Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Land . People and Civilization
Transcription
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Land . People and Civilization
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Land . People and Civilization This book illustrates a true picture through balanced authenticated words and innovative photographs for the people, land and culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it gives an account of the aesthetical aspects of nature and geography as well as cultural and civilizational legacy. The book’s approach was to give accurate and precise presentation away from generalities and compositional description. It relies on correct data supported with figures, statistics and timed comparisons using a chronological approach to show the developments of social, cultural and economic formations in Saudi Arabia. The book contains nearly 700 colored photographs making it a pleasant epistemic tour. It was successful to draw a real picture for the rich heritage of traditions and genuine Arab life patterns that consolidate the spirit of vigor in the Saudi people to further spur a contemporary life for the sake of offering positive contribution to the civilizational effort and upgrading his country to an advanced level of technology, services and comprehensive social awareness. A host of photographers have taken part in the profession while the author collected important photos from the archives of different personal and private libraries. The book also contains more than 30 tables, ten graphs and six detailed maps on the Kingdom. The book was based on specialized scientific settings as it was written in each of its parts by an specialized writer to guarantee authenticity and objectiveness. The team work was done by 30 specialist researchers and writers. Technical Specifications of The Book Size: 27 x 32 cm Portrait (Catalogue) Number of Pages: 444 800 Photos and 40 Coloured Charts 6 Detailed Maps of The Kingdom Paper: 135 grams Binding: Luxury Jacket Printed with 4 Colours On 250 Grams Paper. Team List Senior Panel Dr. Fahad al-Orabi al-Harthi, Supervisor & Director Professor. Roshood bin Mohammed al-Kherayef, Proofreader Dr. Mohammed bin Bawaj al- Suba’e, Genral Proofreade Mr. Asaad Mohammed Shahata, Technical Manager Mr. Ziad Fawzi& Mr. Ibrahim Ayesh, Technical Production Contributors Dr. Ibraheem Al - Ehaideb Dr. Ahmad Al - Farhan Dr. Hameed bin Khalil Al -Shaijee Dr. Dalal bint Mukhled al-Harbi Professor. Roshood bin Mohammed al- Kherayef Dr. Saad bin Adulrahman al- Bazee Mr. Sabri Saeed Dr. Samuel Poles Mekhael Mr. Adulrahman al-Jeraisi Dr. Adulrahman al- Tayeb al- Ansari Mr. Adulrahman bin Zaid al- Suwaida Dr. Abdulaziz Ismael Daghestani Mr. Abdulaziz Mahana al-Mahana Dr. Abdullah al-Khriaji Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Shihail Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser al-Walaie Dr. Abdumalik al-Khayal Dr. Abdulhadi Abdullah al-Haj Dr. Ali Salem Bahammam Mr. Awadallah Mohammed Awadallah Mr. Ali bin Saad al-Garni Dr. Awad Metrek al-Guhani Dr. Layla bent Saleh al-Bassam Dr. Mohammed al-Rusayes Mr. Mohammed al-Rufaee Mr. Nasser bin Abdullah al-Shedoukhi Editors Dr. Ibrahim al-Mahana Dr. Hamid mohammed Abdullah Dr. Abdulfatah Kurdi Professor Abdulrahmanbin Hamood al-Enad Eng. Abdulaziz al- Anbar Dr. Qotb Fahmi al- Jawabrah Photographers Mr. Hamad al-Abdali Mr. Khaled Khider al-Tweiqi Mr. Khaled Ali al-Shiekh Mr. Roji Makarzal Mr. Saleh Abdullah al-Azaz Mr. Saleh Mohammed Saad al-Rumaih Mr. Mohammed bin Hamad al-Jandal Mr. Mohammed Hussein Banonah Mr. Mohammed Abdullah al-Lahaw Official Entities •. Riyadh Development Authority • National Commission for Protection and Development of Wild Life •. King Abdulaziz City for science and Technology •. King Saoud University •. King Faisal Charitable Foundation •. Saudi Arabian Airlines •. Saudi British Bank Proof Reader Ms. Leyla Peeran Nabahani Design and Layout Mr. Shams al-deen Adam Busharah Mr. Ibrahim Abdulrahim Ayish 5 Table of contents PART ONE: THE LAND CHAPTER ONE Geography of the Land Geography of the Land������������������������������������16 Government Structure����������������������������������138 Red Sea������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 16 Camels ............................................................82 Plants .............................................................92 Tihama Plains of the Red Sea����������������������������������������� 16 Environmental Factors Affecting the Growth and ........... 98 Majlis Ash Shura (Consultative Council)������������������� 140 Tihama Mountains���������������������������������������������������������� 17 Distribution of Plants Provincial Government������������������������������������������������� 141 Western Heights��������������������������������������������������������������� 18 Natural plant regions.....................................................102 Allegiance Commission������������������������������������������������ 142 Western Plateaus�������������������������������������������������������������� 22 Plant environments.......................................................104 Judicial System and Board of Grievances������������������� 142 Sand Seas��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 26 Northern Plateaus������������������������������������������������������������ 32 Summan Plateaus������������������������������������������������������������� 32 Eastern Plains������������������������������������������������������������������� 33 Arabian Gulf��������������������������������������������������������������������� 34 Geology of the Land����������������������������������������36 Oil fields���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 36 Water resources���������������������������������������������������������������� 38 Mineral resources������������������������������������������������������������ 39 Climate ������������������������������������������������������������42 Elements of climate��������������������������������������������������������� 46 PART TWO: THE PEOPLE CHAPTER THREE The People Public education������������������������������������������������������������ 146 Illiteracy eradication and adult education������������������ 148 Population growth �������������������������������������������������������� 113 University education����������������������������������������������������� 148 Geographical distribution of population ������������������� 114 Technical education and vocational training������������� 154 Population density and types �������������������������������������� 116 Other kinds of education ��������������������������������������������� 154 Change in Living Patterns�������������������������������������������� 116 Sex and Age Composition of the Population ������������ 118 History�����������������������������������������������������������122 Introduction ������������������������������������������������������������������ 122 Marine Mammals������������������������������������������������������������ 62 The First Saudi State ����������������������������������������������������� 122 Sea cows���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 62 The Second Saudi State ������������������������������������������������ 124 Whales and dolphins������������������������������������������������������� 62 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia �������������������������������������������� 125 Reptiles and amphibians������������������������������������������������� 78 Education�������������������������������������������������������146 Introduction ������������������������������������������������������������������ 112 Birds, Mammals, and Fish�������������������������������55 Birds in Saudi Arabia������������������������������������������������������ 68 CHAPTER SIX Education and Culture Special education����������������������������������������������������������� 148 CHAPTER FOUR History Fish������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 67 Council of Ministers������������������������������������������������������ 139 Population������������������������������������������������������������112 CHAPTER TWO Wildlife Mammals�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 61 6 CHAPTER FIVE Government Structure Culture�����������������������������������������������������������156 Cultural organizations��������������������������������������������������� 157 The Establishment of Islamic Centers and Institutes:�����168 King Abdulaziz Darah�������������������������������������������������� 171 Scientific & research centers ������������������������172 King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology����� 172 Archaeology ��������������������������������������������������174 Fine Arts �������������������������������������������������������190 