At-Turaif Historical District
Visit Time
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Last Entry 11:30 PM)At-Turaif District is located on the western bank of Wadi Hanifah, and its name is believed to have been derived from its position at the edge of the valley. It is one of the most important districts of Historic Diriyah serving as the seat of governance during the zenith of the First Saudi State.
In 1766 AD (1180 AH) , the second Imam of the First Saudi State, Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Saud, chose At-Turaif District as the seat of governance and the residence of the Saudi Royal family, due to its fortified location. This decision marked a shift from the prevailing urban pattern in Diriyah at the time, as urban expansion had been concentrated to the south and on the eastern bank of the valley, while At-Turaif was the only district established on the western bank.
At-Turaif District covers an area of approximately 235,000 square meters hosting 13 palaces and 5 mosques, most notably At-Turaif Grand Mosque. It also includes a number of public facilities that reflect aspects of administrative and social life at the time, such as Bayt Al-Mal, which served as the state treasury; Sbalat Modhi, one of the oldest endowments of the Saudi Royal family; and Hammam At-Turaif (At-Turaif Bath), considered a symbol of luxury during that period.
At-Turaif District represents a prominent example of traditional Najdi architecture reflecting local construction methods that use mud bricks, along with architectural and engineering solutions that have enabled it to withstand the effects of time.
In 2010 AD (1431 AH), the historic At-Turaif District was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as it is one of the largest mud-brick–built districts in the world and an outstanding example of the Najdi architectural style.
Discover More About the Kingdom's Heritage
Journey through the enchanting landmarks of Diriyah and lose yourself in its vibrant heritage, where the kingdom's identity, tales of resilience, and whispers of glory intertwine in a timeless narrative.
Al-Bujairi
Al-Bujairi district is located on the eastern side of Wadi Hanifah and is known for its palm plantations and many mud houses. It was known as the cultural and educational hub of Diriyah because of the founding Imam Muhammed Bin Saud's investment in knowledge and education during the first Saudi State. He created an attractive environment for scholars and students and made all the learning essentials available for all parts of society.
Al-Hawama
The "Hawama" in Diriyah is a traditional custom through which the locals express their joy and anticipation for the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr. Children, both boys and girls, dress in their new outfits and roam the neighborhoods, singing festive songs and collecting sweets and Eid gifts from the neighborhood houses, starting from dawn until midday.
Handicrafts
Diriyah flourished through the collaboration of its residents, each embracing a craft to meet the needs of the community, thus creating a cohesive society marked by stability and growth. Among these crafts were beautification, carpentry, blacksmithing, mud construction, leatherworking, weaving, palm frond weaving, leather tanning, butchering, water wheel operation, and carving. Collectively, these handicrafts have shaped the rich heritage of Diriyah, which continues to be a vital part of our lives today.
Traditional Games
In Diriyah, traditional games among children and adults encompassed both genders and featured a variety of physical and mental activities, along with chants inspired by the region's rich heritage. Notable examples include "Ihdi Badi," "Umm Tis’" "Haba Haba Huni," "Habasha," "Al-Hablah," "Al-Danana," "Sab' Al-Hajar," "Al-Suqla," and "Azim Sari." These traditional games have played a significant role in the social fabric of the birthplace of the Kingdom.
Mulaibeed
Mulaibeed is the second area where Prince Mani' bin Rabiah Al-Muridi and his tribe settled. Its fertile lands, skilled inhabitants, and plentiful livestock, exemplifies generosity in its truest form. Mulaibeed stood as the bountiful sister to Ghasibah and the first center of rule, nurturing the growth and prosperity of Diriyah until it blossomed into the capital of the First Saudi State.
At-Turaif Mosque
Nestled beside the majestic Salwa Palace and overlooking the waters of Wadi Hanifa, At-Turaif Mosque stands gracefully with its mud walls and exquisite wooden roofs. This mosque is considered as one of the most beautiful and significant landmarks in At-Turaif.
Hospitality
Diriyah is distinguished by its hospitality and strong community relations, which is most evident in the construction of the Guest Palace in At-Turaif district, designed to host guests and visitors in a manner befitting Diriyah. The palace continues to stand proudly to this day, preserving its noble traditions of honoring guests, good reception, and kindness to neighbors, among other virtuous qualities upheld by the community.
Guest Palace and At-Turaif Hammam
The Guest Palace, with its expansive spaces, radiates the essence of warmth and graciousness that defines Saudi culture. Meanwhile, the At-Turaif Hammam stands as a symbol of the social opulence that flourished in Diriyah during its golden age, captivating visitors with its stunning architecture and charming details.
Sbalat Modhi
Sbalat Modhi stands as the first charitable endowment in the history of Saudi Arabia, commissioned by Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Saud to honor his mother, Princess Muḍhi bint Sultan Abi Wahtan, celebrating her noble virtues. This generous establishment offered a safe haven to travelers from all corners of the Arabian Peninsula. Today, Sbalat Moḍhi embodies a legacy of selfless love and unmatched generosity, reflecting the very essence of the values upon which our cherished kingdom was built.