AL-MALAD HISTORICAL VILLAGE
Historic hilltop village to discover the traditional architecture of the Al Baha region.
3 km east of Al-Bahah, the small village of Al-Malad sits atop a hill overlooking the road. Built entirely of stone, it features the traditional architecture of the region. You won't want to miss its two high watchtowers, which have watched over the surrounding area for 300 years. The towers were erected by two brothers to secure the village, which was an essential stopping-off point for merchants on their way to Asir. The towers were also used as silos to store crops. Next door, a small building was used as a meeting place to conclude trade agreements or settle disputes between tribes. Abandoned houses, rickety little stores and narrow alleyways hint at a pastoral past, a life of quietude folded around a small community. The mosque is the only building to have been restored. The ablutions basin was made of stone, like the rest of the building. Rather small, the prayer room could accommodate 34 worshippers. The mosque played an important role in village life. It was here that men would gather to resolve everyday problems or reconcile two parties with divergent views. The mosque was also a place of learning in the absence of schools. Through the study of the Koran, boys and girls learned to read and write. The village also boasts a small, well-designed museum, displaying old photos, traditional clothing and artefacts.
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