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.
About This Blog, and About Me: Susie of Arabia
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is KSA's 2nd largest city and is located on its west coast, right on the Red Sea. I moved here in 2007 with my Saudi hubby and teenage son. This journal reflects the things that I see here, life through my eyes, my lens.
Please be sure to also visit my other blog, SUSIE'S BIG ADVENTURE, which relates my experiences, thoughts, and observations about living in Saudi Arabia.
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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!