The old city or al-Balad, on the southern side of modern Jeddah, is a crumbling but fascinating warren of multi-story houses made from coral. The main thoroughfare Medina Road starts from the northern side of al-Balad and runs all the way to the city.
Here Jeddah was founded by fishermen over 2500 years ago and where for over 1000 years hundreds of thousands came ashore
on their way to the Holy city of Makkah.
Many houses in the old district date back to this period, built from traditional coral stones and palm wood lattices. The traditional houses boast mashrabiyya, balconies with perforated screens to allow the air to circulate and inhabitants to look out without being seen.
I visited Jeddah (my wife wasn't admitted to Saudi Arabia) on our overland trip from the Netherlands to South Africa.
Background music:
1. The Rain - Silent Partner - royalty free music from YouTube Audio Library
2. Though my carriage be but careless - royalty free music from Jon Sayles ([ Ссылка ])
