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Archeological heritage
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Diriyah, the first capital of the Saudi state. |
Historic preservation is an essential element of Saudi Arabian culture. Today the Kingdom's archaeological heritage is safeguarded by the Department of Museums and Antiquities which has excavated, catalogued and preserved pre-historic and historic sites. Important archaeological work is also carried out by the Department of Archaeology at King Saud University in Riyadh.
Diriyah, the ancestral home of the Al-Saud family and the first capital of the Saudi state, was a major restoration project undertaken by the Kingdom's archaeologists. Other projects include the ancient.sites at Fau, Madain Saleh, Al-Ula, Tayma, Duma and along the Darb Zuhaydah, the pilgrimage road to Makkah.
As the birthplace of Islam special emphasis is placed on preserving the Kingdom's Islamic archaeological heritage. In addition to the Holy Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, a large number of mosques around the Kingdom, such as those built by the first caliphs after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, have been meticulously restored.
The recent restoration of the od Qasr Al-Hokm area in Riyadh is indicative of the Kingdom's commitment to preserve and cherish its cultural heritage for the benefit of its citizens. Similar restoration work of the old city quarters has been undertaken in Jeddah, Hail and other cities around the Kingdom .
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