The Old City of Jeddah: from a walled city to a heritage site

Historic Jeddah, known as the 'gateway to Makkah,' has preserved its ancient core, al-Balad district, since 646 AD, with historical significance dating back to 250 BC. The city's fortified wall, built in 1509 by Mamluk Sultan Al-Ghori in response to Portuguese and Bedouin attacks, is believed to have been the cornerstone in safeguarding its legacy, shaping al-Balad into a historic district that persists today. This study explores how the city wall became instrumental in preserving Jeddah's heritage and why it is now a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription. The research relies on Saudi literature, official reports, surveys, and observations of the old city to address these questions.

Bagader, M. (2014). The Old City of Jeddah: from a walled city to a heritage site. Defence Sites II, 1, 365–374. https://doi.org/10.2495/dshf140311