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Arabia's UNESCO exhibition: Diriyah's legacy highlighted
A groundbreaking Saudi-UNESCO exhibition titled ‘The Earthen Testaments – A Look into the Material Traces of Diriyah’ has made history by spotlighting a Saudi heritage site on the global stage for the first time.
Over 5,700 kilometers away from Saudi Arabia's oldest birthplace, young female Saudi artists in Paris have showcased the rich cultural heritage of At-Turaif, the historic district, in a pioneering exhibition at UNESCO’s headquarters. The exhibition aimed to highlight one of the most architecturally remarkable mudbrick settlements globally and trace the Kingdom’s evolution over the ages.
Inviting visitors to roll their own mudballs and delve into the material that shaped At-Turaif's development, the exhibition shed light on life centuries ago in Saudi Arabia, before the vast landscapes transformed into today’s modern metropolis.
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The Saudi-UNESCO exhibition titled ‘The Earthen Testaments – A Look into the Material Traces of Diriyah’ marked the first time an exhibition
entirely dedicated to a Saudi heritage site was featured on the global stage. It emphasized the historic At-Turaif district's significance and its pivotal role in establishing the Kingdom.
Serving as a cultural bridge, the exhibition educated international audiences about Saudi culture and history, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 objectives for cultural development. Saudi officials expressed optimism that the event would shape global perceptions and foster cultural diplomacy.
Spotlighting the Birthplace of the First Saudi State At-Turaif, situated in the Diriyah region just outside Riyadh, served as the original home of the Al Saud royal family and the capital of the first Saudi state established in 1744. The city comprises intricately constructed mud-brick structures, reflecting traditional Najdi architectural techniques.
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In 2010, At-Turaif earned designation as Saudi Arabia’s inaugural UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical significance and exceptional preservation. The district provides tangible evidence of the
political, social, and cultural values that laid the groundwork for the modern Kingdom.
Princess Tarfa bint Fahad al-Saud, Associate Director of Curation & Programs at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, elucidated the significance of showcasing At-Turaif’s legacy at UNESCO headquarters.
She remarked, “Highlighting the historic site of At-Turaif at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris is a landmark moment for Saudi heritage. It offers global recognition of the work to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage
Site. The exhibition serves as a platform for cultural exchange, education, and outreach, promoting understanding and appreciation of Saudi Arabia's rich culture.”
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The exhibition was a collaborative endeavor between the Permanent Delegation of Saudi Arabia to UNESCO and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, tasked with overseeing the world’s largest historical preservation and restoration project.
Breathing Life into Diriyah’s History
Titled “The Earthen Testaments,” the exhibition traced Diriyah and At-Turaif’s evolution through artifacts, archival images, film, commissioned artworks, and poetry, with a focus on traditional mud-brick architecture.
Princess al-Saud elaborated, “It began with an exploration of the rich heritage of Diriyah - its historical significance, architectural landscapes, and cultural values. We engaged community members, historians, archaeologists, and local experts to unveil the essence of Diriyah’s past -
celebrating human experiences and universal values.”
Saudi artists Ali Alsumayuin, Omar Abduljawad, Rasha Alrashid, and design collective Bricklab contributed pieces inspired by At-Turaif’s mud-brick structures, juxtaposing modern and traditional perspectives on Saudi heritage.
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Commenting on the artists’ role, the princess noted, “Their artworks serve as contemporary reflections of the site’s significance, sparking dialogue and engaging visitors. By blending traditional elements with various forms of expression, these artists bridge past and present, ensuring cultural continuity. Their contributions inspire cultural preservation efforts and underscore the significance of place, memory, and belonging.”
The exhibition’s design mirrored the winding pathways of Diriyah’s historic neighborhoods, accompanied by ambient sounds recreating the
UNESCO World Heritage Site’s atmosphere. Visitors could even engage in creating their own mud structures as an interactive feature.
Princess al-Saud emphasized that the UNESCO exhibition underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to preserving its heritage.
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“This global stage fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of Saudi heritage, contributing to a more informed perception of the Kingdom’s cultural legacy worldwide. On a national level, we, as Saudi citizens proud of our heritage, are all stewards, tasked with the care and protection of our cultural heritage to pass them on safely to future generations.”
Reviving Diriyah as a Cultural Hub
As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia prioritizes cultural development and education to reinforce national identity and share the Kingdom’s heritage with the world. Initiatives like celebrating At-Turaif at UNESCO align with these goals.
For Adam Wilkinson, Chief of Heritage & Culture at DGDA, the UNESCO exhibition signifies a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s evolving relationship with its cultural history.
“Archaeology hasn’t been at the forefront of Saudi Arabia in the last 40 years,” he told Al Arabiya English. “Other national priorities focused on developing the country. However, while significant work has been done, there are still many heritage sites waiting to be fully explored.”
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With mega-projects like Diriyah Gate underway, Wilkinson highlighted ongoing archaeological endeavors aimed at surveying, investigating,
and understanding Saudi Arabia’s ancient legacy.
“A significant aspect of our work is comprehending that heritage. When discussing heritage, we should think beyond individual objects; rather, we should consider it as a landscape. Al Diriyah is a cultural landscape encompassing geology, topography, soils, archaeology, botany, architecture, cultural practices, and environment as interconnected facets of a
unified heritage.”
This holistic perspective informs heritage management, urban development, and public engagement strategies.
“The development of Diriyah Gate integrates the celebration of Diriyah’s legacy with contemporary urban development. Modern architecture in
districts beyond At-Turaif maintains traditional designs, ensuring continuity with the past,” Wilkinson explained.
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Engaging Citizens in Heritage Conservation
Princess al-Saud emphasized Diriyah and At-Turaif’s role in inspiring current and future generations of Saudis.
“This is the story of Diriyah, its land, and its people – AlAwja (the people of Diriyah) whose lives in the Wadi Hanifah slowly shaped our collective memory generation after generation,” she said. “Stories of generosity, kinship, resilience, honor, sustainability, and solidarity continue to inspire us today.”
Efforts to celebrate historic sites like At-Turaif aim to instill national pride in Saudi heritage, engaging citizens in heritage conservation, Wilkinson added. Showcasing Diriyah’s history and culture at UNESCO counters outdated misconceptions of the Kingdom.
Collaboration with UNESCO and global heritage sites opens avenues for shared learning and cooperation, Wilkinson emphasized. “Diriyah has
the potential to collaborate with and support other World Heritage sites
globally. By cooperating, we can share experiences and enhance heritage conservation efforts worldwide.”
Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of World Heritage at UNESCO, hailed the exhibition’s exploration of traditional wisdom and its contemporary
relevance. He stated, “Through contemporary artworks, this fascinating
exhibition
Source:
alarabiya
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