Makkah

Madinah

Riyadh

Qassim

Eastern

Asir

Tabuk

Hail

Northern

Jazan

Najran

Al-Baha

Al-Jawf

Traditional games

Matraq Sabeeh is considered one of the traditional folk games popular among boys in certain desert villages of the Makkah Region. This game reflects an aspect of the social and recreational life of those communities. Children gather in playgrounds to take part in an activity characterised by movement and challenge.The game begins with a Ghutra (traditional headcloth), which participants twist tightly to prepare it for play. The playground is then marked out, with a clear start and finish line. The players line up in a single row, ready to begin.The boys call out “Matraq Sabeeh” to which the group responds “Ma Yastareeh” (It never rests). Amidst the excitement, one player tosses the Ghutra upwards from between his legs, asking “Who holds it? and the others reply, “In your brother&#039;s hand.” At that moment, whoever catches it rushes to strike the others with it before they reach the finish line.The game depends on speed and accuracy, while fostering catching ability and quick reflexes, offering children the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in an atmosphere of enjoyment. It is also considered a way to instil a spirit of cooperation and fair competition among children.The game is not merely entertainment; it is an embodiment of ancient folk skills that link generations. It carries within it the cultural values and deep-rooted traditions of the desert community that lives through history while preserving its identity.Through Matraq Sabeeh, the importance of folk games in strengthening social bonds and transmitting cultural values from one generation to the next becomes evident, as it remains a testament to a history rich in adventure and learning.

Athar Experiences

Matraq Sabeeh is considered one of the traditional folk games popular among boys in certain desert villages of the Makkah Region. This game reflects an aspect of the social and recreational life of those communities. Children gather in playgrounds to take part in an activity characterised by movement and challenge.

A Game of Heritage and Entertainment in Desert Villages

Matraq Sabeeh

Handicrafts

The craft of making prayer beads (Subah) in Makkah is one of the ancient traditional crafts linked to the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Visitors flock to purchase them as souvenirs. The makers of these beads, known as “Al-Sabbahiya”, employ a wide variety of materials in their craft.The beads are crafted from various woods such as sandalwood, tamarind wood, oud, and date kernels. However, the most commonly used material is “Al-Yusr”, a marine plant sourced from certain coasts of the Red Sea. It is soaked in water for a period before being crafted into prayer beads.With the onset of the modern era, plastic began to be used in the making of prayer beads due to the affordability and availability of its raw materials, opening up a wider field for creativity in designs and colours.The prayer bead industry is considered a seasonal industry linked to Hajj and Umrah activities; flourishes during these seasons, contributing to the growth of the local economy and the creation of employment opportunities.Exhibitions and workshops are organized in Makkah to raise awareness about the importance of this industry and to encourage new generations to get involved, helping to preserve this rich cultural heritage.Despite challenges such as competition from imported beads, prayer bead makers in Makkah strive for excellence by upholding quality and distinctiveness in design, thereby ensuring the continuity of this traditional craft amid economic and environmental change.

The craft of making prayer beads (Subah) in Makkah is one of the ancient traditional crafts linked to the Hajj and Umrah seasons. Visitors flock to purchase them as souvenirs. The makers of these beads, known as “Al-Sabbahiya”, employ a wide variety of materials in their craft.

A Renewed Heritage and Continuous Innovation

The Industry of Prayer Beads

The rose distillation industry in the Makkah Region, particularly in the city of Taif, stands as one of the most distinguished traditions, preserving its authentic splendour and enduring fragrance. This industry is characterized by its strong ties to the local environment and the region’s unique climate.From the heart of the Al-Hada and Al-Shafa highlands, the Taif rose fields flourish as the foundation of this traditional industry. The distillation season begins in mid-March, when the roses bloom and release their captivating fragrance. Makers then carefully harvest the blossoms and place them in large copper pots that have formed part of this tradition since ancient times.The distillation process is marked by precision and craftsmanship, as the pots are heated until the rose vapor (essence) begins to rise and gradually condense. The first drops of this essence emerge as a solution known as “Al-Arous”. The pure rose essence is then packaged in special vials, followed by different grades of rose water, which are later marketed for a range of uses.The importance of the extracted water is not limited to its aromatic aspect; it is a vital part of the local culture, used in cooking, beauty, and perhaps even in certain rituals. This strengthens the industry’s contribution to the local economy and demonstrates how heritage is integrated with global markets.Rose distillation in Taif contributes to promoting tourism in the region. Visitors arriving for Hajj or Umrah find a unique experience in these farms and distilleries. They can witness the process firsthand, and purchase rose products directly from the source. This rich experience offers more than a mere souvenir; it provides an opportunity to encounter a part of the region’s ancient cultural heritage and to connect it with a deeper spiritual experience in the Holy Lands.In an era where progress transcends the boundaries of the old and traditional, rose distillation in Makkah remains a landmark showcasing the beauty of authenticity and the dedication to preserving heritage in all its details.

