Gen. Misfar Al-Sawat, director general of Makkah prisons, visits the historic district of Balad in downtown Jeddah on Monday.

Gen. Misfar Al-Sawat, director general of Makkah prisons, paid a visit to the historic district of Balad in downtown Jeddah recently.

Jamaan Al-Zahrani, chairman of the festival committee, welcomed Al-Sawat and his delegation of officers and gave them a tour of the recently declared UNESCO world heritage site.

Al-Sawat said he was impressed with the level of organization and the variety of activities, which showcases old Jeddah’s heritage and gives visitors a glimpse of Ramadan traditions in previous times. He praised the efforts of Prince Mishal bin Majed, governor of Jeddah and chairman of the supreme committee of Jeddah’s historical events.

He also requested the festival’s organizing committee to study the possibility of collaborating with the department of prisons in the region to allow inmates to participate in national festivals.

Downtown Balad has a unique charm in Ramadan, as glittering lights adorn the historic area and crowds of people come to enjoy the food stalls and festive atmosphere.

The site is steeped in a rich heritage, personifying the harmonic and cosmopolitan Hejazi culture, and displaying the unique architecture planning. It contains many historic landmarks and houses, a number of old souqs and old quarters that are still in use.

 
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