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A New Era
The Saudi state entered a
new era in 1351 A.H. with the royal proclamation that its new name was to
be the “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”. Since then, every city in the Kingdom has
witnessed rapid growth.
Riyadh, for example, has doubled in size as people flocked in from
every region of the country. Urban growth spread outside the walls of
Riyadh.
To meet his needs as ruler
of the country and the requirements of his growth family, King Abdulaziz
issued a directive in 1355 A.H. for construction to begin on the
Al-Murabb’a palace complex in Riyadh.
Other complexes such as Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman’s Ateeqa
palace and Prince Saud Al Kabeer’s Al-Shamsiya palace had previously been
built in the vicinity of Riyadh.
As construction of the Al-Murabb’a palace proceeded, similar
additional sites such as the Al-Badeea estate were developed for hosting
distinguished guests and officials.
In 1357 A.H., King
Abdulaziz and his family took up residence at the Al-Murabb’a Palace. The palace complex went on to serve
as a center of government, where the royal court was governed and official
functions were hosted. In addition, government offices were located there,
and accommodation was provided for security personnel.
One palace Al-Diwan was
particularly important. Here,
usually in the evenings, King Abdulaziz addressed many ceremonial and
government issues.
The Diwan was also the site
of many important gatherings and meetings with world dignitaries. It also witnessed vital events in
the history of the establishment of the Ministry of Defense, the government
school system, the Saudi Broadcasting Network, and the Saudi Monetary
Agency. It was here that the
historic agreement opening the Kingdom for oil exploration was signed. The initiation of the telegraph
system and the formulation and adoption of many important regulations
concerning travel, labor and public works projects also took place in
Al-Diwan palace.
Al-Murabb’a Palaces
The architecture of
Al-Murabb’a Palace reflects the local style of building which was dominant
during that period. Houses
were built of clay and local stone and ceilings were made of palm and other
tree branches. Most buildings
were designed with a courtyard facing all rooms at the center of the
structure. This simple style
was quite consistent with the prevailing environment of the region.
Most Al-Murabb’a Palace
structures (including the Diwan) were built in a square of rectangular
shape. Usually consisting of two stories, reflecting regional practice,
they were built of local materials: the walls of clay and stone and the
ceiling and doors of tamarisk wood.
A number of famous local
masons participated in constructing the site which included the Diwan,
residential units and a number of multi-purpose buildings.
Simplicity And Beauty
Simplicity is the dominant
feature of the site structures. The palaces derive their comely appearance
from purpose-oriented design and style. Decorative shapes are confined to the limits of
materials which were available during that period. The most outstanding structural
elements are the rounded stone pillars, covered with square stone pieces,
which support the ceilings.
Traditional geometrical decorations and colored designs were used in
the palace rooms including triangular patterns embossed in the ceiling.
A Fortified castle
Through the complex was
essentially constructed for residential purposes, the siege wall with its
numerous towers which surround the palaces gave an appearance similar to
the forts contemporary with that period. The rectangular siege wall (300
meters and up to 7 meters high) was constructed of clay and reinforced with
wood and stone.
Two main gates were built
in the southern side of the siege walls, a third gate in the middle and a
fourth at the northern end. The Diwan part of the complex was provided with
three bridges acting as safe-crossing passages leading to the mosque and
the residential units.
Interior Of The Diwan
In terms of governing the
Kingdom, the King Abdulaziz Diwan comprised the most important component of
the Murabb’a palace. Here, many crucial decisions were crafted by the King
and his council in evening sessions. The Diwan includes a number of
multi-purpose rooms and offices surrounding a spacious central yard. This
historical palace was once a bustling arena receiving visiting guests and
citizens.
The Ground Floor
The ground floor comprises
a number of rooms and offices designed to serve different objectives.
These include the
following:
Guard rooms were delegated
for the royal security guards and the King’s special guards.
“Khwiya” (courtier) rooms were appointed for the King’s
entourage. These were men who had proved their loyalty in the campaigns
which culminated in unification of the Kingdom. They fully devoted
themselves to the services of the King.
Palace store rooms were
used for keeping food supplies, fire-wood and cutlery.
The royal lift was the
first lift to be imported into the city. The King used it after he had
encountered difficulty in using the staircase.
1- The diwan Guards room
2- The Khwiya room
3,4- Affiliated
to the Khwiya
5,6,7-
Affiliate to Diwan Guards
8- Store Room ( for dates and cereal )
9- Coffee preparation room
10- Firewood room
11- Coffee
implements storage
12- Elevator
technician office
13- Servants room
14- Head of Royal
Guard office
15- Deputy head
of the Royal Guard office
16- Assistant
Head of the Royal Guard office
The First Floor
Found on the first floor
are a number of rooms and offices serving the King’s council and political,
foreign and private affairs branches of government. These include the
following:
The King’s summer council
was a well-furnished and equipped court used by the King for receiving
guests in the summer season.
The King’s winter council
was used to receive his guests in the winter season.
The King’s private office
was used for the daily operation of his personal affairs. Three lanterns
illuminated the room in evenings before the arrival of electricity.
The Political Affairs
Office served as the administrative headquarters for the King. Its
functions included handling both the Kingdom’s foreign relations and
domestic affairs. The office contained decorated benches arranged parallel
to the walls. This office also served as a communications center for
foreign and domestic news. Two connected rooms, comprising the Liaison
Services Office were provided with telegraph and wireless communication
devices.
1- Political
Department office
2- Affiliated to the
Political Dept. office
3- A corridor leading
to the mosque
4- Khwiya Affairs
Official
5- Affiliated to
Khwiya Affairs Official
6- A hall for the
King’s guests and advisors
7- The King’s Official
Council (in the summer)
8- The King’s official
Council ( in the winter )
9,10- Night shift Khwiya
11- Complain
office
12- Elevator
shaft
13- King’s Head
Clerk office
14- Telegram
office
15- Assistant Telegram Director
16- Affiliated to
the King’s Head Clerk
The Reminder Of The Past
Generally, the Al-Murabb’a
palace remains as it once was. However, some parts of this historic site
have seen development and change occurring throughout the early years of
the Kingdom and continuing up to the present. During the post-Second World
War period, the late King Abdulaziz ordered a modern-style palace built on
the remains of older, fallen structures. In later years, the King
introduced electricity and modern plumbing facilities into the palace.
Of the years passed, many
of the original components of the palace were demolished and only a few
parts of the siege wall ( in addition to one tower ) remained. The Diwan
and King Abdulaziz Mosque were reconstructed in the early eighties A.H.
The High Commission for the
Development of Riyadh has steadfastly worked to restore the integrity of
this historic site. With the aim of preserving the rich legacy of the early
Kingdom, the Commission has reconstructed and renovated much of the site,
including Al-Murabb’a palace and parts of the old siege wall and tower
complex.
Al-Murabb’a palace stands
as the most prominent element of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
Visitors to the center can become acquired with the daily life-style
practiced by inhabitants of the palace in that early period. It is hoped
that this national heritage will spur coming generations towards building a
future filled promise and prosperity.
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