The height of tradition

In days passed, Rijal Almaa stood tall, built to shelter the people of Soudah in buildings that towered like fortresses. Perfectly situated in the southwest of Saudi Arabia, the land is punctuated by mountains, providing an ideal geographical defense against attacks.

Having once sheltered its citizens, the village has survived over time, and its existence now protects the rich culture that created it.

Objectively, the buildings that make up Rijal Almaa are both functionally and aesthetically impressive. Stones are locally sourced and used to construct thick walls that provide insulation against the heat in summer and the cold in winter. Many of the houses here are multistory. This is likely due to the mountainous terrain—tall buildings are not only an efficient use of space, but also provide useful vantage points and stunning views.

Sentimental value is also imbued into the locally sourced stones. The thick walls are reinforced with mud and clay, while rows of small windows are decorated with traditional square-shaped ornaments made of white quartz. Ibrahim Al Fathy was raised in a house built this way in Rijal Almaa, and in the last few years he has returned to the village to renovate his childhood home, and help to preserve and protect it and the memories it harbors.

In the verdant heights of Soudah, the Flowermen dance to the beat of tradition and rhythm of communal spirit. They are the embodiment of a time past, and a symbol of heritage across the region. Donning black robes embroidered with gold, with swords and futas (sarong-type garments), their traditional dress is a key part of their visual tribal identity. Perhaps the beauty of the Flowermen comes in a self-confessed nomadic lifestyle that keeps the “mind at peace,” unconcerned by the “problems of modernity.” After eating a traditional meal, friends gather to chat, sing and dance together.

The essabah is the name given to the crown of flowers that dresses the heads of the Flowermen. The bright, deep colors of herbs and flowers, such as white jasmin, wild basil, fenugreek and marigold, reflect the verdant terrain of Soudah.

The garlands serve several purposes. Practically and historically, they protect farmers and workers from the sun’s harsh rays. Today, certain flowers feature prominently on special occasions, such as weddings and celebrations.

For something so fundamental to human survival, the ways in which different communities prepare and cook food differ greatly. In Soudah, Amal Turshi—a pillar of the community—is kneading dough for aseed, a traditional dish made by kneading dough in a pot over high heat, which is then mixed with ghee and honey. Baked in a tandoor oven, this traditional nourishing dish provided sustenance for those farming and working in the fields. The cooking technique is being passed on to the next generation, continuing the tradition among younger people like Amal’s daughters.

Al-Qatt Al-Asiri is the prevalent art form in the region. It is a style consisting of complex geometrical patterns and bright colors, created by natural dyes. Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art is versatile: It can be featured on the interior walls of homes, on pottery and in the fabric patterns of clothes. Artist Fatima bint Ali Abu Qahas is one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent Al-Qatt Al-Asiri artists and began painting when she was eight years old. Here, we see history propagated through paint and dye, as Fatimah shares this technique with the next generation.

This watchtower, steeped in history, once served as a lookout for threats, with its panoramic perspective over what is today the peaceful area known as Jareen.

Below, the agricultural terraces of Soudah paint a breathtaking scene. Nurtured by the region's rains, these terraces stand as a testament to traditional farming practices reliant on rainwater alone. Across the valley, vast plains are meticulously terraced and cultivated.

Dotted along the rugged slopes, you'll find fortified granaries and watchtowers, remnants of a bygone era. Villages perch atop mountains or cling to slopes, their homes clustered closely together, connected by winding roads and paths.

Al Sakran, one of the old villages in Soudah, is surrounded by terraces where the people living in the village used to farm and raise their livestock. Today, although weathered by time, these buildings stand as living testaments to centuries of civilization.

The landscapes, from Al Jarf to Rijal Almaa and beyond, embody a rich cultural tapestry. Each place, whether it's Wadi Thah, Wadi Hiswah, Ǫawan, Al Batila or Wadi 'Ous, tells its own story, steeped in history and heritage.

Discover more on an enchanted Soudah here.