma participated in various military exploits, proving their bravery and earning the name “Aseer,” which refers to both the difficult terrain and the toughness of its people.

Visiting Rijal Alma

Rijal Alma is accessible by road, with routes from Abha (55 kilometers) and Jizan (170 kilometers). Visitors can also reach the village by cable car from the Souda National Park complex. The village’s location is available on Google Maps for easy navigation.

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