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edented economic growth and settlements like al-
Rabadah grew from small settlements into major
towns. During this time Arabia had the largest area
of settlement until modern times. During the
Middle Ages (1000–1500) the lack of central
authority meant that Arabia was again a marginal
area, only enlivened by pilgrim routes and
secondary trade routes. With the growth of the
Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century Arabia
became strategically important both for religious
reasons (Mecca and Medina) and strategic reasons
(growing European presence in the Indian Ocean).
The increasing involvement of the Turks in the area
provoked a reaction both within Arabia and from
outside. The reaction from within Arabia led to the
creation of the first Saudi state by Muhammad ibn
Saud and Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. The
state began in Najd in the 1740s and gradually
expanded so that by the beginning of the nineteenth
century successful attacks had been mounted
against Kerbala in Iraq and Mecca in the Hijaz. The
growing power of the Saudis was viewed with
alarm by the Ottomans, who launched a campaign
which led to the execution of the Saudi ruler. During
the nineteenth century the Saudis gradually
reasserted themselves spreading over large areas
of Arabia. With the defeat of the Turks in the First
World War the Saudis were able to make great gains
and in the 1920s were able to take control of the
Hijaz. Oil wealth has added to the strength of the
kingdom which is now one of the oldest monarchies
in the Middle East.
A variety of materials are employed in the
traditional architecture of Saudi Arabia, these may
be divided into three groups, stone, wood and mud.
Mud is the commonest building material and may
either be used as mud brick, pisé or as mud plaster
for stone walls. Mud brick is the principal
construction material in central Arabia as well as in
the oasis towns of the eastern and western provinces.
In northern Najd mud brick has recently replaced
stone as the principal material of construction; the
reasons for this are not known, although mud brick
may be more versatile.
Stone is predominantly used in the mountainous
regions of the Hijaz and
Asir province and formerly
in the northern Najd. Dressed stonework and ashlar
masonry are uncommon in most of Saudi Arabia
with the exception of the older cities of the Hijaz.
The usual method of stone construction in most of
the country is stone slabs laid in rough courses
without mortar. True arches are rare in traditional
stone architecture and the usual means of covering
an opening are with a lintel or corbelled arch.
Sometimes the outer surfaces are plastered with mud
plaster or lime plaster where it is available. In the
mountains of
Asir layers of projecting flat stones
are set into the walls to deflect rainfall away from
their coating of mud plaster.
On the east and west coasts coral forms the
principal building material. This may either be fossil
or reef coral depending on preference and
availability. Coral walls are usually coated with a
hard white lime plaster, which is sometimes carved
into elaborate stucco patterns.
Wood is an essential component of traditional
architecture despite its natural scarcity in the arid
desert environment. The date palm is the main
source of wood in much of the country and is used
for roofing and lintels. Tamarisk wood is also used
but is more scarce and difficult to find in suitable
lengths. On the coasts imported mangrove wood is
used for roofs and strengthening in walls.
Hijaz
Historically the cities of the Hijaz have been the main
cultural centres of Arabia, but recently Riyadh has
grown in significance. The principal towns of the
Hijaz are Mecca, Medina and Jeddah, in addition
there are a number of smaller towns such as Tabuk
and al-
Ula. As religious cities Mecca and Medina
are responsible for bringing a large number of
pilgrims to the area and have a cosmopolitan
population. However, Jeddah as the port of Mecca
has grown to be the main city of the Hijaz and until
recently has been the main commercial centre of
Saudi Arabia. The architecture of the Hijaz is
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