Al-Tayibat City Museum for International Civilisation

Nurul Ameen Damda: Al-Tayibat City Museum for International Civilisation - JEDDAH

Undoubtingly visiting this Museum worth a Million.

I just wonder how such an incredible and Important Place escaped a visit being lived in Jeddah for several years. It was only now, on spur of moment my eyes magnetized a marvelous structure passing nearby famous Cycle Round About. It was an unexpected or accidental treasure hunt for me. On the dot I slowed my Car and directed towards the superstructure.

At my first Gaze my mind perceived this Massive Erection Just as a Grand Masjid Built in Ancient Architectural form. Later discovered to be “Al-Tayibat City Museum for International Civilisation consist of the main buildings, The Masjid, The facade of the castle, The home of the Saudi Arabian heritage, The home of the Islamic heritage, The home of the World Heritage, Exhibit heritage overall with gorgeous work of art from Inside & Out”. Literally, you can call it a city of Museums covering an area of 10,000 sq m with 12 Buildings having 300 rooms and Home to an Extensive Collection of antiques ranging from exquisite Islamic Manuscripts and old coins to Eye-Catching furniture and pottery from All over the World. Regrettably, the camera is not Permissible Inside to share with you the broader picture restricting my photography to Outside. All Photographs are © Nurul Ameen Damda.

MIHRAB from OUTSIDE A semicircular niche in the wall of a masjid that indicates the qibla;

This Museum was a Palace and sweat of One Man late Sheik Abdul Rauf Khalil, A merchant devoted to preserving the rich history of the region for the sake of his County. There are a number of museums sprinkled around Jeddah under his banner. This Magnificent Palace resembles classic Old houses at Balad in Jeddah which dates back to the 7^th century. These houses were built out of Red sea Coral rocks & limestone. Nevertheless, this Museum is 300 years old but appears to be modish & state-of-the-art until today. I can Say late Sheikh Abdul Rauf Khalil has presented a masterpiece to the country which is a Gem on the Tourism Map of Saudi Arabia.

There is a lane known as Khan el-Khalili just outside the Museum where large numbers of antique shop are housed. This lane is named after a Main & famous Souk (Market) in The Islamic district of Cairo. This lane is a paradise for the antique shoppers.

Khan el-Khalili Lane where a number of Antiques shops are housed.

This Museum is located near the famous Cycle Roundabout, King Fahad Road (sitten), Al Faisaliyah Jeddah. The entry fee per head is SAR 50.00 (A minimum of 10 or a larger group is required). Individual entry is permitted Only on Tuesdays. The museum is Open from SAT to THU 8 -12pm and 5 -9 pm. However, Masjid is Open Every day for 5 times Prayer.

Minarets & Doom from Outside Masjid.

I am beyond doubt that most of the people living in Jeddah are well-known about this Place. This implies the failure of Tourism Departments in promoting their tourism destinations. I hope this blog of Mine will bring a brighter side to this Museum so please do not stop Sharing this blog among your folks.

Miniature Model of Arabian & Saudi Architecture

Miniature Model of Hijazi Architecture

The Exit way from the Masjid's Courtyard hence the entrance from the opposite side.

Ablution (Wudu) area with attractive marble carvings. An Ablution is a ritual purification precedes all prayers, Masjids often have ablution fountains or other facilities for washing in their entryways or courtyards.

MIHRAB from Inside ( محراب‎ ) is a Semicircular niche in the Wall of Masjid that indicates the Qibla that is. The direction of the Kaaba in Makkah and hence the Muslims should face When Praying. The Wall in Which a Mihrab Appears is Thus a “ Qibla Wall”

A Wooden MIMBAR to the Right side of MIHRAB (also called Mimbar Arabic: منبر ) is a Special place in Masjid where Imam is used to speak to the congregation, to deliver the sermons. These sermons are usually called khutbah ( خطبه ).