Historic Jeddah: Transforming ancient pilgrimage landmarks into tourist destinations
Since the dawn of Islamic history, Jeddah has played a pivotal role as a major gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, being the first point of entry for pilgrims heading towards Mecca. Today, amidst the cultural and tourism renaissance underway in Saudi Arabia, Historic Jeddah is once again taking center stage, not only as a passage for pilgrims but also as a global tourist and heritage destination. The transformation of ancient pilgrimage sites into tourist attractions reflects the Kingdom's commitment to reviving Islamic heritage and presenting it to the world in a modern style that blends authenticity with progress.
Jeddah is known as the “Bride of the Red Sea,” and its strategic and religious importance dates back to when the Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (may God be pleased with him) designated it as the port for Mecca in 26 AH, replacing the port of Shu’aybah. This historic decision transformed Jeddah into a vital artery connecting the continents of the Old World and a meeting point for diverse Islamic cultures. This diversity has resulted in a unique urban and social fabric, culminating in the 2014 inscription of Historic Jeddah on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, thus bestowing upon it an international dimension that enhances its human value.
Port of Pont: A witness to the beginnings of the journey
The historic Al-Bunt Port is one of the most prominent landmarks documenting the Hajj pilgrimage by sea. Its organized form dates back to 1867, when the Red Sea waters touched the beginnings of what is now King Abdulaziz Street. During the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, orders were issued to construct a special dock for pilgrim boats in front of the “Al-Bunt Building,” which extends from the current post office to the Baqshan Center. Today, the Jeddah Historic Program is working diligently to revitalize this historic port, develop the waterfront to bring the sea back into the city, and restore the area's visual identity to its former glory, thus enhancing its tourist appeal.
The Hajj route: Steps etched in history
The Hajj pilgrimage in the past was not merely a physical journey, but a spiritual experience for which preparations began months in advance, involving raising funds and choosing good companions. Upon arriving in Jeddah, pilgrims followed specific routes that have now become heritage landmarks. The route begins at Bab al-Bunt port, proceeds along King Abdulaziz Street, then the historic Qabil Street, and continues to Al-Alawi Market, culminating at Bab Makkah, the official starting point for the journey to the holy sites. The Jeddah Municipality, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, has developed this historical route, which is over 1400 years old, into a tourist destination surrounded by traditional Hijazi houses and historical mosques.
Lake Al-Arbaeen: The source of construction and a rest stop
Lake Al-Arba'een holds within it stories steeped in history. Historical sources indicate that Caliph Uthman ibn Affan and his companions stopped at this location to bathe, wearing a protective garment, in the year 26 AH. The lake was also known in ancient times as the "Sea of Clay," as it was the primary source of clay used in the construction of traditional Hijazi houses. This clay served as both insulation and a binding agent between the quarried stone blocks extracted from the sea, before the advent of cement. Thanks to current development projects, the area surrounding the lake has been transformed into a vibrant, integrated park that blends urban living with ancient heritage.
Local and international impact within Vision 2030
The rehabilitation of these landmarks and their transformation into tourist destinations not only beautifies the city but also carries profound economic and cultural dimensions that align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Locally, these projects contribute to creating new job opportunities and supporting the economy by revitalizing commercial activity in traditional markets. Internationally, highlighting these landmarks places Jeddah on the global cultural tourism map, attracting visitors and researchers interested in Islamic history, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's role as a custodian of human heritage and presenting the world with a living example of how to preserve history while keeping pace with the demands of the modern age.