Popular Costumes�����������������������������������������196 Men’s clothing���������������������������������������������������������������� 196 Women’s clothing����������������������������������������������������������� 202 Information ��������������������������������������������������210 Social development�������������������������������������������������������� 236 Historical background�������������������������������������������������� 210 King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Parental Foundation for Radio������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 210 Developmental Housing ���������������������������������������������� 236 Television������������������������������������������������������������������������ 210 Poverty alleviation fund������������������������������������������������ 337 Saudi Press Agency�������������������������������������������������������� 211 Press ��������������������������������������������������������������212 Printing and publishing������������������������������������������������ 212 Press establishments������������������������������������������������������ 212 Tourism ���������������������������������������������������������214 Nature������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 214 Historical sites���������������������������������������������������������������� 216 Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities���������� 221 Transport�������������������������������������������������������222 CHAPTER SEVEN Society Marriage Customs�����������������������������������������238 Central region���������������������������������������������������������������� 239 Marriage Rituals in the Southern and Western Regions �� 240 Marriage Rituals in the Eastern Region���������������������� 242 Marriage rituals in the Northern Region�������������������� 242 Sports�������������������������������������������������������������244 Sports clubs and federations���������������������������������������� 244 International Sports Participation������������������������������� 244 Sports facilities��������������������������������������������������������������� 246 Hunting��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 250 Equestrian����������������������������������������������������������������������� 256 Women in Saudi Arabia �������������������������������226 Women in modern era ������������������������������������������������� 226 Female education ���������������������������������������������������������� 227 Women and development �������������������������������������������� 228 Women’s charitable societies ��������������������������������������� 228 Health and Society ����������������������������������������230 Specialized Medical Services���������������������������������������� 231 Social Affairs�������������������������������������������������234 Social security ��������������������������������������������������������������� 234 Orphan care ������������������������������������������������������������������� 234 Social care for the elderly ��������������������������������������������� 234 Care for those with special needs ������������������������������� 235 7 CIVILIZATION CHAPTER EIGHT Holy Islamic Sites CHAPTER TEN Economy and development Makkah, Umm al-Qura (Mother of Villages)������������264 Ancient trade�������������������������������������������������316 Construction of the Holy Ka’ba����������������������������������� 264 Inland trade�������������������������������������������������������������������� 316 Magam Ibrahim (Seat of Abraham)���������������������������� 266 Zamzam well������������������������������������������������������������������ 266 The Black Stone�������������������������������������������������������������� 270 Ancient Islamic Monuments in Makkah�������������������� 270 Kiswah The Ka’aba Covering���������������������������������������� 274 Expansion of Markka-based Holy Mosque���������������� 277 First Saudi expansion of the Holy Mosque���������������� 278 Expansion by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques������278 Land routes��������������������������������������������������������������������� 318 Land merchandise��������������������������������������������������������� 320 Private Sector�������������������������������������������������366 Sea trade�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 320 Arabian seaports������������������������������������������������������������ 321 Merchandise transported by sea���������������������������������� 322 Traditional handicrafts���������������������������������324 Types of handicrafts������������������������������������������������������ 324 Capital of the first Islamic state������������������������������������ 280 Foreign trade������������������������������������������������������������������ 332 Architecture���������������������������������������������������290 Traditional Architecture of the Najd Region������������� 290 Seaports��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 334 Chambers of commerce & industry���������������������������� 334 Exports���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 334 Imports���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 336 Modern industries�����������������������������������������338 Industry cities����������������������������������������������������������������� 340 Transformational industries����������������������������������������� 341 Traditional Architecture of the Western Region������� 292 Saudi Arabian Basic Industrial Corporation.............342 Traditional Architecture of the Southern Region������ 295 Traditional Architecture of the Eastern Region�������� 299 Petroleum������������������������������������������������������346 Modern architecture������������������������������������������������������ 300 Urban centers and cities��������������������������������306 Petroleum industries����������������������������������������������������� 344 Oil excavation����������������������������������������������������������������� 346 Natural gas���������������������������������������������������������������������� 350 Refining, distribution and transportation������������������ 351 Development of urban centers������������������������������������� 306 Downstream joint ventures������������������������������������������ 351 Population and urbanization distribution������������������ 309 Oil policy������������������������������������������������������������������������ 353 Future vision������������������������������������������������������������������� 354 8 Banking & Banking services���������������������������������������� 361 Specialized lending institutions����������������������������������� 363 Modern trade�������������������������������������������������332 CHAPTER NINE The History of Architecture and Urban Development Money����������������������������������������������������������������������������� 358 Land trading centers����������������������������������������������������� 319 Madinah al-Munawarah��������������������������������280 The Prophet’s mosque��������������������������������������������������� 280 Banking Sector����������������������������������������������358 Private sector development factors.............................366 Structural characteristics of the private sector���������� 369 Private sector and future plans������������������������������������ 370 Privatization program��������������������������������������������������� 371 Saudi Arabia’s role in the Globalization Era��������������������371 Agriculture����������������������������������������������������374 Water resources and agricultural requirements��������� 374 The Arabian palm tree�����������������������������������382 CHAPTER ELEVEN Transportation & Communications Transportation����������������������������������������������388 Roads������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 388 Transport companies����������������������������������������������������� 392 Saudi railways organization������������������������������������������ 392 Maritime transport�������������������������������������������������������� 395 Airlines���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 398 National Air Services (NAS)���������������������������������������� 399 Sama Air Services (SAMA)������������������������������������������ 399 Communications�������������������������������������������400 Telex��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 400 Telegraph and post�������������������������������������������������������� 400 Terrestrial and mobile telephones������������������������������� 401 Privatization of communications sector��������������������� 401 International and long-distance communications��������� 401 Towards Information Society��������������������������������������� 401 CHAPTER TWELVE Glossary