JEDDAH: The cultural and historical links between Taif and Historic Jeddah were explored in a recent session at the Red Sea Museum in Historic Jeddah, also known as Al-Balad.
Titled “Majlis Jeddah: The Essence of Taif in Historic Jeddah,” the event brought together heritage specialists, artists, and cultural practitioners to explore shared narratives of trade, music, architecture, and natural heritage.
The session was moderated by Eman Zidan, director of the Red Sea Museum, and featured Sumaia Showail, general manager of Aysh Academy; Ibrahim Al-Shaya, archaeology specialist at the Ministry of Culture; Bandar Alshareef, director of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum; and Azzam Al-Ghamdi, artisan, oud connoisseur, and founder of Dar Azzam, a Saudi artisan luxury perfume brand.
Zidan said the discussion highlighted the longstanding historical ties between Taif and Jeddah, with emphasis on Historic Jeddah’s role as a key trade gateway.
She said that areas such as Bab Al-Bunt historically received goods from travelers and merchants, making the city a cultural and commercial melting pot linked to regional and international trade routes, including exchanges of products such as food from Taif.
