Founding Day celebrations begin in AlUla

RIYADH: Throughout the First Saudi State, women’s garments were signifiers of cultural identity and regional traditions.

According to Saudipedia, women’s clothing in the First Saudi State varied by region, influenced by local resources, climate and cultural traditions. Each area developed distinct styles, materials and designs that reflected its social customs and environment.

In the central region, women often wore al-Mukhnaq, a sheer silk covering made of chiffon or tulle, sewn completely except for an opening for the face. Married women typically covered their heads with al-Ghadfah — a light tulle shawl also known as al-Munaykhel — or opted for al-Ghatwah, a black fabric that covered the entire face. Another common garment was the burqa, a face covering that left an opening for the eyes and was sometimes adorned with decorative elements.

For outerwear, the abaya was a staple, made from coarse wool and designed in a rectangular cut that draped over the shoulders. Unlike modern abayas, it had no sleeves but included small hand openings at its ends. The term abaya was sometimes used interchangeably with bisht, a traditional cloak.

“Bisht Al-Barqa is one of the types of bishts used by men in the region. The people of the central region, Al-Aridh and Diriyah used to call the abaya a bisht, whether a man or a woman wore it,” Laila Al-Bassam, a traditional Arab costumes and textiles expert, told Arab News in a 2023 interview.

The abaya had many variations, including the Qilani abaya, Ma’simah abaya, Dufat al-Mahoud abaya, Fisol abaya, and Murshidah abaya. Indoors, women commonly wore al-Maqta’ or al-Daraa, long, wide garments with fitted sleeves that narrowed at the wrist. These dresses were often embroidered with gold and silver zari threads, sequins, or intricate patterns, highlighting the craftsmanship and artistry of the time.

Saudipedia states that women in the eastern region favored garments made from fine fabrics such as silk and lightweight cotton. One of the most distinctive pieces was the al-Malf’a, a black rectangular fabric that was wrapped around the face and shoulders, sometimes secured with a metal piece known as al-Rubayi. This fabric varied in weight depending on the season, with lighter versions preferred in warmer months. The region was also known for its elaborate embroidery, with clothing often featuring intricate stitching and embellishments that reflected influences from nearby trade routes.

In the western region, according to Saudipedia, women’s attire reflected the area’s connections to international markets, particularly through the Red Sea. Fabrics such as brocade, silk and velvet were popular among wealthier women, while cotton was more commonly worn for everyday use. Many garments were adorned with detailed embroidery, lacework, and zari threading, reflecting the cultural exchange between the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions. The layering of garments was common, with women wearing multiple pieces to achieve a distinctive and elegant silhouette.

In the southern region, the influence of the mountainous terrain and tribal traditions played a significant role in clothing styles. Women often wore garments made from thick, durable fabrics to protect against the colder temperatures of higher altitudes. Embroidery was a key feature, with intricate geometric patterns symbolizing tribal identity. The use of bold colors, particularly red and blue, was prevalent, adding vibrancy to the garments.

In the northern region, the climate and Bedouin lifestyle influenced women’s clothing choices. Practicality was emphasized, with garments designed for mobility and protection from harsh weather conditions. Women wore long, flowing robes made from wool or heavy cotton, often adorned with subtle embroidery. Head coverings were essential, with styles varying between tribes. The al-Shilah and al-Sayf were commonly worn as protection from the sun while maintaining modesty.

Clothing not only served practical purposes but also conveyed “social status, marital status and tribal affiliation,” according to Saudipedia. The diversity of styles across the regions reflected the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the time, with many traditional elements still influencing Saudi fashion today.

JEDDAH: The Tariq Abdulhakim Center Museum in Jeddah is among the cultural institutions celebrating Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day with style.

The three-day celebration is being held under the supervision of the Museums Commission and is offering a rich artistic and cultural experience, highlighting the Kingdom’s heritage and strengthening national identity.

The festivities began with a welcome as visitors were greeted with traditional Saudi coffee, served in four distinct varieties in alignment with Founding Day guidelines.

Tayeb Abdullh Altayeb, director of the Tariq Abdulhakim Center Museum, said: “The idea is to celebrate our nation and its cultural components, which we reflect through the museum’s various offerings. Our main focus is the preservation of Saudi music heritage and performing arts.

“Tariq Abdulhakim himself was a champion of culture, supporting the founding of the military band and winning a UNESCO award for the preservation of Saudi identity. It is fitting that during Founding Day, we highlight his efforts and align our cultural sector with Vision 2030.”

A museum official said: “We want to ensure everyone has access to Saudi Arabia’s cultural aspects, especially during Founding Day. Our mission is to be a low-cost activation center, offering programs for the public and children to educate them about our heritage and traditions.”

Officials noted that the museum also serves as a platform for traditional bands, performers, and schools to showcase their arts, and added that the museum’s spaces are designed to welcome all ages, including people with disabilities.

The celebration’s opening day included an interactive artistic parade and a performing arts workshop, blending craftsmanship with live performances. A standout feature was the traditional fashion walkway organized by Al-Mugasap, a Saudi fashion brand. The display showcased traditional clothing from the Kingdom’s major regions, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and civilization of Saudi Arabia.

Sari Salem Hariri, co-founder and general manager of Al-Mugasap, said: “We curated a selection of traditional garments representing various regions of the Kingdom. These were displayed in special boxes to highlight the beauty and elegance of their designs, adding value to our cultural heritage.”

The event also included various sections dedicated to traditional food and artisanal crafts, as well as interactive games, live musical performances, and a school choir that delivered a stirring performance of national songs, symbolizing the younger generation’s connection to the Kingdom’s heritage.

Traditional performers from across the Kingdom, including a band from Taif, where Tariq Abdulhakim was once a member, also participated.

Khalid Jammali, manager of the band, told Arab News: “This is one of the biggest celebrations in Saudi Arabia. We are here to represent the Najd region, and Tariq Abdulhakim played a major role in creating this heritage. His insights helped elevate the quality and standards of these performances.”

The celebration will conclude with a national heritage concert on Feb. 23, featuring a blend of traditional and modern national songs. This grand finale will bring together artists and creators from various fields, creating a bridge between the past and present while celebrating the Kingdom’s rich history and future vision.

Ghada Shehri, a visitor, said: “The event was not only entertaining but also deeply educational. I dressed my children in traditional Saudi attire, and they were thrilled to see others dressed similarly.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to teach them about our heritage and culture in a fun and engaging way. The traditional fashion walkway was a highlight for us, seeing the different regional clothing styles helped my kids understand the diversity of our Kingdom.”

Another visitor, Salman Mohammed, said: “The museum did an incredible job of showcasing Saudi heritage through music, food, and art. My children were particularly fascinated by the school choir performance. It was heartwarming to see them so engaged and curious about our culture.”

Nawwaf Al-Harbi, owner of Dokhan Ahjar Precious Metals and Gemstones, showcased the art of gemstone polishing, featuring stones sourced from various regions of Saudi Arabia in honor of Founding Day.

“We polish these stones to be set in gold or silver, highlighting the beauty of natural gemstones from Makkah, Madinah, and beyond. Our goal is to introduce people to this traditional craft and we are committed to passing down the skill of handcrafting to as many people as possible,” he said.

Visitors can pre-register via the WeBook platform.