Old Neighborhoods: A Stroll with History

Varieties

December 31st, 12:55pm

Yanbu (Saudi Arabia) - Asharq Al-Awsat

Ancient quarters of Yanbu

“It was a wonderful day spent in the new corners of the ancient quarter of the city of Yanbu al-Bahr ... This is a history book, and we walked through its pages, sometimes sitting to have some coffee, too.” With these words, the delegation accompanying the tour guide ended its tour. In this region, history is wrapped with modern cloth. The ancient spirit of the place, which spans over four hundred years, is preserved. Its history is linked to the Arabian Peninsula markets and Africa, and today it is shaped by productive families and the tourism industry. Yanbu al-Bahr has regained its ancient neighbor, the “Evening Market”, for the ties between the seaports and the markets cannot be broken. The souk was redesigned and constructed the same way, with the same rustic spirit and wooden doors. In an attempt to recreate the minor details of the old market, it was revamped based on the older inhabitants’ memories and using the wood that had remained in place. In ancient cities, one should take one’s time. Everything is worth contemplating, from the wrinkles on old vendors’ faces to the hands of old women handing visitors back their change after they have made a purchase. Everyone here believes that he who brought life back to this once destroyed market, will also give them a chance to improve their lives and health and grant them blissful days. The climate in the old towns (Yanbu, Jeddah ... and others) is suitable for a half-day family trip, with a lunch or a dinner at one of the moreover seventy-year-old restaurants. Furthermore, the ban on cars gives the city serenity and renders its streets safe for children. The old markets were places to exchange loaves of wisdom, empathy, love, familiarity, and solidarity free of charge. When you are in an ancient market, do not rush to leave and do not rush to buy. Eventually, you will find free goods from the experience of patience and hope. “Historic Yanbu” is most popular during the evenings of the winter seasons. Its proximity to the sea (only meters away) gives its nights a refreshing mild breeze, a soft winter air. A cup of milk tea mixed with ginger is sufficient to warm one up and allow for the rest of the time to be spent watching and observing if one is alone or chatting if accompanied.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2713716/old-neighborhoods-stroll-history