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The Glossary

burka - "a face veil worn by women in the Middle East."

From Saudi Arabia Glossary

Dubbed as the ancestral home of the Al-Sauds and the origin of the Saudi-Wahhabi union, old Dir'aiyah is one of the most visited destinations of Arabia for its dazzling array of historical riches. Tucked away in the outskirts of northwestern Riyadh, the town is one great choice for visitors who want to stay away from the clamor in Riyadh, the capital and the largest city of Saudi Arabia.

Old-world lure

Humbly built in mud-brick structures, the moated oasis town of Dir'aiyah possess a number of fortress-like mansions owned by the ruling family of the country until the early 20th century, as well as buildings under restoration, which emanate with the eerie but spellbinding old-world appeal of the previous kingdom.

Historic symbol

It was only in 1974 that the “revival” of Old Dir'aiyah started with the aim to bring back the glory and the true symbol of the history of Saudi Arabia. Today, among the structures that were saved from total wreckage include the Qasr Nasr, the Saad bin Saud Palace, the watch tower of Burj Faysal, sections of Turaif moats and walls, and mosques, bath houses and guesthouses.

Old town opulence

Among the other must-sees when visiting Dir'aiyah include the old town for its opulence and elaborate architecture. Getting inside the fortress will bring visitors to a maze of walls adorned with intricately carved wooden doors that enclose a number of grand palaces, which include the Salwa Palace, Saad bin Saud Palace and the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Mosque. There are also a chockfull of guesthouses and bathhouses like the At-Turaif Bath House, where visitors can linger after a day of sightseeing.

There are several Ottoman houses lining along the walls that add stateliness to the whole picture. Undoubtedly, the overall façade is a delight for shutterbugs.

Modern treats

Getting to the modern section of the town will pave way to the Turaif, which is set atop of a hill. Here, visitors can roam around at the well-tendered gardens and palm groves or head to the Turief's open-air bazaar to buy some goodies.

Other points of interest that are still under construction include four museums namely the Museum of War and Defense, Museum of Horses, Museum of Social Life and the Museum of Commerce and Finance.

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