The rose distillation industry in the Makkah Region, particularly in the city of Taif, stands as one of the most distinguished traditions, preserving its authentic splendour and enduring fragrance. This industry is characterized by its strong ties to the local environment and the region’s unique climate.

The scent of history and heritage

The rose distillation industry

Traditional dishes

Mutabbaq is considered one of the famous dishes in the Makkah region, representing a distinctive part of the local food culture and enjoying wide popularity among residents and visitors alike. It blends local and global influences, resulting in a dish that is both richly diverse and deeply satisfying in flavour.Mutabbaq consists of carefully prepared thin dough sheets, rolled out to be ready for delicious fillings. For the savoury version, the dough is filled with minced meat, finely chopped leeks, beaten eggs, and a blend of special spices. It is then folded into a square and grilled on an iron griddle (Saj), producing a texture that is crisp on the outside and tender within.As for the sweet Mutabbaq, it is equally delightful and inventive. It may be filled with ingredients such as bananas, sweet cheese, or cream and sugar, giving the dish a completely new flavour that differs from the savoury version, while maintaining the same preparation method on the griddle.In Makkah, Mutabbaq is served at social gatherings and banquets as one of the traditional dishes that showcase hospitality. It is further distinguished by its versatility, allowing it to adapt to a range of tastes and making it appropriate for any occasion or time of day, whether served as a light snack or incorporated into a main meal.This dish contributes to strengthening social bonds, as it is prepared at home through family cooperation or purchased from traditional restaurants that fill Makkah’s markets with sounds and delicious aromas, giving the city its own special and unique character.Mutabbaq, with its simple ingredients and various preparation methods, tells a story of Makkah’s heritage. It remains a symbol of innovation that connects the past with the present, firmly embedded in the memory of connoisseurs who regard flavours not merely as a matter of taste, but as an integral part of the city’s identity.

Mutabbaq is considered one of the famous dishes in the Makkah region, representing a distinctive part of the local food culture and enjoying wide popularity among residents and visitors alike. It blends local and global influences, resulting in a dish that is both richly diverse and deeply satisfying in flavour.

Flavor of originality and innovation

Mutabbaq

folk art

Taifi Majrour is one of the ancient folk arts that characterize Taif City and its surrounding villages, holding a special place in various celebrations such as Eids and weddings. A distinctive harmony between movement and sound defines this dance, coalescing into a complete masterpiece of collective creativity.The dance begins with the formation of two parallel rows of performers, with no fewer than five participants in each. Each performer carries a drum, while others remain seated upon the ground, striking their instruments in measured cadence and lending a distinctive rhythm that deepens and enriches the performance. One member of the two rows steps forward and raises his voice in song, and his companions join him, causing the melodies to echo between the two rows in an organized manner known as al-shatr.Wearing traditional attire forms an integral element of the Majrour dance; participants are clad in wide white robes known as Al-Huwaysi, complemented by traditional ammunition belts that complete the ensemble. Their heads are adorned with iqals made of pure cane, adding an atmosphere of authenticity and heritage to the performance.Many poems and folk songs expressing love, longing, and beauty are sung during the Majrour. These songs serve as a living expression of collective emotions and ancient traditions that link the past to the present, showcasing the unique nature of social relations in the region.Majrour is far more than a dance; it is a living narrative of a rich and enduring heritage, deeply interwoven with the region’s identity and singular character. It contributes to documenting local culture and passing it down through generations, continuing to shine through the joy of collective art rooted in the harmony of drums and voices.Through the practice of Majrour, an important part of Saudi heritage is preserved, ensuring that Taifi Majrour remains a witness to the depth and diversity of folk culture in the Kingdom.

Taifi Majrour is one of the ancient folk arts that characterize Taif City and its surrounding villages, holding a special place in various celebrations such as Eids and weddings. A distinctive harmony between movement and sound defines this dance, coalescing into a complete masterpiece of collective creativity.

