Mud house majlis: A symbol of generosity and identity in Saudi heritage

The traditional mud-brick houses in the old villages and towns of Saudi Arabia are national identity , and the collective memory of the local people was preserved within their walls.

Architectural genius and the use of the environment

The mud-brick architecture of the Arabian Peninsula was distinguished by an innate ingenuity that harnessed available natural resources to serve human needs. These majlis (traditional meeting places) were built from mud, straw, tamarisk tree trunks, and palm fronds—materials with excellent thermal insulation properties, keeping the majlis cool in summer and warm in winter. The design of the majlis always prioritized privacy and hospitality, typically located near the main entrance of the house, and containing the "wajar" (fireplace), the essential element for preparing Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity and hospitality.

Live evidence in the northern border

In the villages of the Northern Borders , these traditional meeting places (majlis) stand out as historical landmarks, their ruins still telling tales of the past. In the historic village of Lina, one of the oldest settlements in the region, as well as in Luqa, Al-Duwaid, and Umm Radhma, these majlis played a pivotal role as the beating heart of daily life. They were not merely places to sit, but rather hubs for receiving guests, travelers, and trade caravans, and starting points for stories and poems passed down through generations, becoming an integral part of the place's character and spirit.

The social and educational role of the council

The function of mud-brick councils extended beyond mere hospitality, evolving into informal social and educational institutions. Within these councils, the young learned from their elders customs, traditions, and the etiquette of speaking and listening. They served as miniature parliaments, where disputes among residents were resolved, village affairs were discussed, and decisions affecting the community were made. This pivotal role strengthened social cohesion and reinforced the values ​​of solidarity and cooperation among community members.

Feeling of familiarity and belonging

Despite their simplicity and limited size compared to modern buildings, these traditional meeting places were spacious enough for everyone, welcoming and hospitable to crowds and guests alike, as if they were created to instill a sense of intimacy and belonging. Their mud walls, etched with the cracks of time, were not signs of decay, but rather living testaments to bygone eras, successive stories, and generations that left their mark on the details of the houses and courtyards.

These traditional meeting places were not built according to standards of luxury or extravagance, but rather from local materials, fulfilling basic needs and reflecting simple living and genuine character. Today, with the Kingdom's focus on reviving architectural heritage as part of Vision 2030, these meeting places are returning to become tourist and cultural destinations, telling the world the story of the people of this land and their inherent generosity.