At-Turaif District… A Witness to the Glory of the Ancestors and a Destination of the Future
At-Turaif Historic District is considered one of the most prominent landmarks that witnessed the founding stages of the Saudi state in the Arabian Peninsula. The value of At-Turaif lies in its preservation of the most important archaeological buildings and historical landmarks from the era of the First Saudi State. This historic district was established by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in the early eighteenth century and served as the seat of governance for the First Saudi State and the starting point of the reform movement.
For this reason, At-Turaif is regarded as a unique historical landmark and a true witness to the glory of the Arabian Peninsula.
Great care has been given to preserving At-Turaif Historic District through meticulous restoration processes using the same traditional tools employed during its original construction, making it a gateway to the past that revives feelings of authenticity and heritage in visitors. Visual displays recreate scenes from earlier times and revive historical ways of life, transforming At-Turaif into a major tourist destination visited by people from across Saudi Arabia and around the world.
At-Turaif Historic District includes prominent landmarks such as Imam Muhammad bin Saud Mosque and Nasir bin Saud Palace, which represent important aspects of Saudi civilization and heritage and embody a pivotal historical phase marked by the emergence of the First Saudi State. The district also serves as the gateway to Diriyah, reflecting a spirit of authenticity and deep-rooted heritage. Preserving these palaces and museums and transforming them into global tourist destinations has contributed to highlighting Saudi Arabia’s national identity.
At-Turaif is located at the heart of the Diriyah site, where past and present come together. The historic district tells an epic story of the birth of the First Saudi State, the flourishing of its reform movement, and the foundation of its glory.
The opening of At-Turaif represents an important milestone in highlighting the historical value of this site. Today, At-Turaif Historic District stands proudly on the threshold of the future, welcoming visitors and offering a unique cultural and tourism experience that reflects the deep historical roots of the Kingdom.
This ancient district now stands as a witness to achievements, welcoming visitors and offering a harmonious blend of authenticity and modernity, making At-Turaif a meeting point between history and the future. Where is At-Turaif located is no longer merely a question, but a living answer embodied by the land of Diriyah itself, which carries within it an enduring legacy.
At-Turaif District… A Witness to the Glory of the Ancestors and a Destination of the Future
At-Turaif Historic District, located in historic Diriyah northwest of the city of Riyadh, is one of the most prominent historical and tourist landmarks in Saudi Arabia. It is not merely a historic district, but an authentic symbol of the emergence of the First Saudi State, reflecting historical depth and embodying the Kingdom’s identity. The site gained additional significance after being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This ancient district was founded by Mani‘ bin Rabi‘a Al-Muraydi, the great ancestor of the Al Saud family, around 1446 AH. It remained the seat of governance throughout the era of the First Saudi State, making it the nucleus from which the journey of rule began. At-Turaif Historic District thus became the starting point for all the major transformations witnessed by the Kingdom.