MAKKAH: In the Tayma oasis is Ali bin Rumman Castle, an architectural gem and symbol of the heritage of the Tabuk region.
The castle is one of the most prominent heritage and cultural landmarks in the region, representing a key era in the evolution of traditional architecture in northern 黑料社区.
It tells the story of generations who laid the foundations of an enduring civilization, one whose legacy lives in the Tayma oasis today.
In an interview with Arab News, Abdul-Ilah Al-Fares, a member of the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, emphasized the cultural significance of the site, describing the castle as 鈥渁 reflection of our identity, a unique architectural landmark that has retained its form for more than three centuries.鈥
He said: 鈥淭he castle is a true example of local building traditions in Tayma, where people relied on natural materials like stone, clay and mud bricks,鈥 he added.
鈥淭hey designed it with a sophisticated architectural style that blends beauty with function.鈥
Al-Fares said the castle鈥檚 history dates from 1720, when it was founded by Hutaimi bin Saad Al-Ali, Prince Al-Ruman鈥檚 father.
It later became the headquarters of his son, Prince Ali, who used it as a residence and a center for managing his family鈥檚 affairs and the surrounding farms and orchards.
鈥淭he castle has preserved its majesty despite the circumstances and upheavals it has undergone.
鈥淭he towers, buildings, climate and gates still bear witness to the precision and beauty of its architecture, and to the castle鈥檚 position in the social and political life of that era,鈥 Al-Fares added.
He said that the restoration work led by Sheikh Nahar Abdul Karim Al-Rumman had a significant influence in bringing the landmark back to life.
The sheikh oversaw the restoration and rehabilitation work in 2018 under his direct supervision, ensuring the preservation of the castle鈥檚 identity and original structure.
The restoration 鈥渨as a project aimed at preserving the history of a nation and a heritage that reflects a vital part of the local community鈥檚 collective memory. The work followed architectural guidelines faithful to the original style, while enhancing external facilities and applying paint to highlight the site鈥檚 aesthetic value,鈥 he said.
Al-Fares pointed out the castle鈥檚 unique features, including massive watchtowers, a mosque in the southwestern corner, stables, guest house and mud wall surrounding the entire site, in addition to the large gates for horses and camels.
He also said that castle was a focal point of the Al-Rumman family鈥檚 life, with some of its buildings used as warehouses, and a reception center, evidenced by its reception of King Saud bin Abdulaziz during his visit to Tayma in 1954.
鈥淭oday, the castle has become a prominent tourist and cultural landmark, attracting visitors from within and beyond the Kingdom.
鈥淚t stands as a living testament to the uniqueness of Najdi architecture and the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Tabuk region.
鈥淧reserving it is a national duty, not merely as a collection of mud buildings, but as a symbol of our national memory and a source of inspiration for future generations,鈥 Al-Fares said, emphasizing the importance of connecting this legacy to the Kingdom鈥檚 Vision 2030.
