The fragrance of Arab originality, the spirit of the Hejaz and the Kingdom of Al Balad is a testimony to unparalleled authenticity.
The organizers of the fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival did not arbitrarily choose to hold the festival in historic Jeddah “Al Balad” but rather wanted to give the festival’s events a purely Arabic-Hejazi flavor. This festival has already begun to carve its name among the most important Arab and international film festivals.
Historic Jeddah, also known as “Al Balad,” stands as one of the most prominent heritage landmarks in Saudi Arabia. In this area, history meets the spirit of the present, blending authentic Hejazi architecture with modern artistic touches, making it a popular destination for lovers of heritage and cultural tourism, so the organizers of this edition decided to take the festival out of the corridors of hotels and cultural squares to “Al Balad” to discover the authenticity of Jeddah and its bright history.
About Historical Jeddah
The story of historic Jeddah began in 647 AD when it was declared a port for Mecca. Since then it has become a cultural and commercial destination that attracts different cultures. This area has a distinctive coastal location that has made it a meeting place for civilizations, where human history is embodied in all its details. Historic Jeddah is home to many historic houses that are characterized by their unique designs, as well as eight historic gates that played a role in protecting the city.
Sharbatly House
One of the most important landmarks that the Red Sea International Film Festival enabled us to recognize is the Sharbatly House, which has stood tall since 1916, and is one of the oldest and most famous houses in historic Jeddah. It is characterized by its architectural design that combines wooden windows and white racks. Today, it has been transformed into a cultural center, hosting art exhibitions and cultural events, to remain a testament to tradition and beauty in the heart of Jeddah.
Popular markets: A shopping experience in the alleys of history
Jeddah’s historic alleyways and souks carry the pulse of civilization and ancient traditions of buying and selling. Souq Qabel, for example, is one of the oldest popular markets in the Kingdom and is characterized by its unique atmosphere, embracing heritage products and oriental clothing. It extends to the Bedouin market, which is one of the favorite destinations for heritage lovers.
Arbaeen Park is one of the most iconic places in historic Jeddah, where people gather to savor traditional cuisine at modernly designed stalls. Visitors can choose their favorite dishes and sit in spacious spaces surrounded by dim lights that give the place a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
Notably, in 2014, UNESCO listed Historic Jeddah as a World Heritage Site for its unique historical and architectural values. This area, which combines past and present, has become a tourist destination that reflects the spirit of Saudi Arabia and its ancient history, where visitors can enjoy a tour that takes them back in time.
Historic Jeddah remains a precious treasure that reflects the history of Islamic and Arab civilization. By visiting this area, you step on a land that combines originality and modernity, as its features are evident in the arbors, markets, restaurants, mosques, and every corner carries a story that attracts you to dive into its details, and what is remarkable is that the Red Sea International Film Festival made the right choice in choosing to hold this session, which extended over 10 days that were full of viewing pleasure through participating films, and the pleasure of attending and learning about the authenticity of the place and its history full of antiquity and originality.
In conclusion, we would like to thank the Festival’s Acting CEO, Mohammed bin Ayed Asiri, who represented his country well and presented the audience and guests with a very successful session with countless distinctive details. We also thank the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Red Sea Film Foundation and CEO of the Saudi Research and Media Group, Jomana Rashed Al-Rashed, for all her professionalism for her Country, the Festival, and Arab women, in addition to her professionalism.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Saafi-English NejiMed)
