At the “Memory of the Mountains” exhibition… details of the launch of the activities of the Diriyah International Forum

On Friday evening, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority opened the activities of the “Diriyah International Forum” and the accompanying exhibition, which continues until December 15, 2024 AD at Al-Bujairi Hill. The exhibition, which bears the slogan “Memory of the Mountains,” highlights the role of camels in trade and travel routes, and their profound influence in shaping the features of Diriyah. As a global center for trade and hospitality.
The exhibition is the first activity of the Diriyah International Forum in its second edition, which runs from December 8 to 9, under the slogan “Extending Knowledge.” This edition reviews many topics, under its main title, “Diriyah at the Forum of History and Trade: The Role of Diriyah.” And the Central Region in Global Exchange” at the Education Office in Diriyah Governorate, with the participation of a group of local and international scholars, thinkers, and researchers.

Diriyah International Forum

This year, the forum discusses three main axes, which address the tangible heritage of trade by exploring archaeological, architectural and environmental legacies that highlight the role of Diriyah and the central region in historical trade ties.
The second axis focuses on intangible heritage through interactive experiences that allow visitors to listen to exclusive recordings documenting oral history, poetry, and traditional songs. To learn about the artistic expressions and Najdi traditions for which Diriyah was famous as a commercial link. The third axis covers the textual heritage, through analysis of manuscripts, travel narratives, and linguistic shifts that document historical and cultural narratives in Diriyah and the central region.
The exhibition includes a collection of archival photos, geographical maps, and rare collectibles, which showcase the pivotal role of Diriyah and the central region in global cultural and economic exchange, and highlights its rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in history. In addition to reviewing the prominent role of camels in trade routes; This reflects the importance of cultural heritage in enhancing national identity and highlighting the region’s status throughout the ages.

Diriyah Gate Development Authority

It is noteworthy that the Diriyah Gate Development Authority aims, through this forum and its accompanying exhibition, to: Highlighting the historical and cultural importance of the Najd region in the middle of the Arabian Peninsula, and highlighting its pivotal role in the history of global trade, while highlighting the cultural and historical value of the region, in addition to enhancing cooperation and partnerships between relevant parties, archaeologists, historians, and those interested in cultural and historical studies and environmental sciences.
It is noteworthy that the second edition of the forum brings the company together with a number of parties, as the King Abdulaziz Foundation participates as a strategic partner, the Heritage Authority as an official partner, and the Heritage Foundation as a supporting partner. In addition to the participation of a number of international bodies as knowledge exchange partners, such as the International Association for the Study of the Arabian Peninsula (IASA), the Center for the Study of Architecture and Cultural Heritage of India, the Arab Region and the Maghreb at the University of Liverpool (ARCHIAM), and the French Center for Research in the Arabian Peninsula.
The accompanying exhibition also comes in partnership with: the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate, the National Center for Documents and Archives, the King Fahad National Library, the King Abdulaziz Public Library, the Heritage Foundation, and the Al Jazeera Foundation for Press, Printing and Publishing.