Darah Organizes Forum On History Of Hajj And Two Holy Mosques In Jeddah

The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) is hosting the "History of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques" forum from November 10 to 12. This event, in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, coincides with the fifth Hajj Conference and Exhibition at Jeddah's Super Dome. The forum aims to spotlight Saudi Arabia's historical contributions to serving the Two Holy Mosques.

Over three days, more than fifty experts will participate in over ten panel sessions. These sessions will feature historians, researchers, and specialists in various fields such as history, architecture, culture, media, and digital technologies. They aim to document the Hajj rite using a modern perspective. The discussions will cover five main themes related to organizing Hajj and Umrah services.

The forum seeks to use modern methods like digital media to study Hajj's history. It also aims to support specialized research efforts. By translating outcomes into educational content, it hopes to showcase the historical evolution of Hajj across the Islamic world. This aligns with Darah's mission to preserve Saudi Arabia's rich history.

An exhibition titled "A Century of Care for the Two Holy Mosques" will accompany the forum. It will display rare documents, historical photographs, manuscripts, artifacts, and tools used by pilgrims over a hundred years. Modern display technologies will enhance this exhibition, offering a comprehensive view of Hajj's history.

The forum will delve into how historical chronicles and travelers' writings have recorded Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques. It will review architectural styles linked to these sites and examine visual identities in manuscripts and maps. Additionally, it will explore Hajj's presence in cultural memory through literature.

Digital transformation is another key theme, focusing on documentation and guidance improvements. The role of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in historical documentation will also be explored. These discussions aim to enhance understanding of how technology can aid in preserving history.

Aligning with Vision 2030

Darah organizes this forum as part of its History of Hajj project. The initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030 objectives in culture and tourism by enhancing the Kingdom’s civilizational image through scholarly content. This platform serves both national and global audiences interested in documenting Hajj rites.

The event also aims to highlight organizational efforts in crowd management, transport development, healthcare services for pilgrims, and digital advancements. By focusing on these areas, it seeks to improve overall pilgrim experiences while preserving cultural heritage.

With inputs from SPA