Information�������������������������������������������������������������������� 404 Index�������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 410 Arabic references����������������������������������������������������������� 412 Foreign References�������������������������������������������������������� 417 9 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia seeks to achieve social, cultural and economic development. Since the unification of the Kingdom through its founder, King Abdulaziz, the country has strived to achieve this by utilizing its material and human resources. The Kingdom has also sought to focus on educational development. This is driven by the Kingdom's religious significance arising from the presence of Makkah, the heart of Islam and the Qiblah, is the direction of the Ka'aba, is significant to more than one billion Muslims around the globe. Madinah also plays a role as it is the home of the prophet Mohammad's Mosque. Saudi Arabia also witnessed the rise of the first Islamic State that spread the message of Islam and established social values.Therefore, Saudi Arabia is the cradle of civilizations that contributed to the rise of many other civilizations. It is not only distinguished for its strategic location among the continents of the Old World but also for its economic, technical and cultural links with the civilization of the New World. Its topography and climate vary from one region to another and its vast petroleum and mineral resources form the basis of its modern economy. Its political and economic weight is evident in international forums. The Saudi people have achieved spectacular developments within the context of a civilization guided by noble ideas and human values. Thus, the need arose for a comprehensive book that speaks with objectivity and impartiality about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Consequently, the editorial strategy of the book focused on linking the past with present achievements in social, cultural and economic domains. This philosophy placed emphasis on data and figures in a concise manner. Dr. Fahad Al-Orabi Al-Harthi 11 Samples From The Book GEOGRAPHY OF THE LAND The Arabian Peninsula can be categorized into several major geographical regions, from the Red Sea in the west to the Arabian Gulf in the east. Red Sea The Red Sea separates the Arabian Peninsula from northeast Africa, linked with the Indian Ocean in the south via the Bab al-Mandab strait, while in the north it gives access to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. The Red Sea is an important route for international trade as it reduces the distance between Europe and the Indian Ocean. The area of the Red Sea is about 450,000 km2 with an average depth of 491 m, while its deepest point is 2,850 m. The Red Sea is a narrow oceanic rift extending for 2,000 km. It starts at Bab al-Mandab, which links it to the Indian Ocean. The Red Sea lies between the latitudes of 13 and 28 degrees north. The Gulf of Aqabah and the Suez Gulf are extensions of the Red Sea in the north, where its width is about 180 km, getting wider as it heads south, reaching 300 km at Jizan until it narrows to a mere 30 km at Bab al-Mandab strait. Various types of coral reefs are found in five main areas on the eastern coast of the Red Sea, while other areas have more or fewer coral reefs according to the natural environmental conditions. There are more than 250 types of coral reefs in the Red Sea and around 1,160 islands. The distribution of islands along the eastern coast of the Red Sea varies according to formation factors. Most islands along the eastern coast of the sea consist of either above-the-surface or submerged coral reefs. Volcanic islands are rare, though most of the coral islands developed over volcanic rocks. Thus, two types of these islands can be identified and examined with respect to the surface forms, sea level and formation. These are the muddy submerged reef islands, constituting the majority of the islands and the above surface reef islands such as Farasan, Sinafir and Tiran islands. Tihama Plains of the Red Sea The word Tihama is used locally to refer to the coastal plains between the Red Sea and neighboring hills, which form a narrow barrier between the Red Sea shelf and the Sarawat mountains to the east. They are very narrow in the north, disappearing entirely above the latitude of 27 degrees north, with the widest point between 45 to 50 kilometers in the south, near Jizan. The Tihama Plains are referred to by their local names Tihama Assir and Tihama alSham, which are separated by the lava field, Harrat Satellite view of the Arabian Peninsula 16 2850 m, deepest recorded bottom of the Red Sea as coral reef is found in five sites Red Sea coast Two kinds of fragile reef usually found in semi-deep waters al-Birk. The other lava fields or huras in the Tihama Plains are Harrat Idam, Harrat Shama and Harrat al-Birk. Figure (1-1). Along the coast of the Red Sea, the hot climatic conditions help form salt flats, marshes, as well as other topographic formations like coastal lagoons and soluble calcareous rocks. Floodwaters flow into areas of coastal sands, as well. All along the coast there are small openings called Shurum, small bays or inlets, sometimes called akhwar or maras, meaning anchorage. Some of these openings are linked to the valleys that extend from the coastal mountains. A limpet, a small sea animal that attaches itself to rocks The peaks of the Sarawat Heights are the watershed for the valley waters running to the east and west of the valleys extending toward the Tihama Plains. The valleys to the west are steep, narrow, short and receive a lot of rain. Among the most important of these valleys are the Jizan, Baish, Utud, Hali, Qanuna, Ahsiba, Laith and the Yalamlam Valleys Map: (1–1). Tihama Mountains The Tihama mountains are located in the Tihama plains stretching to the east of them giving way to the name Tihama Mountains. Although they are Rose-colored reef found in shallow and semi-deep equatorial waters 17 Stone reef on the coast actually foothills at the base of the Sarawat Heights 2,000 m above sea level, they were formed as a result of the geological changes that led to the separation of the Arabian Peninsula from Africa. Among these mountains are Faifa at 1,814m, Qahar at 1,947m, Tharyan at 1,746m, Higher Shada at 2,202m, Lower Shada at 1,513m, and Natif Mountain at 2.158m. Terns fly the Red Sea coast 18 Farasan Island Western Heights The Sarawat Mountains The Western Heights region is known as Hejaz because it is located between Tihama and Najd. Yaqut al-Hamawi mentioned in his book titled Mujam al-Buldan, that the Hejaz were mountains separating Najd from Tihama and that their highest point was known as what translates to the back of a horse or mule, called Sarat. The Western Heights are considered one of the most important topographic features of the Arabian Peninsula, extending from Jordan to Yemen in the south. The Western Heights consist of three parts: the Sarawat Mountains in the south, the Hejaz Mountains in the center, and Madyan Land Mountains in the north. They are terraced mountains, steeply inclined towards the Red Sea and gently sloping towards the interior regions. The highest mountain in this area is Sawda Mountain at 3,015 m above sea level, near the city of Abha. Here is a brief description of these mountains ranges: The Sarawat Mountains extend from Saudi Arabia’s borders with the Republic of Yemen in the south, to the city of Taif in the north with heights extending from 800 to 3000m above sea level, and sloping toward the Tihama valleys in the west, though there are also many valleys running across these mountains toward the east. Among these are Najran and Hubuna Valleys, as well as tributaries of the Dawasir Valley, Tathlith, Bisha, Ranya, and Turaba valleys. The Sarawat Mountains are divided into five main sections, usually named after the tribes that inhabited them. The sections from north to south are: - Sarat Thaqif, which overlooks Arafat and extends southward. - Sarat Bani Malik Bajliya. - Sarat Ghamid and Zahran, which is linked to the previous Sarat Bani Malik Bajliya Coral reef created by natural circumstances 19 The word Tihama is used locally to refer to the coastal plains between the Red Sea and the Sarawat Mountains - Sarat al-Hajar, which is linked to Sarat Assir from the southeast. - Sarat Assir, which is located around the city of Abha and Sarat Abeedah to the east. The Hejaz Mountains The Hejaz Mountains extend from just north of Makkah to latitude 28 degrees north with an average height of 1,200 m above sea level, beyond which An Illustration of Assir Heights and Tihama Plateau Soada mount Abha Khamis Mushayt the Madyan Mountains are located. They include a series of mountains such as Subh, Radwi, Ral, Dubbagh and Shar mountains. Valleys