One of the most interesting private residences in Jeddah is the home of well known architect Sami Angawi. He is an expert in Islamic architecture and is also outspoken about his religion, Islam. Angawi believes that Islam has been sidetracked by extremists and that the religion needs to return to being more balanced and moderate and more accepting of people’s differences. He has ruffled some feathers within the royal family by his activist role and his strong views on preserving the old historic Islamic sites of Makkah and Madinah. Many of these significant sites have been destroyed under direct orders from the House of Saud in an effort, they claim, to prevent idolatry. This photo features an archway inside Angawi House. The designs, details, and materials used in the home all come together as a magnificent tribute to traditional Islamic architecture.
To see more photos on the Angawi House of Jeddah, see my previous posts called Angawi House Detail and Angawi House Carved Door and Pool.
26
Oct
09
I am an American woman. I met my husband more than 30 years ago when we were both college students in Arizona. So after all that time in the states, my hubby desired to move back to his native home of Saudi Arabia. I've been in Jeddah now since October 2007. My new home is amazing: interesting, fascinating, and colorful. The people are warm, courteous and as interested in me as I am in them, however they highly regard their privacy. My camera goes with me every time I step out the door - I don't want to miss a thing!
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They say a man’s home is his castle, I’d say this one is. Very interesting reading also.
looks very lavish. islamic architecture is fascinating.
A very nice shot.
The NY Times has had articles about him in the past. He is passionate about preserving his country’s history and heritage. It is too bad the people with power are so bent on destroying the past.
It looks like a fabulous house, but even more than his architectural achievements, I have to admire Mr. Angawi for his strength. His views sound reasonable — balance, tolerance, historic preservation. Are those sites you mentioned Mecca and Medina?
Susie, great image and such a beautiful interior. The energy that must flow from living in such beauty. Great narrative also. I hope all is well.
Awesome interior shot – interesting!