Old photos exhibition in Wadi Al-Dawasir: Documenting heritage as part of the Kashta events
In a move aimed at reviving historical memory and strengthening ties to roots, the acting governor of Wadi Al-Dawasir Kashta program organized by the municipality, and was attended by a notable number of officials, dignitaries, and those interested in heritage and culture.
A visual window into the history of Wadi Al-Dawasir
During his tour of the exhibition halls, the governor and visitors viewed a valuable collection of rare photographs that serve as important visual documents, capturing various aspects of life in Wadi Al-Dawasir over a period of more than fifty years. These photographs were not merely fleeting snapshots, but rather a living record that meticulously documented the details of old buildings, the layout of streets and squares, and the vibrant traditional markets of that era.
These visual artifacts reflect architectural identity that characterized the governorate, which relied on local natural materials in its construction, highlighting the ingenuity of the ancestors in adapting to their desert environment and creating a cohesive architectural fabric that expresses social cohesion.
The historical and cultural importance of the governorate
Wadi Al-Dawasir Governorate holds significant strategic and historical importance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it is one of the major cities of southern Najd, rich in cultural heritage and historical sites. The importance of such exhibitions lies in their highlighting of the developmental and cultural transformations the region has witnessed, from traditional agricultural villages to modern, fully-serviced cities, while preserving the authentic spirit of the place.
Photographic documentation is one of the most important tools for preserving history, as it contributes to conveying the mental image of the past to current generations who did not live through that period, thus enhancing the values of belonging and pride in national identity, and is in line with the general trends in caring for national heritage as an integral part of the Kingdom’s future vision.
Strengthening identity and connecting generations
In a statement, Governor Hamdan Al-Murshidi emphasized the vital role of these documentary exhibitions in preserving the historical memory of the province. He pointed out that connecting new generations with the past of their fathers and grandfathers is a societal responsibility, praising the efforts of the Wadi Al-Dawasir Municipality in organizing high-quality events that go beyond the traditional framework, contribute to highlighting the region's cultural heritage, and support cultural and tourism development.
For its part, the organizing committee explained that the exhibition aims mainly to introduce the urban and social history of the governorate, and to highlight the qualitative shifts it has experienced over the decades, in addition to encouraging the local community to take an interest in personal archives and old photographs as reliable historical sources.
Visitors interacted with the scent of the past
The exhibition was met with great enthusiasm from visitors who expressed their admiration for the visual content on display, describing it as "a genuine window into a bygone era." Many emphasized that viewing the details of daily life in the past through photographs evokes feelings of nostalgia and pride, and offers a vivid lesson to children about the nature of life and the struggles of their ancestors, thus reinforcing the value of preserving current national achievements.
