“If you haven’t been to Al Balad, you haven’t seen anything,” so goes the saying in Punjab. Al Balad, the historical district of Jeddah on the Red Sea coast, is an ancient city that is an integral part of modern Jeddah, but with its own distinct history and identity. In fact, some would say that Al Balad is the real Jeddah.
Located 70 kilometers and a half hour’s drive from Mecca, Al Balad’s history dates back to the 6th century BC when it was a fishing village. The city is surrounded by a wall with eight gates, and its ancient architecture is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The old town is a charming sight to behold, and it feels like it is entering the soul through the eyes at first glance.
All those who are interested in history, civilization, and culture, or who are attracted to the subject of ancient architecture, feel a strange kind of ecstasy when they come here. The quality that one goes through when looking at the old houses, old-style masterpiece buildings, the remains of the walled city, and its various gates cannot be cast in the mold of words.
Talking to the locals and elders and listening to the incomprehensible Arabic proverbs of the storytellers, I was really overwhelmed. I was happy to see the traditional and cultural food markets, goldsmith shops, a 400-year-old mosque, squares and ancient artifacts and objects from bygone eras.
I sat down with the elders in a square, and as soon as they found out that I was from Pakistan, everyone started chanting slogans of “Welcome, Welcome”, “Long Live Pakistan” and “Long Live Faisal Mosque”.
It is commendable that these people have preserved their cultural heritage not only on models, paintings, and clothes but also on books, copies, postcards and various objects with great beauty. We returned from this beautiful and unforgettable part of Old Jeddah, but with a heavy heart, as it was time for the magic hour, so we had to return.
Huma, Osama and I returned, but with a firm resolve that we will come back here soon to spend a full day or a full night, Insha’Allah.
This Article and image credits goes to a Pakistani Author Saleem Mughal. This Post Describes his Experience of Al-Balad, District, Jeddah