running through these mountains are Fatima, Qadid, Qaha, Safra, Himdh, and Jizl. The great Rumma valley tributaries run eastward through its eastern lava field. Also found in this mountainous area are many lava fields or Harrat such as Harrat Raha or Rahat, Harrat Uwaiyridh, Harrat Khaibar and Hutaim, Harrat Lunayyir, Harrat Kurama, Harrat Ruhat, Harrat Kushub, Harrat Hadhan, and Harrat al-Nawasif and Harrat Buqum. The Madyan Mountains The Madyan mountain chain is located in Madyan land at latitude 28 north. They include groups of very high mountains with heights ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 m above sea level such as Fayhan at 2,549m, Qulum at 2,398 m and Lawz at 2,401m. There are also many large and small valleys and streams, the best known of which is Ifal Valley. Figure: (1-1) 20 Western heights, exhibiting a stair-shaped pattern and descending towards the Red Sea 21 The black basalt Harat al-Hara rocks are located in the north Western Plateaus The Assir and Najran Plateaus To the east of the Western Heights, there are very large areas of plateaus extending from the north to the south. These upland ranges can be categorized into five distinct plateaus: Assir and Najran, Najd crystallized plateau, the Hejaz, and Hismi. The Assir and Najran Plateaus are found in the eastern part of Assir Heights, and are considered transitional areas between the high mountains of the west and Najd Plateau’s gradual slopes in the north and east. The height of Assir Plateau ranges between 1,200 and 1,600m above sea level, with floods from Assir plateau flowing into Tathlith and Bisha valleys, while the storm water of Najran Plateau run off into Hubuna and Najran valleys. Najd Higher Plateau The Najd Plateau is known to Arabs as the Najd Heights, a vast area about 600Km wide. The surface of this plateau gradually slopes towards the south and east from approximately 1000 m to approximately 800m. The northern part of Ruma valley drains the water in the northern parts of the plateau, while the valleys of Bisha, Tathlith, and Ranya combine to form the Dawasir valley and drain the southern part. Ruma valley is one of the great valleys of the Arabian Peninsula, draining the waters of most of the Najd Plateau, as well as the waters of many other valleys, large and small. In the past, it was a river running toward the Arabian Gulf across the Hejaz mountains 22 Sarawat heights are divided into five categories named after local tribes 23 A portion of the sedimentary area of the Arabian Peninsula is covered by windy sand dunes Hejaz Plateau Batin valley terminating at Sinam mountain near the Shatt al-Arab, but after periods of drought, the riverbed was filled with sand and finally separated from Batin valley. There are prominent groups of mountains in this vast area of the Najd plateau extending from the Shamar Mountains, Aja and Salma, in the north to the southern part of Dawasir valley. Among these mountains are the Majami al-Hadhb, Nair, Abanat, Aban al-Asmar and Aban al-Ahmar, the Shaba, Aja and Salma mountains in the extreme north where Harrat al-Hutaimah is located to the east of them. These chains run close but quite separate to one another. The Najd Crystallized Plateau also includes a number of small and large sandy accumulations such as Uruq Subai, Nufud al-Surra, and Nufud al-Uraiq Uraiq al-Disam. 24 The Hejaz Plateau is located to the southeast of Hismi Plateau and extends from the Tubaiq Mountains in the north to Harrat Khaibar in the south, and to Nufud Al Kabir in the east. Its height ranges between 900 and 1,400m as the Hejaz Plateau slopes towards the east and north. Running in the same direction are the valleys of Qu, Matran and Silsila, which extend to the far west of the plateau. Hismi Plateau The Hismi Plateau is located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, east of the Madyan mountains and north of Harrat al-Raha, and is bordered by Ras En Naqb in Jordan, the northern parts of Hura alRaha, and the Tabuk Lowland. Hismi Plateau is 800 to1000 m above sea level, with the surface divided by valley throttles and constrictions, forming a complex network of small plateaus, or Mesat, and tent-like hills. Pyramid like Sand Dunes are the cause of the changing directions of winds 25 Najd Sedimentary Plateau This is located directly to the east of the Najd Crystallized Plateau and is sometimes called Lower Najd. Characterized by steep edges, it is sometimes known as the Region of Haffat, edges facing the west. Tuwaiq Mountain, or Jabal Tuwaiq, is considered the most outstanding topographic feature in the Najd area, extending 800 kilometers from Qassim to the vicinity of Wadi Dawasir to the south. The height of which is between 600 to 1,200 m above sea level. Sand Seas (Accumulations) Sand accumulations driven by winds are very common in the Arabian Peninsula, and exist in four Western edges (Tuwaiq mountain) 26 main areas, the Empty Quarter, Nufud al-Kabir, Dahna, and Jafura. The so called sand seas cover about half of the sedimentary part of the Arabian Peninsula, though there are also smaller sandy areas along the Arabian Shield itself. They are connected with the main valleys on the vast alluvial plains. There are also small sandy hills in Tihama, which are blown towards the shelf ’s foothills. Sand areas in the Arabian Peninsula cover almost 36.9% or around 746,567 kilometers. Nufud al-Kabir The desert of Nufud al-Kabir lies in the northern part of the country between the region of Hail in the south and the area of Jouf, between latitude 29.05 north and 40.29 degrees north. The total area of Nufud al-Kabir is 63,630 km2. It measures 342 km from east to west and 572 km from north to south, getting narrower as it moves eastward no more than 128 km at its eastern end. Thus, it is like a triangle with the base in the west and the apex in the east. Dahna The bow- shaped Dahna is a sand desert shaped like a bow, which extends for 1,200 km between the region of Jalat in the east and the Plateau of Summan Sand dunes in the Nufud desert rise to 90 m. Carbon oxide gives the sands its red color At 3,015 meters above sea level, Al-Soada mountain lies at the peak of the Assir region 27 28 Red Sand Dunes in Nufud desert 29 View of Sand Dunes in the Nufud desert in the west. It also connects the desert of Nufud alKabir in the north with the Empty Quarter in the south. Its width varies from one area to another, though its average towards the north of the Batin valley is only 20m. It is also connected with Nufud al-Mad-hur and Nufud al-Thuwayrat through Uruq al-Sayyariyat. The reason for the sand accumulations in this area is that it is located to the east of the old Ruma valley (the Ajradi Valley), which is lower than the areas surrounding it and has fewer sand sources, which are carried by its higher courses to the valley. The width of Dahna is about 60 km, and its total area is 40,789 km2. Jafura Jafura is located to the east of the Summan Plateau along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It extends southward near Jubail until eventually merging with the Empty Quarter sands. Shifting sands cause many problems for the cultivated lands in Ahsam, south The Empty Quarter (Rub’ al-Khali) represents approximately 24% of Saudi Arabia 30 of Jubail. They form a narrow belt in the north and tend to widen as they extend southward until they merge with the sands of the Empty Quarter. Empty Quarter; Rub’ al-khali The Empty Quarter is the biggest sand desert in the world, with an area of more than 600,000 km2. Its length is 1,200 km, between the longitudes of 30.44 and 74.00 degrees east, and it is about 640 km wide between the latitudes of 15.00 to 23.00 degrees north. It extends from the United Arab Emirates in the east to the Yemen Mountains in the west, and from the Hadramawt Plateau in the south to Jafura and Dahna in the north covering around 86,245 km, about 24% of Saudi Arabia. The northeastern part of the Empty Quarter was known as Yebrin, called so after Yebrin or (Jabrin) oasis, 90 km south of Harad. The area located to the north of the Hadramawt Plateau and south of Dawasir Valley, is known as Ahqaf. The western part of the Empty The altitude of Hammad plateau ranges from 650 to 900 meters 31 The altitude of Ahsa oasis ranges from 130-160 meters Quarter adjacent to Yemen is known as Wabar. The contemporary divisions of the Empty Quarter are the crossing Uruge dunes or Urage, in the eastern part, Dakaka, Uruq (Dunes) Mawarid and Qa’amiyat in the southern part. Shaqat al-Kharita, Ramlat Ya’am and Ramlat Dahm in the southwestern part; Uruq, Bani Mu’arid and Bani Homran, Uruq al-Romliyah in the western area; and Tura’iz, Hibaka, Kursu, and Sanam in the middle and the northern regions. part of the Arabian Peninsula. They are divided into two parts: Northern Plateaus Hajara Plateau The northern