Today, the celebration of the “Al-Tantoura” event was launched by the residents of AlUla in the Old Town. This event is one of the most prominent inherited cultural traditions in the region and has been a crucial cornerstone for organizing agricultural life and determining the onset of the winter season for decades.

“Al-Tantoura” represents a historic sundial that the people and residents of AlUla relied on in the past to know the changing of seasons and the arrival of agricultural periods. This made it a pivotal element in organizing the agricultural work cycle and daily life in the oasis across successive generations.

Cultural Heritage

The event was attended by a number of AlUla residents and visitors, in an atmosphere that evoked the memory of the place, reflected the local community’s connection to its cultural heritage, and showed visitors’ interest in learning about one of the most prominent manifestations of intangible cultural heritage in the region.

The event included a number of cultural and heritage activities that highlighted the historical value of Al-Tantoura and its role in documenting the relationship between humans and their agricultural environment. This was alongside heritage displays, experiences with traditional crafts, informative segments on the history and uses of Al-Tantoura, and activities that revived features of the old life in AlUla.

The Importance of Al-Tantoura

Reviving this occasion contributes to raising awareness of the importance of Al-Tantoura as a cultural witness to the seasonal practices that shaped the lifestyle of the people, especially its connection to announcing the beginning of winter and the accompanying agricultural preparations for the winter season. The Royal Commission for AlUla is keen to partner with the residents in reviving these inherited cultural practices and supporting their presence as an authentic part of the local identity.

The continued celebration of the “Al-Tantoura” event embodies the keenness of AlUla’s residents to preserve and pass on their cultural heritage and enhance its presence in the cultural scene. This contributes to providing an authentic experience that enriches visitors’ understanding of the value of local heritage and the depth of its connection to place and time.

Al-Tantoura

Al-Tantoura was a historic Palestinian coastal village located near Haifa, known for its ancient port dating back to the Phoenician and Crusader periods. In 1948, during the Arab-Israeli War, the village was depopulated and largely destroyed following a military assault by Israeli forces. The site is now part of the Israeli settlement and beach resort of Dor (or Nahsholim), with only a few remnants, like the former mansion of the village head, still visible.

AlUla

AlUla is a historic oasis valley in northwestern Saudi Arabia, renowned for the monumental tombs of Hegra (Madain Salih), a UNESCO World Heritage site that was a major southern outpost of the Nabataean Kingdom over 2,000 years ago. The area also contains the remnants of the ancient Dadanite and Lihyanite kingdoms, making it a site of profound archaeological significance. Today, it is a center for cultural tourism, blending its ancient heritage with modern artistic and conservation initiatives.

Old Town

“Old Town” typically refers to the historic core of a city, often featuring preserved architecture, narrow streets, and landmarks from its earliest periods. These districts commonly date back to medieval or early modern times and were originally the entire settlement before urban expansion. Today, they are popular cultural and tourist sites, offering a glimpse into the area’s origins and traditional way of life.

Royal Commission for AlUla

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is a Saudi Arabian government body established in 2017 to oversee the long-term development and preservation of the AlUla region, a vast area of northwest Saudi Arabia renowned for its extraordinary natural and cultural heritage. It is responsible for transforming the area, which includes the ancient Nabataean city of Hegra (Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site), into a global destination for culture, tourism, and sustainable living. The commission’s work aims to protect the region’s 200,000 years of human history while creating new economic and social opportunities.