MAKKAH: In the Tayma oasis is Ali bin Rumman Castle, an architectural gem and symbol of the heritage of the Tabuk region.
The castle is one of the most prominent heritage and cultural landmarks in the region, representing a key era in the evolution of traditional architecture in northern Saudi Arabia.
It tells the story of generations who laid the foundations of an enduring civilization, one whose legacy lives in the Tayma oasis today.
In an interview with Arab News, Abdul-Ilah Al-Fares, a member of the Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, emphasized the cultural significance of the site, describing the castle as “a reflection of our identity, a unique architectural landmark that has retained its form for more than three centuries.”
He said: “The castle is a true example of local building traditions in Tayma, where people relied on natural materials like stone, clay and mud bricks,” he added.
“They designed it with a sophisticated architectural style that blends beauty with function.”
Al-Fares said the castle’s history dates from 1720, when it was founded by Hutaimi bin Saad Al-Ali, Prince Al-Ruman’s father.
It later became the headquarters of his son, Prince Ali, who used it as a residence and a center for managing his family’s affairs and the surrounding farms and orchards.
“The castle has preserved its majesty despite the circumstances and upheavals it has undergone.
“The towers, buildings, climate and gates still bear witness to the precision and beauty of its architecture, and to the castle’s position in the social and political life of that era,” Al-Fares added.
He said that the restoration work led by Sheikh Nahar Abdul Karim Al-Rumman had a significant influence in bringing the landmark back to life.
The sheikh oversaw the restoration and rehabilitation work in 2018 under his direct supervision, ensuring the preservation of the castle’s identity and original structure.
The restoration “was a project aimed at preserving the history of a nation and a heritage that reflects a vital part of the local community’s collective memory. The work followed architectural guidelines faithful to the original style, while enhancing external facilities and applying paint to highlight the site’s aesthetic value,” he said.
Al-Fares pointed out the castle’s unique features, including massive watchtowers, a mosque in the southwestern corner, stables, guest house and mud wall surrounding the entire site, in addition to the large gates for horses and camels.
He also said that castle was a focal point of the Al-Rumman family’s life, with some of its buildings used as warehouses, and a reception center, evidenced by its reception of King Saud bin Abdulaziz during his visit to Tayma in 1954.
“Today, the castle has become a prominent tourist and cultural landmark, attracting visitors from within and beyond the Kingdom.
“It stands as a living testament to the uniqueness of Najdi architecture and the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Tabuk region.
“Preserving it is a national duty, not merely as a collection of mud buildings, but as a symbol of our national memory and a source of inspiration for future generations,” Al-Fares said, emphasizing the importance of connecting this legacy to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