plateaus of the country form part of Sham big plateau, which is located in the northern The Hajara Plateau is to the east of the Hammad Plateau, between the longitudes of 40.30 and 45 32 The Hammad Plateau The Hammad Plateau is a level plateau located to the north and east of Harrat al-Hurra, at heights ranging from 650m to 900m. There are many plains and marshes in this plateau. degrees east, where the Dibdiba Gravel Plain starts. It extends for about 600 km within Summan Plateau. Sloping towards the northeast, it contains many valleys and water courses that cross it from southeast to northeast. Summan Plateau Extending from the coastal plain along the Arabian Gulf in the east to the Dahna sands to the west, the rocky Summan Plateau is rectangular shape with a width ranging between 80 and 250 km. It extends 996 km from north to south known by a number of local names for its different parts. A view of the Arabian Gulf, once an important source of pearls The Summan Plateau begins at the western end of the Dibdiba Gravel Plain. Its southern end is in the Empty Quarter at the latitude of 21.00 degrees north. Ghawar, the biggest oil field in the world, is below this plateau to the west of Hafuf. Eastern Plains The Ahsa Plains Stretching from north to south, the Eastern Plains are located to the east of the Summan Plateau, and fall into two major divisions: the Ahsa Plains and the Coastal Plains, made up of sea terraces, high shores and salty lands. The Ahsa Oasis is about 70 km from the Arabian Gulf coast near Oqair seaport, between the coastal plain and the edge of Shadqam, at an elevation ranging from 130 to 160 m above sea level. It slopes gently towards the Arabian Gulf and is partly covered by Jafura sands. 33 Hagl city on the northern coast of the Red Sea where the Western Heights begins The Coastal Plain of the Arabian Gulf Arabian Gulf The coastal plain of the Arabian Gulf extends from northwest to southeast, along the Summan Plateau in the west. The width is between 50 and 100 km, with many areas covered with sand and salt surfaces. It extends along the entire of the Arabian Gulf Coast, and stretches inland, running between Um-Qusbah to the north of Khafji and Duha Duwaihin to the south of the gorge or khor, of Udaid. Here lies the source of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth, the Ghawwar, Buqaiq and Qatif oilfields. The Arabian Gulf is a shallow, inland sea surrounded by a dry environment. It extends from the northwest to the southeast between latitudes 24.00 and 30.30 degrees north, and longitudes 56.00 and 48.00 degrees east. It is about 1,000 km long, with a width ranging between 200 and 300 km . The average depth of the Arabian Gulf is 35m, though in some areas in the north it is as deep as 100m or more. 34 About 18% of the Arabian Gulf is classified as shallow, which is less than 5m deep, with about 74% of these shallows regarded as hinterland, while the rest consist of shores and coral reefs. The areas that are five to ten meters deep make up around 8.5% of the Gulf, while the rest is more than ten meters deep. The total area of the Gulf is 226,000 km2. Among the most important Arabian Gulf islands are Karan, Jana, Juraid, Kurain Arabiyya, Hurqus. The Arabian Gulf on the east coast of Saudi Arabia 35 GEOLOGY OF THE LAND In ancient times, the western third of the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabian Shield, or Dir’ al-Arabi, was part of Africa, and is made up of igneous rocks such as granite as well as metamorphic rocks such as gneiss and schist. Teesh Sea was a demarcation line between Africa on one side, and the north and east regions of Europe and Asia on the other. The rest of the Arabian Peninsula has developed around the Arabian Shield as a result of constant sedimentation, leading to the creation of sedimentary rocks around the Arabian Shield for more than 500 million years from the Cambrian Period to the present. Since early times, the Arabian Shield has undergone the effect of different up and down movements as well as cleavages, volcanic activities, denudation, and movements of sediments from the continent to the precipitation basin surrounding the Arabian Shield. This created a cover of sediments composed of calcareous, crumbling clay, and sand besides the organic and chemical sediments. The deposit of sedimentary rock look like a curved belt around the Arabian Shield, tilting eastward and northward, and now covering two thirds of the Arabian Peninsula. Remains of sedimentary rocks scatter over the Arabian shield. Finally, the Arabian Peninsula was split from the African continent caused by the implosion of the Red Sea 30 million years ago, Map (1-1.) The most important mineral resources in Saudi Arabia are oil reserves and underground water, which are found in layers of sedimentary cover at various depths in the Eastern Region, the Empty Quarter, and the Central Region. Metallic and non-metallic mineral resources rank second in importance and have been discovered in the Arabian Shield and the sedimentary region of the Arabian Peninsula. OIL FIELDS Oil fields in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lie under the continental sedimentary shelf, particularly in the eastern region, the empty quarter, central region, and the territorial water in the Arabian Gulf. More than 102 fields were discovered until 2007, of which 12 are gas fields, and a field for condensers. The remainder are oil fields. An oil field is composed of a number of strata or oil reservoirs. The main oil fields lie in Ghawwar, Abqaiq, Dammam, Qatif, Khursaniyah, Abu Hadriya, Harmaliyah, Fadhili, Berri, Safaniya, Manifa, Abu Safah, Zuluf, Marjan, Kurayn, Jana, Mazalij, Karan, Juraybiat, Shaybah and many more areas. Peaks of Raml al-Saq rocks, southwest of Tabuk 36 Map: (1-1) 37 A rocky formation in Jodah region A rocky formation in northern parts of Saudi Arabia Water Resources New fields have been discovered in the Central Region, southeast of Riyadh, and in the Hawta area, south of Kharj. These discoveries have been particularly important because their oil contains a very low proportion of sulfur. New hydrocarbon reserves have also been discovered in the coastal plain of the Red Sea in Wajh, Madyan, Jizan, and the northern region of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Kahif Region, near Jouf. 38 Water is the most important natural resource in Saudi Arabia and is derived from various sources: subterranean water, desalinated seawater and deep underground water pumped out of 16 main and secondary sedimentary layers. The deep underground water has been steadily decreasing because of its use for domestic and agricultural purposes and because of the limited amount of rainfall necessary to feed these layers. Underground water provides about 82% of Saudi Arabia’s water requirements. Subterranean-or surface ground water, found in the beds of valleys and among broken rocks, has depleted but is constantly replenished by annual rainfall. Several dams were built to collect and keep rain water reserves. Some parts of Saudi Arabia suffer either from scarcity of drinking water or poor water quality. To cope with this, the government has constructed water desalination plants to supply the growing population and to use in the construction and development of cities. These stations provide coastal and inland cities 30 desalination stations at the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts Dams and water reservoirs established to cope with construction and urban development such as Riyadh, Makkah, and Madinah with fresh drinking water, which supplements the underground water already available in these cities. Saudi Arabia has become a pioneer in the field of water desalination. There are now 30 desalination plants, in 15 sites;12 on the Red Sea coast, and three on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Desalinated water production rose in 2007, to 1,092,943 cubic meters per day, about 70% of the domestic water supply. Treated sewage water is used for agricultural irrigation around citys perimeters. Mineral Resources The discovery of mineral resources in the Arabian Peninsula dates back to early times, though mining activity increased during the Umayyid area and the early days of the Abbasid era from 133H-648H (750 to 1258). There were gold, silver, and copper mines in places such as Mahed al-Dhahab, Umm al-Damar, Nuqra, Safra, Samra, Musina and others. gold and 31 tons of silver were extracted. From that time on, Saudi Arabia has gone further explored and exploited its mineral resources to enhance the economy. There are countless metal ores in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia consisting of gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, tin, aluminum, iron, manganese, nickel and chrome as well as other metals. In the 20th century, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud reopened and exploited the Mahed alDhahab mine. Between 1938 and 1954, 23 tons of There are now some 935 well-known sites, 782 of them are gold. Flint rocks carrying gold ore have been discovered in an area stretching from Najran 39 A granite boulder located in Dera al-Arabi area and Dhulm and Hail, with places such as Mahed al-Dhahab, Sukhibarat, Amar, Hajjar and Hamdha emerging as the most important regions for gold mining in the Kingdom. Today, gold is being extracted in two main areas, Mahed al-Dhahab and Sukhibarat. Iron has been discovered in places such as the Sawawin valley in the north-west of the Saudi Arabia, Fatima valley near Makkah, the Adsas Mountain west of Riyadh, and other small places with little economic value spread all over the Arabian Shield. In the area of the Arabian Shield, there are more than 500 sites for silver ore, usually found with lead, zinc, copper and iron ores. The Dawadmi area is the most important source of silver with more than 100 sites, such as the mines of Samra, Sumira, and Mutira. The most important sites for copper are Sayid Mountain, Katam, Shazam Mountain, and Umm al-Damar. Zinc is an important metal found at about 400 sites, such as Khanaqiya, Masani’a, Shu’aib, Nuqra, Rudina, and Amar. 40 Small precipitates of chromate have been discovered in 16 areas of the Arabian Shield, such as the Wasik Mountain in Iss Valley. Nickel is found in small quantities in a number of places, such as Kamal Valley and Qatan Valley in the south of the country. Non-metallic ores that have been discovered now play a major role in the industrial and urban development of the country such as materials for the ceramic industrys like feldspar, bauxite, argillite, and building & construction materials, as well as cumulative materials necessary for the cement, gypsum and glass industries, building and decorating stoneincluding granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, green-stone, slate sandstone and industrial metals such as asbestos, sand glass, mica, talc, barite, salt, and phosphate. Map: (1-2) 41 The Wahba crater, located northern of Taif Approximate Reserves and Concentration Rate of Some Important Metals in Some Important Sites Mineral CLIMATE Saudi Arabia is generally characterized by a desert and semi-desert climate. It varies from one region to another due to the vast size of the country, and to differences in topography and in geographical environment. Thus, the climate in Saudi Arabia can be classified into three major categories: the climate of the coasts, the internal plateaus and the heights. These three types are also subject to variations within each, depending on the position in relation to the equator, type of topography and the nature of its composition. Site )Reserves (in tons Concentration rate Sukhairat 7800 gm/ton 2.54 Mahed al-Dahab 1200 gm/ton 26 Himdha 9115 gm/ton 2.89 Himdha 59.700 gm/ton 18.8 Silver Samra 300 gm/ton 450 Brass Sayed mountain 2000 2% Zinc Ghinaighriya 2175 13.4% Sawaween 48000 42.5% Dassas mountain 1600 66% Phosphate Jalameed 213000 21% Bauxite Zubairah 102000 58.4% Magnezite Dharghat 4500 98.80% Gold Ore Table: (1-1) shows the most important mining sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 42 Popular Costumes Saudi Arabia has a rich history abundant with ways of expressing a particular taste in practicing a lifestyle that suits the environment and reflects customs and traditions. Costumes may be the most important of these. From early times, the traditional costume had distinctive rich colors, simple lines, decency and an artistic beauty that demonstrated a high degree of skill and precision, in spite of the use of primitive tools and a scarcity of resources. Men’s Clothes: Headdresses The Taqiya (Skullcap) The taqiya is a name given to anything put directly on the head, so the skullcap has other names such as kufiya and hadriya. The taqiya is usually made either of plain white or colored fabric, or of crocheted cotton thread. It is lined with a light layer of cotton and embroidered with white thread for adults and gold or silver for youths and children. The Ghotra The ghotra is a square piece of fabric, folded in the form of a right angle triangle, which is put on the head with the center of the fold over the middle of the forehead. It drapes over the head and shoulders with equal lengths on the right and left sides. The fold over the middle of the forehead is distinctive and is known as the ‘morzam’. The types of ghotra are: The White Ghotra Made of cotton fabrics, mainly lawn. The Red Ghotra (Shimagh) One of the winter head coverings made of white cotton woven with red. The Shal Made of white or brown wool and decorated with various colors. It is worn in the winter. Red Qotra or Shomagh usually worn in winter 196 A decorated leather sheath call “Al-Janbiya” that’ is worn around the waist Traditional Men clothing from the southern region: the belt and the hand rifle are a necessiry 197 Traditional headcovers; the kofia, oqal and shomagh White qotra and broacaded pentagonal oqal The Iqal The Brocaded Iqal (The Shatfa) The Iqal is placed over the ghotra in order to fix the ghotra on the head. There are several kinds including: The brocaded Iqal (the shatfa) is made of ten ribs folded in two layers to form a pentagon. Each rib consists of two thin cylinders, one over the other, covered with golden thread, zari, joining them together. A link in the form of a ball of black wool joins the ribs. It is known as Faisal’s Iqal because King Faisal was the most famous of those who wore it in his time. The Black Iqal Black is the color of the Iqal used today. It is made of thin threads of black wool wound over a circular filler twice the length of the circumference of the head to form two circles, one over the other. The White Iqal The white Iqal is made of white wool, to a large extent similar to the black Iqal, but is no longer used. 198 The Imama or Turban The Imama or turban is a rectangular piece of white cotton fabric, usually wound about the head, used by tribal and religious leaders. The Hejazi Imama Another way of waring Shomagh is well known as the Alfi. The ghobana ghotra, a ghotra decorated with yellow threads imported from Syria, and the wool Shal are used as turbans in the Western Region. The Usaba The Usaba is made of various materials such as leather or hay and is for the fastening of aromatic plants around the head. Men of the Southern Region use it to decorate their heads, which are bare most of the time. Bishoot or mashaleh body covers for men market Traditional Omamah used in Makkah 199 Outer Garments These were traditionally manufactured in homes. They were fitted, sewn, decorated or embroidered according to the type of clothing, except for some ready-made or imported clothes. The Maqta, Dira’a (Thobe) The maqta is similar to the thobe used nowadays. However, it is larger and consists of the badan or body, the akmam or sleeves, the bana’iq or collar, and the takharidh or the khashatiq. It was generally made of white cotton, although the character of this cotton differs from that of others with respect to quality of fabric, brightness of color and degree of thickness. The best known kinds were the kham, the baft, the poplin, the dublin and the las. The Marodan (Abu Radun thobe) The Marodan is known by this name in most regions, and also known as the mozial or as the mofrij in the Southern Region. It is similar to the maqta in its main lines, but is distinguished by broad sleeves that are triangular in shape. Other kinds that are similar but with a few differences are the mobaqash thobe known in the Qassim Region, the shakara known in the Hail Region and the Molosin, or Abu Alsina, with a rectangular piece possibly added to the sides of the sleeves. The Zibun The Zibun is an open-fronted garment made of various fabrics, mainly soft striped polished cotton imported from Syria. The garment made of such a fabric is called the shami Zibun, or the barisim 200 Zibun. Another kind of Zibun is named the tarma, with reference to the fabric of tarma. The Zibun is of excellent white wool decorated with diverse colors and is put on over the Maqta or the thobe. If a vest is worn under it, then the suit is called a Badla, and is the garment of dignitaries and formal wear on ceremonial occasions and festivals. The Saya The saya is similar to the Zibun but is shorter and is made of thin summer fabric of a light color. It is also a garment for ceremonial occasions. The Daqla Baltu those made of linen or white calico are worn, with those made from dyed wool worn in winter. Its use spread in Hejaz, and it is also used in the Najd area to a limited extent, particularly in wintry places. The Jukha The Jukha is a jobba made of soft broadcloth, Mahud, in various colors such as black, blue, green