Knowledge Affairs – Special

Visitors to Al-Mahra Heritage Museum will come face to face with a diverse collection of archaeological artifacts representing the cultures and civilizations of the world. They will also find rare and special collections acquired by the museum from royal possessions, highlighting a distinctive category of artifacts with symbolic and historical significance. Located in the Al-Rawdah neighborhood of Jeddah, Al-Mahra Heritage Museum brings together heritage and artistic pieces from different parts of the world, beginning with the Kingdom, a meeting point of civilizations, and extending to authentic Egyptian, Damascene, and Arab pieces, as well as East Asian collections. The museum also houses archaeological pieces from Ottoman and European palaces and the Chinese Empire, with these artifacts bearing witness to the past, civilizations, and ancient ways of life.

The museum is dedicated to displaying valuable heritage and archaeological collections from around the world. Its auction hall also offers some valuable pieces through public auctions approved by the Ministry of Tourism. In addition, Al-Mahra Heritage Museum receives distinctive and authentic artifacts and collections in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Tourism.

Over the course of twenty years, Layla Omran, the museum’s owner, assembled a large collection of items suitable for display, contributing to the cultural and tourism revitalization of the city of Jeddah. She was able to acquire diverse collections from charitable associations, through restoration and renovation projects in palaces and some cultural centers, and through international auctions. All of this ultimately led her to open the “Al-Mahra” Heritage Museum in Jeddah several months ago.

The museum includes rare possessions belonging to nine kings. Among its exhibits are the bedroom and dining room belonging to King Fahd bin Abdulaziz – may he rest in peace – at his palace in Taif, the office of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz – may he rest in peace –, and a portrait of King Faisal painted by his son, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal. The collection also includes silver incense burners, coffee pots used by the kings, an old safe from the palace of Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz – may he rest in peace –, and the stuffed falcons of Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz – may he rest in peace –: “Batah,” “Batash,” and the famous “Abath.”

Among the rare items displayed at the museum is a book made of gazelle leather and gold leaf, along with 42 hand-painted portraits of the founding King Abdulaziz – may God bless his soul –. It also houses Islamic artifacts of Abbasid and Ottoman origin, including an archaeological piece from the Dome of the Rock before its restoration, pieces of Zamzam tiles, incense burners from the Grand Mosque, a column base from one of the columns of the Grand Mosque, pieces of the Kiswah of the Kaaba, Ottoman pieces from the Grand Mosque, and the Kaaba belt.

The exhibition also contains possessions from European palaces, including copper bells, clocks, and a record player. There are also Chinese and Indian items featuring hand-painted designs, such as ivory cups, silver jewelry, coral necklaces, and expertly preserved specimens of the hoopoe bird and other animals. These taxidermied specimens are artistically preserved and attractively displayed from different angles, highlighting them in poses that evoke their vitality and movement.

Footnote:

· https://aawsat.com/home/article/2917366/

· https://www.wafyapp.com/ar/article/mohra-heritage-museum-displays-world-wide-collectibles