New book provides unique window on Jeddah’s past

A Saudi writer has developed a new book projecting in words and pictures the glorious past and promising future of Jeddah. “Jeddah: Gate to the Two Holy Mosques,” by Ayed Ali Al-Turki, is an encyclopedia about the history of the city, its traditional architecture, occupations, customs and habits, folklore songs and dances, food, alleys, businessmen who shaped the economic advancement of the Red Sea city and many other aspects of the city dearly loved by its residents and visitors. It follows “Blood on the Pure Sands,” a book about the First Gulf War that features shots from his camera of the Eastern Province and his second work, “Our Beautiful Resorts and Beaches,” which captures the Kingdom's aesthetic natural beauty. “Jeddah: Gate to the Two Holy Mosques” includes pictures and biographies of the men who played a pivotal role in the history of Jeddah including its leaders of thought, men of letters, thinkers, intellectuals, elite, poets, painters and traders. “This book is meant to be act as an envoy to the city of Jeddah, presenting its past and present to the entire world,” the writer told Arab News. He said his book is a symphony about the city of Jeddah, which is now assuming its right place as a tourist haven. “The book is a subtle blend of words and pictures telling the complete story of a city which is the crossroads to Saudi Arabia and to the Two Holy Mosques, which are Islam's most sacred shrines,” Al-Turki said. He strongly praised the businessmen who joined hands with the country's political leaders for the development of Jeddah and all other cities. “These great people have used their funds, knowledge, experience and efforts to execute mega development projects and build schools, educational institutions, hospitals, welfare houses and other establishments that helped write the history of this beautiful city,” he said. The book also spoke about the pioneering role played by Saudi women in the development of the city and the country in general. It told the story of a number of women poets, painters, singers and writers who helped develop the community of Jeddah. Al-Turki is a cameraman and a writer. He used his gifts in writing and photography to produce a book that is a must for everyone to read, especially those fascinated by the history of Jeddah.