and red. It is decorated with gold thread (Zari) and is usually imported from India. The Damir The Damir is similar to the jukha, though it is shorter. It is worn on ceremonial occasions and for folk dancing. It was originally Syrian and was named Farmaliya. The Daqla is a long open-fronted garment, similar to the Zibun. However, its collar is higher, and it is made of various dyed wools. It spread in the Aridh Region where it became known as Daqla al-Ardhiya. In Hejaz, it is known as the Baltu. The Zakhma The Shaya The Zakhma is a short sleeveless garment, reaching to the waist. It is made of broadcloth or velvet and is decorated with threads called zari. The shaya is a long open-fronted garment with long sleeves, worn over the thobe and tied with a thin belt at the waist. It is one of the garments used in Hejaz by traders and religious leaders. The Kut The Kut is similar to the present-day kut and is worn by youths instead of the shaya in the Hejaz. The Jobba The Jobba is a long, open-fronted garment with long sleeves reaching to the wrists. In summer, The Sedairiya (Vest) The Sedariya or vest is a short sleeveless garment, open down the front, closed with buttons and reaching the waist. It is usually made of wool and is worn over the Maqta and under the Kut. The Musannaf The Musannaf is a long folded drapery covering one of the shoulders in winter and used in the Western and Southern Regions. The Mashlah or (Bisht) The Farwa The Mashlah or Bisht is a cloak of wool that varies in thickness according to the season for which it is made. Originally, its colors varied according to the color of the wool of the animal from which it was taken, but once it came to be made of modern, imported raw materials, the colors multiplied. It is long, loose, rectangular in shape, and open at the front and made of double-sided fabric, adjusted to fit a man’s height by a form of inner fold. The openings are usually decorated with gold or silver threads, with ornaments made of these threads hang from the openings as balls of Zari threads. The Farwa is a large, long, open-fronted cloak made of lamb’s skin and fleece. The outer surface is usually covered with a woolen fabric or dyed broadcloth, while the inner surface is covered with fleece. It is commonly used in cold regions of the northern Arabian Peninsula. The Mashlah is worn on the shoulders over the Ghotra. The common method of putting on this garment is to place the right hand into the sleeve, where the left hand can catch the right side of the garment to move it to the left side. This garment is for outdoor wear. Though much traditional clothing has disappeared, the Mashlah still remains in fashion, and is regarded as an important item of clothing that must be worn by people of importance, and it is also used for ceremonial occasions and special occasions such as weddings. Throughout the Kingdom and the Arabian Gulf, one of the best known places for wearing and decorating these garments is the Ahsa Region. The Barqa Aba’a The Barqa Abaya is a kind of cloak that is in widespread use, especially in the northeast and the middle of the Arabian Peninsula. It is made of spun wool. It is either black and white or brown and white with lines that reflect the color of the wool of the animals from which it was taken. The Baidi The Baidi is a heavy garment made of spun wool that is usually white. It is made in Hejaz, in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, and in regions like Ghamid, Zahran and Assir, where it is commonly used. It too is, found, in the southern parts of Najd. The Hizam (Belt) The hizam or belt is made of leather or rope, and men usually wear it over clothes to fasten or tie them up during work. It is also used for carrying arms or money, or for decoration. Garments The Sadriya, the Arraqyia the Fanila This Sadriya or undershirt is an undergarment made of white cotton and has an opening in the front, which is closed by buttons, a high collar and short sleeves. In most regions it is known as the Sadriya, though it differs from the Sadriya or vest worn over underwear. In Hejaz, it was named the Arraqiya and was replaced with an undershirt, Fanila, made of white cotton, which later became available in markets. Thobe with a decorated waistcoat a sadriya 201 Women’s Clothes The Surwal al-Tawiel Long Pants The Wazra (Futa) Head Coverings The Surwal al-Tawiel or long pants are made of white cotton fabric. They are tied in the middle with a fabric belt named the Dikka or the Rabqa, which is strung through a fold sewn in the upper part of the trousers and tied in the front. The Wazra or Futa is a rectangular piece of fabric, the open side of which is sewn. Designed to cover the lower half of the body, it is wrapped around the waist, where the extra part of it can be folded. It is fastened round the waist with a separate belt. Head coverings have always been an essential part of women’s clothing, worn continuously at home or outdoors. They vary in color, material and decoration according to the region: in the Eastern, Central and Northern Regions, women used the Shila, Ghadfa or Malfa, which are all synonyms for the headscarf that is in the form of a rectangle made of a light black cloth wrapped around the face. In the Southern Region, the head covering was a piece of yellow or red fabric decorated with a number of colored silk threads on both sides. A hat called the Tafsha or Hatfa was worn when women were out of their homes. In the Western Region, because of the number of articles of clothes placed one over another, women came to use the Shanbar, a small triangle of fabric worn under a Mahrama, which is in the form of rectangle made of white fabric. On top of that a Mudawwara can be placed, which is a square piece of fabric “yashmok” decorated with a flower print. Another article of dress that can be used with those already mentioned is the Mishfa’a or the Tarha, which is put on over the Mudawwara. Other kinds known as the Bairam and the Qarqush were common in the Taif Region and nearby villages. Outer Clothing The Maqta (Dara’a) The Maqta or Dara’a is the woman’s main garment in the Northern, Eastern and Central Regions. It is a long, loose garment with long sleeves consisting Samples of traditional womens dresses from different parts of the country 202 of numerous parts, such as the body, the collar, the sleeves, the takharis or the Khashatiq, which vary in the kind of fabric and the embroidery. common in the Western Region where it is regarded as the main article of dress. It can be in the form of a burnoose with a high collar and short sleeves. in the Western Region, and is more modern than the Zibun. The bodice, the middle folds and the long sleeves also distinguish it. The Zibun The Karta The Duke’s thobe This is an open garment from the neck to toe (the foot) with buttons fastening its upper part. Its components are similar to that of the Maqta, in addition to a high collar and openings in the two sides. It is made of various kinds of fabrics, especially velvet, and embroidered with gold thread (Zari). It is This is common in the Central, Eastern and Northern Regions and is regarded as one of the more developed stages of the Maqta. There are small folds in the lower part, named the Junula, with a circular opening, or other shape, at the neck that allows the head to enter. The side parts are massing. It is also known The Women of Harb tribes in the Western Region wear the duke’s thobe. It is distinguished by a rectangular piece of fabric as long as a foot attached to the lower part of the sleeves. Its decorations and embroidery are also distinctive. This head over is among the most common to Hejaz tribes. The difference between one and another falls on the number and form of beads, twists, chains, rings, golden or silver coins, shells and cowries in red, white and orange colours A decorated female dress. It is made of back velvet embroidered with broken lines on the chest and sleeves in red, yellow and orange colours A traditional female costume Silver bracelets 203 A traditional loose outer garment called Jubbah or darraa, intricately decorated with mineral threads and sequins is worn during social occasions in the central, eastern and northern regions Doag garment is famous in the western region. It is characterized by decoration on the sleeves and train of the gown in addition to fine hand-swen decoration The Soun thobe The soun thobe is a narrow dress made of black cotton and embroidered by hand with varied stitches. Popular colors are yellow, orange and red, and white beads are used as well. This kind of dress was common in Thaqif and Missan of the Taif Region. The Mobaqar thobe The mobaqar thobe is known to the Shifa and the Hada of the Taif Region, and is made of blue and black cotton in the form of wide rectangles. The chest and the sleeves are decorated