Najran, January 25, 2025 — Nestled in the heart of Saudi Arabia, Najran’s architectural heritage stands as a testament to the region’s deep-rooted cultural identity, showcasing a blend of traditional techniques and materials that have endured the test of time. This heritage, celebrated for its sustainable design and community-oriented structures, plays a significant role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the preservation of cultural heritage while embracing innovation and technology. The region's unique architecture is now being recognized as a source of inspiration for ambitious, modern developments such as NEOM and Qiddiya.
Najran’s architecture is a direct response to the region’s environmental conditions, with structures built from local materials like mud, stone, and palm wood. These materials, combined with traditional construction techniques, provide solutions for heat regulation, stability, and the local community's needs. The "mud houses" of Najran, which embody this architectural philosophy, continue to be a cornerstone of the region’s identity, symbolizing the harmony between the built environment and nature. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Majadah, an assistant professor of urban design at Najran University, notes that these houses are constructed in a vertical layout, with buildings typically no larger than 100 square meters. This design maximizes the use of land for essential activities, such as housing livestock, storing grain, and creating outdoor spaces for summer living.
The old city of Najran is home to a wealth of historical landmarks, including ancient castles, palaces, and homes that have stood for over 300 years. This architectural legacy offers an important glimpse into the culture and heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. The city's layout differs from the tightly-knit urban plans of traditional Islamic cities, as it is shaped more organically by local customs and the surrounding farm landscapes. There are no enclosing walls; instead, clusters of residential complexes stand scattered, reflecting a profound sense of security and cohesion among the community. These homes, designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, are both functional and beautiful, with each structure’s aesthetic deeply tied to the region's social customs.
Dr. Al-Majadah describes five distinct architectural styles in Najran that reflect the diversity and ingenuity of its people. The "al-Qasbah" style, commonly found in village centers, features a circular design that narrows upward, resembling the towers used for defense, hence the name "al-Abraj." The "al-Darb" style is the most prevalent, boasting seven stories that provide ample space for both living and agricultural purposes. The simpler "al-Muqaddam" style consists of a single-floor structure with a roof designed for seasonal living. Decorative elements, such as horizontal bands on the upper edges of buildings and windows framed in white gypsum, elevate the beauty of these homes, while the arrangement of the windows creates a rhythmic and harmonious exterior. The use of natural materials like wood, clay, and gypsum contributes to the warm, earthy color palette of Najran’s historic buildings.
As the demand for preserving these cultural treasures grows, so does the effort to restore and maintain Najran’s mud houses. Nasser Ayran, a local expert in the restoration of traditional mud houses, highlights the increasing interest in revitalizing these homes, fueled by a desire to protect the area’s cultural heritage and enhance the aesthetic appeal of its villages. As the land becomes scarce, dividing properties among heirs is becoming increasingly impractical, making the preservation of these buildings a more viable option. The Heritage Commission has taken a key role in documenting Najran’s urban heritage and establishing a national registry of historically significant sites, which will serve as an invaluable resource for researchers and specialists.
The intricate craftsmanship behind the construction of Najran’s mud houses showcases the region's deep connection to its natural surroundings and cultural traditions. The process begins with "al-Wathar," a technique that involves laying a horizontal row of stones called "al-Madmak." After allowing time for drying, a second layer of mud is added, followed by the construction of the roof using palm trunks, tamarisk, or sidr, all of which are coated with mud plaster and treated with lime in a process known as "al-Qadad." This meticulous attention to detail not only reflects the resourcefulness of the people of Najran but also reinforces the idea that sustainable, culturally resonant design is key to the future of both local communities and global initiatives like Vision 2030.
Through the preservation of its architectural heritage, Najran is making a valuable contribution to the conversation about sustainable and culturally meaningful design. The region's traditional buildings are not merely relics of the past, but living, breathing examples of how architecture can serve the needs of communities while respecting the natural environment. As Saudi Arabia moves forward with its ambitious development projects, Najran’s architectural legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the creation of buildings that honor both tradition and innovation.
