AL MASMAK FORTRESS

Masmak Fortress is a historical landmark in the capital. It is here that the battle of Riyadh took place on January 13, 1902. The austere residence surrounded by 4 massive towers dominates a large square lined with arcades in the center of which flies a huge Saudi flag. The Masmak fortress now houses a military inspired museum with old weapons and costumes.

Abdullah bin Faisal, the Emir of Najd, started the construction of the palace in 1865. He had little time to work out the details, caught up in fratricidal struggles with his half-brothers Saud and Mohammed and with the enemy Rashid clan. In 1891, he was sent into exile. It was the Emir of Riyadh, subservient to the Rashid clan, who inaugurated the palace in 1895. Abdulaziz ibn Saud returned from exile in 1902 and continued the unification of Saudi Arabia led by his uncle and his father. He fought against the house of Rashid at the fortress of Masmak and took control of Riyadh. He transformed the fortress into an ammunition storehouse. The palace was completely restored in 1995 to make it part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.

The facade of the fortress is pierced only by a few small openings, notably in the watchtowers, leaving no doubt as to the building's military vocation. The entrance to the fortress is located on the main square where large antique carpets are also displayed, fading under the hot Riyadh sun. The main gate is not centered in relation to the façade and seems quite modest in relation to the dimensions of the building. It is nonetheless 3.60 meters high. It is 10 centimeters thick and is carved out of palm wood. A smaller door allowed visitors to pass through one by one, without having to open the large door and thus without having to take unnecessary risks. Once through the door, you notice the mosque on your left. The room is supported by several columns and niches have been made in the wall facing Mecca. The small holes in the wall are used for ventilation. Just opposite the entrance is the majlis, the living room where the court of the emir or king used to gather. Holes have also been drilled in two of the walls, allowing for draughts and light. Behind the majlis is the central courtyard, surrounded by rooms that communicate with each other. The private quarters were divided into three parts: the residence of the emir, the treasury rooms, and the apartments for the guests.