This study explores the change over time in the World Heritage Site (WHS) of Diriyah over three critical periods, focusing on three aspects: physical, social, and economic. Using a mixed-method approach, the site’s heritage management practices and development impact are investigated, and the impact of WHS inscription on the field of heritage in Saudi Arabia is demonstrated. A methodological approach is used in this study, which includes temporal analysis, analysis of historical images and photographs, non-participant observation and semi-structured interviews with key informants, site fieldwork, analysis of archival research, the content of official documents, related media, and promotional materials. The study concludes with a three-aspect matrix demonstrating Historic Diriyah’s various development and change over time. Historic Diriyah is a WHS, and it can still project a successful massive makeover development if a sustainable development approach is used, and visual integrity and site authenticity are preserved. The site of Historic Diriyah and its surroundings were critical in promoting the site as a national identity, an international destination, and presenting a new development agenda for the entire kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has a significant impact on policymakers who are interested in how heritage sites can be integrated into a larger vision.
Cultural heritage has numerous developmental prospects that might contribute to the sustainable development and quality of life of communities. However, cultural heritage products have a complex relationship with many sectors. This paper examines Saudi criteria for the classification and selection of cultural heritage and presents a case study on the implementation of these criteria. It aims to develop local assessment criteria for cultural heritage values and conservation in Saudi Arabia. A theoretical analysis has been conducted to evaluate the criteria for the classification and selection of architectural heritage value and the relationship between whole heritage values. The paper discusses the criteria’s limitations and impacts and identifies misunderstandings of cultural heritage values in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this study indicate that the mechanism of implementing a list can affect both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in different ways and at different levels. The criteria should include all cultural heritage values within a context rather than a single building or object. Thus, one of the main objectives of the criteria is to recognize and highlight the importance of a site through its values. The case study of the Barzan District illustrates the factual impact of current legislation and organizational structures on heritage sites.
Hail is regarded as one of the richest cities in Saudi Arabia in terms of heritage sites. The city center, where the Barzan marketplace is located, is regarded as critical to the city’s cultural tourism. The purpose of this study is to understand the traditional Barzan market rehabilitation project within the city center and its role in preserving Hail’s urban identity. According to the study, the rehabilitation of the city center presents an opportunity for urban development to boost tourism and connect various historic landmarks in a variety of ways, including the development of pedestrian routes. The study also presents and discusses several complexities and challenges that must be considered when implementing such an urban development. A multi-approach methodology is employed to investigate several urban factors and involved actors, including a social online survey and semi-structured interviews, as well as empirical data to support the study objectives. The study’s findings indicate that there is an issue with the urban solution implemented in the Barzan market on multiple levels, the most important of which is the ‘miso’ level of the city center, where several potential landmarks are neglected and isolated from the Barzan marketplace. A solution is proposed to create multiple urban spaces that can be used by the Hail community as a whole, not just those involved in the market. This would necessitate a different approach to space design, as well as changes in how the Barzan market is managed and maintained.
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