Saudi Arabia: Immersive tour of Prince Thunayyan Palace showcases authentic Saudi values
Prince Thunayyan bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Miqrin Palace in the At-Turaif
District stands as a major attraction within Hal Al-Qusoor, one of the flagship
programs of Diriyah
Season 25/26. The experience offers visitors a rich cultural and historical
journey into the First Saudi State, highlighting themes of knowledge,
leadership, and heritage through a blend of technology, art, and storytelling.
The immersive tour unfolds across a series of
themed rooms that trace Prince Thunayyan bin Saud’s life from childhood to his
later years. Visual projections and soundscapes guide visitors through key
moments, including his early devotion to learning, his scholarly pursuits, his
role as a trusted adviser, the loss of his eyesight, and the enduring survival
of the palace after his death.
Light, shadow, and carefully designed audio
effects create a serene atmosphere that encourages reflection. The experience
opens with Quranic recitation, transitions into sounds associated with
learning—such as turning pages and hushed discussions in traditional
gatherings—and concludes with cannon fire, symbolising the lasting strength and
presence of the palace.
Read More Saudi
Arabia's UNESCO exhibition shines light on At-Turaif, Diriyah's legacy
Projection mapping plays a central role in
conveying the narrative. The first three rooms feature shadow-style imagery
illustrating the prince’s upbringing, values, and intellectual influence. A
fourth room presents an artistic installation focusing on the period when he
lost his sight, while the final room symbolises the resilience and continuity
of the palace across generations.
At its core, the exhibition highlights the
importance of knowledge in the First Saudi State. Prince Thunayyan bin Saud was
renowned for his wisdom and breadth of learning. Even after losing his
eyesight, he continued to study and teach. He maintained a large personal
library, supported scholars and students, and remained engaged in multiple
fields of knowledge, leaving behind a lasting intellectual legacy.
Historically, the palace served as the
residence of Prince Thunayyan bin Saud, who was born in Diriyah in the late
17th century. He witnessed the establishment of the Saudi State by his brother,
Imam Mohammad bin Saud, in 1727, and played an advisory role during this
formative period. The exhibition presents these milestones as defining moments
in both the prince’s life and the history of Diriyah.
Architecture
and Setting
Built in the mid-18th century, Prince
Thunayyan bin Saud Palace occupies a strategic location overlooking Shuaib
Hubaiker in the southwestern part of the At-Turaif District. Designed in the
traditional Najdi architectural style, the palace balances residential comfort
with defensive considerations and is regarded as one of the largest and most
significant palaces in the area.
Much of the structure, particularly the
southern façade facing the valley, is constructed from stone. The palace
features two floors, a spacious central courtyard used as an open living area,
two main entrances, and a secondary entrance leading toward the valley.
Construction materials include mudbrick, stone, mud, and tamarisk wood,
supported by strong load-bearing walls.
Read More
Saudi
Arabia’s UNESCO world heritage site At-Turaif features in Fortnite game
Through Diriyah Season 25/26, Diriyah is
presented as both the birthplace of the Saudi State and a continuing hub of
cultural exchange. Programs such as Hal
Al-Qusoor at Prince Thunayyan bin Saud Palace showcase authentic Saudi
values using contemporary presentation methods, aligning with the objectives of
the Diriyah Gate Development Authority and Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on
sustainable cultural and tourism development.
By
merging historical narrative, artistic installations, and immersive sound
design, Prince Thunayyan bin Saud Palace offers visitors a comprehensive
insight into the life of the prince and the broader story of Diriyah. The
experience reinforces the palace’s role as a centre of knowledge, its
architectural importance within At-Turaif, and its deep connection to the early
Saudi State.
Source:
One Arabia
0 Comments