in zigzag lines, similar to the sadra thobe, but made only in blue. 204 Mojnad, a dress for southern region females with embroidered vertical lines stretching along the two sides Daffa, the bride’s dress is a rectangular, and decorated with golden yarn. This is similar to the men’s Bisht The Mujnab or (Muwarrak Dress) The Mujnab or Muwarrak dress is a favorite of Assir women. It is given this name because of the part beginning at the upper hips, which hangs down in wide folds. It is also distinguished by the style of the sleeves, set into the side and going under the arm. It is embroidered on the chest and sleeves with vertical lines and made of various fabrics, mainly in black. This dress is similar to the dress common in the Baha region, but the side panel is narrower and longer reaching the armpit. The Thobe A Darraa from the central region (Hota and Wadi Dawasir) The Thobe is a loose garment worn over the maqta in the Central, Eastern and Northern Regions and over the Zibun or karta in the Western Region it is not found in the Southern Region. It is known in the Central Region as sahabi, and in the Eastern Region as the nashil dress, formed of the same parts as that 205 A woman with an Tafsha on her head. Tafsha is a palm leaf sewn to protect the head from intense sunlight of the Maqta, though it also has a square form, and is sometimes loosened into the form of a rectangle. When this dress is for special events, it is made of thin fabric decorated with various materials such as sequins and silver, or gold and silk threads. It varies according to the original material, like the Qaz dress, or to the kind of embroidery, like the Masrah dress, or to the occasion, like prayer dress, or to the country of origin, like the Indian. In Taif Region and some Hejazi villages, it is called the Masdah thobe, and is made of cotton fabric, dyed brown and embroidered on the lower front with the knot method, called Tasrir. 206 A black tulle female thobe or gown with a daraa underworn. It is common in the central region for social occasions This black dress is a common dress for women in Abha. It was made of a kind of fabric called “Dobait Abu-Askari (the one with military sign) or Abu-Sa’a (the one with a watch) Outdoor Clothes and Heads carves: These are the articles of clothing women wear when they go out of their homes, and they vary in form and name, with particularly clear variations in Hejaz, influenced by groups of Muslims who came from abroad and settled in this region. The most important of these dresses are: The Malaya The Malaya is a rectangular piece of black taffeta fabric worn over the head so as to cover the forehead, and having its sides held to the front. It is accompanied by a long face veil called the burqa made of a sheer white material, dirabizun, to cover the face. The Turkish Qana’a (Veil) The Turkish Qana’a or veil is one of the garments brought by the Turkish pilgrims. It is twofold, the upper part covering the head, and the lower in the form of a narrow Junula, in addition to the Bisha, which covers the face. The Shami (Syrian Qana’a) The shami or Syrian Qana’a is a rectangular piece of thick black silk, Habra, longer than the body so as to fall loosely on the hips and legs, fastened by a belt at the waist. The face is covered by the Bisha. The Jama The Jama was brought to Hejaz from India, and consisted of the Taqiya, from which a tied fabric falls round the head. It is also distinguished by the Shabki, a sheer piece of fabric (net) over the eyes. The Kab The Kab is a loose dress, distinguished by a circular piece open in the front and covering the whole body from shoulders to feet. It is sleeveless, usually fastened or closed by a string near the neck, and worn by children. The Abaya The Abaya is an outdoor garment in the Eastern, Central, and Northern Regions, and became common in the Western Region after the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This cloak is still used as an outdoor garment in all regions. The Abaya is a long, loose rectangular form, open at the front, made of fabric to fit a woman’s body. It has a circular shape, with its openings decorated with Mutafat or Mujarah is a dress common in the central region. It is made of black cotton and coloured silk black silk threads or golden buttons, or sometimes both. Embroidery can also be added on the front and on the chest, and there are other ornaments dangling down. It was traditionally made of locally spun and knotted wool. However, an important change occurred in the fabric types in use when machine-knitted kinds started to be used. This was followed by new kinds of Aba’a, such as the Habra, the natural silk Aba’a, and machine-made silk Aba’a, as the result of the development of textile manufacturing. The Dafa (Mahud Aba’a) The dafa or Mahud Abaya is worn by brides in the Eastern Region, and is made of black broadcloth, is without a collar, and is decorated by golden threads. In addition to some embroidery on the bodice, a number of golden (Zari) threads extend out of the front opening on both sides. 207 A necklace called lubbah Maqtaa or Daraaa, a loose costume famous in the central, eastern and northern regions Undergarments The Sedairiya (Sadriya) The Sedairiya or Sadriya are undergarments that were common in Hejaz and Qassim areas. They consist of a shirt open in the front covering the chest, have a high collar, Khashtaq and half-sleeves and are fastened by buttons named Tarkiba, from the most famous gold pounds. The Surwal (Trousers) The Surwal or trousers are long and loose in the upper part and narrow in the lower part of the leg. 208 A multi-piece silver collar decorated with amber Footwear They are mostly decorated or embroidered on the lower outer parts. In some regions it was common to make decorations on a separate piece of cloth and then attach it to the trousers. In this way it could be removed and re-sewn on new trousers. Sometimes the decorated part of the trousers might not be of the same fabric, and might be of satin in the Eastern and Western Regions, or of black cotton in the Southern Region. The striped or more colorful cotton fabric was preferred for making everyday trousers. A fabric belt used to fasten the trousers was called the Dakka, Darka or Rabqa. The Dakka was attached to the upper part of the trousers and tied in the front. Footwear was limited, of simple design, and was made mostly of local natural resources, such as camel skin and straw of palm trees. The most common ones were named Ni’al, the Hithyan, the Zarabil, the Madaas, the Jarabat, the Yemeni Kanadr, Talayk, Qabqab and Khuf. Children’s Clothing Children’s clothing is similar to that of adults except for the difference in size, and the material is chosen from decorated fabrics of light, pretty colors. Girls’ clothes are sometimes decorated with pieces of silk in red, green or yellow, placed on the upper part of the back. Children’s hats too, receive much care and artistry, and have several names, such as the Qaba’, Qahfiya, and Killaw; they are used either for warmth or ornamentation. There is a tradition that young peoples’ hair has to be shaved to improve the strength and texture. At the age of six or seven, girls put on dresses over the Maqta, and when outdoors, wear the Bakhtaq to cover the head, instead of the Abaya and continue to A child from the southern region in traditional wear do so right up to the time of puberty. The Bakhtaq is a rectangular piece of sheer black transparent fabric embroidered in gold thread with designs of plants, one side framed and heavily decorated, folded in two halves in the front, and closed at the lower end leaving an opening surrounding the girl’s face. It covers her shoulders, back, chest and head. Its length varies according to the desire and traditions. It was common for girls in the Eastern, Northern, and Central Regions. In the Qassim Region, girls wore the Dafa Abaya which is a smaller version of the bridal Dafa, and is decorated with gold thread and clusters of embroidery around the face opening, especially when the girl goes to school. Its also used as a special ornament when girls celebrate having learned to recite part of the Holy Qur’an. In the Southern Region, girls use heads carves before marriage and the shila over the headscarf after marriage. Children from the Tihama region in traditional costumes 209 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Land . People and Civilization Samples Designs to be printed on the cover of the institution which presents the book to represent the book. It Includes Name, Adress and Logo. Sa m ple SAMPLE (1) Greetings: Name of the Company SAMPLE (2) Sa m ple Greetings: Name of the Company SAMPLE (3) Sa m ple Greetings: Name of the Company Greetings: Name of the Company ple Sa m SAMPLE (4) e h t f o e m a N s: g in t Sa m ple e e r G m o C ny a p