The Heritage Commission Celebrates Ancient Rakah in Dammam
DAMMAM: The Heritage Commission is hosting a vibrant event to honor the ancient history of Rakah in Dammam. The event features historical reenactments, guided tours, archaeological experts, and handicrafts.
The area of Rakah, once a bustling trading hub 1,500 years ago, derives its name from an indigenous tree species that thrived in the region. The sandy terrain, which was once underwater, still bears shells stuck to the rocks.
Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the significance of dates in ancient times and how merchants produced and traded date syrup with locals. (AN photo)
Many of the guides leading the tours are female archaeology graduates from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, previously known as the University of Dammam.
Wala Al-Nafaiai, co-founder of Dam Studio, a local business specializing in handmade goods made of cow and camel hide, expressed her excitement about showcasing her products to event attendees.
FASTFACTS
● Once a major trading spot, some 1,500 years ago, the Rakah area in Dammam takes its name from an indigenous tree species that once flourished there.
● The sandy environment was also once under the sea and shells can be found still glued to the rocks.
“We want our customers to enter our space, either in our booth at the event this week or our studio location, and in just a short time be able to produce something customized to take home,” Al-Nafaiai told Arab News.
Visitors had the chance to learn about dates’ importance in ancient times and how merchants traded date syrup with locals. (AN photo)
“Instead of going to a restaurant, we want you to spend the time to have an experience, produce something practical and learn skills you can utilize later.”
Al-Nafaiai expressed her joy at the overwhelming participation in the workshops at her booth.
It seems many (people) enjoy customizing something that they feel connected to once they make it with their own hands.
Wala Al-Nafaiai, Dam Studio co-founder
“It was so crowded… I was surprised that there were more adults than children who wanted to join in, although the craft was very simple,” she said.
“It seems many (people) enjoy customizing something that they feel connected to once they make it with their own hands. And that is our goal and the goal of the Heritage Commission who invited us to join this successful event.”
Visitors learned about dates’ importance in ancient times as well as how merchants made and traded date syrup with locals. (AN photo)
Visitors also had the opportunity to discover the significance of dates to the community in ancient times and how locals would produce and trade date syrup with visiting merchants.
Organized in collaboration with the Sharqiya Development Authority, the festival concludes on Tuesday. For further details, visit heritage.moc.gov.sa or @mocheritage.