The Representations of Historic Jeddah

Historic Jeddah, known locally as Al Balad, faces complex challenges in balancing conservation and representation of its cultural heritage. This study identifies three distinct layers of reality—Surreality, Reality, and Hyperreality—that shape how the city's identity is perceived and portrayed, both locally and globally. By analyzing festivals and other representations through textual and visual mediums, the research highlights the tensions between preserving historical authenticity while simultaneously crafting narratives that resonate with citizens and the broader world. The findings underscore the need for a nuanced approach to heritage conservation that acknowledges these layered realities.

SIJEENI, R. “. T. (2018). THE REPRESENTATIONS OF HISTORIC JEDDAH. Islamic Heritage Architecture and Art II, 1, 127–136. https://doi.org/10.2495/iha180101