24 May 2013
YANBU -- A group of archeological activists has called on the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) to preserve and save a historical site in the Yanbu area before it is destroyed.
The group has also called on Prince Sultan Bin Salman, SCTA president, to preserve this site where the late King Abdulaziz and King Farouk of Egypt met around seven decades ago.
It was at this site that the idea of forming the Arab League was approved and Saudi-Egyptian relations were discussed.
Awad Al-Subhi, head of the committee of friends of Yanbu heritage and archeological sites, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette about the significance of the site.
"This clay oven dates back to 1945. Here, we call it the King Abdulaziz clay oven. It's 70 years old."
It was built near the royal camp that was set up for both kings to meet. The committee usually passes by the site when it organizes tours for tourists and guests who visit Yanbu.
It explains to them the historical significance of the site and the political statements made there that appeared on the front pages of most newspapers around the world.
Al-Subhi said last month he noticed that some parts of the clay oven were destroyed and some heavy trucks were seen around the site.
He reported the incident to the local municipality and officials said the historical oven is located on a land owned by a businessman.
They added the SCTA is responsible for preserving the site and should be contacted.
The committee contacted the SCTA's Madinah branch and briefed them on what happened. "I believe the SCTA officials are working on some procedures to preserve the site."
Atif Al-Qadhi, who wrote a book about the historical meeting between both kings, agreed that this site has historical significance and should not be destroyed or messed with or else "we'll be making a big mistake that future generations will never forgive us for."
Al-Qadhi said the clay oven was used to make bread and sweets.
The clay oven has been recently restored by Yanbu Municipality, according to director Abdulaal Al-Sheikh, who confirmed that the land is owned by a businessman.
An SCTA source said the site is registered as an archeological site with the commission.
It will be restored and preserved soon and a sign will be put up to educate visitors and citizens about its historical importance.
YANBU -- A group of archeological activists has called on the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) to preserve and save a historical site in the Yanbu area before it is destroyed.
The group has also called on Prince Sultan Bin Salman, SCTA president, to preserve this site where the late King Abdulaziz and King Farouk of Egypt met around seven decades ago.
It was at this site that the idea of forming the Arab League was approved and Saudi-Egyptian relations were discussed.
Awad Al-Subhi, head of the committee of friends of Yanbu heritage and archeological sites, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette about the significance of the site.
"This clay oven dates back to 1945. Here, we call it the King Abdulaziz clay oven. It's 70 years old."
It was built near the royal camp that was set up for both kings to meet. The committee usually passes by the site when it organizes tours for tourists and guests who visit Yanbu.
It explains to them the historical significance of the site and the political statements made there that appeared on the front pages of most newspapers around the world.
Al-Subhi said last month he noticed that some parts of the clay oven were destroyed and some heavy trucks were seen around the site.
He reported the incident to the local municipality and officials said the historical oven is located on a land owned by a businessman.
They added the SCTA is responsible for preserving the site and should be contacted.
The committee contacted the SCTA's Madinah branch and briefed them on what happened. "I believe the SCTA officials are working on some procedures to preserve the site."
Atif Al-Qadhi, who wrote a book about the historical meeting between both kings, agreed that this site has historical significance and should not be destroyed or messed with or else "we'll be making a big mistake that future generations will never forgive us for."
Al-Qadhi said the clay oven was used to make bread and sweets.
The clay oven has been recently restored by Yanbu Municipality, according to director Abdulaal Al-Sheikh, who confirmed that the land is owned by a businessman.
An SCTA source said the site is registered as an archeological site with the commission.
It will be restored and preserved soon and a sign will be put up to educate visitors and citizens about its historical importance.
© The Saudi Gazette 2013