Dances from the Heart of Cultural Heritage

Taifi Majrour

craftsmanships

Makkah combines ancient hunting and diving traditions, as these activities have formed an important part of people&#039;s lives there, characterized by their evolution over time.Hunting is considered one of the traditional activities practiced by Arabs since ancient times. Hunters once relied on a range of traditional tools, including spears and arrows, before the practice gradually evolved to incorporate more modern weapons, such as matchlock rifles. Hunting was not only for sport and pleasure but also a means of obtaining meat.Hunters in Saudi Arabia, especially the Bedouins, are known for their ability to track prey and understand the nature of animals. Hunting has long been governed by a code of ethics and established customs, most notably the principle that prey seeking protection or refuge with a human for safety must not be pursued or harmed.Diving in the Red Sea is a popular activity in Jeddah’s areas near Makkah. Diving excursions are organised there to attract adventure enthusiasts from across the globe. This sporting activity offers a wealth of enjoyment and exhilaration, owing to the remarkable diversity of marine life that unfolds before the diver beneath the surface.The Makkah Region hosts training centres that grant recognized diving certifications. These centres have played a significant role in attracting enthusiasts with a keen interest in marine sports, making diving an organized sport that draws many enthusiasts from both inside and outside the Kingdom.Both activities, hunting and diving, reflect human interaction with the surrounding environment and the utilization of natural resources. Over time, these activities have served as both a source of livelihood and a means of enjoyment, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting them as forms of recreational tourism capable of attracting visitors and investors alike.

Makkah combines ancient hunting and diving traditions, as these activities have formed an important part of people's lives there, characterized by their evolution over time.

Ancient Traditions and Modern Significance

Hunting and Diving

Saleeg is considered one of the authentic dishes that distinguish Makkah&#039;s culture, becoming an integral part of the region&#039;s customs and traditions. It enjoys widespread popularity, whether served on special occasions or embraced as a daily meal that nourishes both body and heart with a sense of love and warmth.Makkah Saleeg is associated with the urban areas of Makkah. It is prepared from boiled meat, using its broth to cook the rice. This type retains its traditional simplicity. To cook it, the meat is boiled, and the rice is cooked in its broth with a simple touch of ghee. The rice is served on large platters known as “Tabasi”, and it is considered a staple dish in gatherings such as outings and family invitations.On the other hand, Arabian Saleeg is known in the mountain villages surrounding Makkah. This type retains its traditional simplicity. To prepare it, the meat is first boiled, after which the rice is gently cooked in the resulting broth, enhanced with a simple touch of ghee.Saleeg holds a special place in social occasions as a symbol of generosity and bounty. Its preparation for gatherings of family and friends forms an integral part of the cultural identity of the people of Makkah, where assembling around the table signifies far more than the simple act of sharing a meal.The flavour of Saleeg remains beloved by locals and visitors alike, blending the past and present in a single dish. The diversity of its preparation methods expands its appeal, attracting those who favour a rich, indulgent flavour as well as those who appreciate a simple, authentic taste.Thus, Saleeg remains more than just a meal; it is a memory that evokes cultural and historical roots, linking successive generations and guests who experience the generosity of Makkah hospitality.

Saleeg is considered one of the authentic dishes that distinguish Makkah's culture, becoming an integral part of the region's customs and traditions. It enjoys widespread popularity, whether served on special occasions or embraced as a daily meal that nourishes both body and heart with a sense of love and warmth.

The Flavour of Heritage and Generosity

Saleeg

Al-Danana is a popular traditional game that was once widely played among children in the Makkah Region, embodying the simplicity of everyday life and the spirit of creativity and innovation in play. It was considered the ideal way for children to simulate driving cars, relying on available tools in an enjoyable and fascinating style.Children begin preparing Al-Danana using an old bicycle wheel or a piece of a car rim. A wooden stick is added with a metal piece at its end; this piece emits a distinctive sound when rolling the wheel, adding another dimension of fun to the game. This sound forms part of the collective memory, resonating deeply in the hearts of children and preserving the spirit of their shared experiences.Al-Danana features unique designs, as children are keen to decorate and care for them as if they were real cars. This distinctive feature lends the game its unique character and highlights the inventive abilities of children, who transform readily available materials into imaginative tools for play.The game is more than mere entertainment; it fosters the development of numerous skills in children, including cooperation and teamwork. It also fosters a spirit of innovation by using discarded materials, showing how simple objects can be turned into wonderful tools for play.Al-Danana also represents a part of folk heritage, linking generations to simple childhood memories and strengthening community relationships. This game shows how children can find joy in the simplest things and highlights the cultural role of traditional games in building cohesive societies.Amidst all this, Al-Danana endures as a symbol of craftsmanship and creativity, continuing to evoke cherished memories while inspiring new generations to value the beauty of simplicity and the spirit of innovation.

Al-Danana is a popular traditional game that was once widely played among children in the Makkah Region, embodying the simplicity of everyday life and the spirit of creativity and innovation in play. It was considered the ideal way for children to simulate driving cars, relying on available tools in an enjoyable and fascinating style.