Demolition drive threatens Dalam’s heritage landmark

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — During the 60s and 70s, a campaign was launched to tear down most of the monuments of heritage in our towns and villages in the name of development. Many fell victims to the delusion of this plan and soon realized that these were just excuses to destroy certain actors and prime catalysts of development incentives, Al-Watan Arabic newspaper said. Sadly, the scenario is still repeated despite great efforts by Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage and citizens who value heritage, whether through direct participation in preventing the destruction of anything classified as heritage, according to the order of the Royal Decree, or through awareness. Destruction incidents were repeated with old concrete buildings, which formed the first seeds of development after the unification of the Kingdom and showed the government’s concern despite the lack of financial resources to provide the infrastructure that is high in several areas in the forefront of education and health.   Erasing history A survey conducted to get the opinion of several people in Dalam showed their attachment to a building, which is being demolished, because they see it as an investment opportunity for the city and its inhabitants. They even called on the concerned authorities to establish a museum in the city and a center for productive families while converting part of the building to a hotel. Also, the backyard can be converted to a space for ceremonies on holidays and official events. Dr. Hilal Bin Mohammad Askar said that the Ibn Abbas School in Dalam is housed in a historic building that is more than half a century old. “It’s not right to demolish this building because it has witnessed educational, cultural and social historical moments. The people of Dalam are so proud of it. The demolition of the building is an attempt to erase the city’s history,” said Askar. He called on the officials and the people to maintain this distinctive building in the heart of the city and maintain it so that it witnesses another bright era and instead of demolishing it, work on restoring it so that it becomes an investment.