Reviving Al-Muftaha Village as a Cultural Renaissance in Abha

In the southern reaches of Saudi Arabia, within the rugged, windswept hills of Abha, art as we know it is coming to life. It is here in Al-Muftaha Village, an area once known as a pastoral landscape of wheat and corn fields, shaded by the rippling canopies of fruit orchards, that a cultural centre has recently been instituted, drawing in visitors who seek a deeper connection to art, architecture and life in the Asir region.Once abandoned and left to crumble under the pressures of urban expansion, the village has undergone a profound transformation. The desert air, which once settled heavily on the village’s forgotten walls, now travels through restored corridors, carrying the scent of history and the hum of creativity.The streets here are lined with thick earthen walls, characteristic of the traditional Asiri architectural style that defines the village. The walls are punctuated by small openings that invite the breeze while protecting the inhabitants from the fierce summer sun. The homes, once left to the elements, are now wrapped in a protective skin of ‘raqf’ - a technique that not only shields the mud walls from the seasonal rains, but also provides welcome shade during the hot months.The restoration of Al-Muftaha Village was not an ordinary project. Under the auspices of Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the village was revived with the vision of preserving its heritage while infusing it with the pulse of modern artistic expression. What was once an abandoned settlement, left to decay as the city of Abha spread outward, has now been transformed into a vibrant cultural epicenter. With the financial backing of both public and private donations, the village’s rebirth has become a testament to the power of collective effort. Today, it stands as a living museum - where art is not just displayed, but created, experienced and lived.At the heart of this transformation is the King Fahd Cultural Center. It is a dynamic force that attracts artists, scholars and enthusiasts alike. Inside, courses in fine arts, Arabic calligraphy, ceramics, and even English language studies are offered - each one an invitation to engage with the rich cultural heritage of the region. The centre is also a venue for cultural evenings, book fairs and exhibitions, where visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrancy of Saudi Arabia’s contemporary artistic scene.Not far from the King Fahd Cultural Center stands the Al-Muftaha Palace Museum, also known as the Al-Muftaha Archaeological Headquarters. The museum houses a trove of Asir artifacts, a visual chronicle of the region’s storied past. Craft shops, selling everything from silver jewellery to honey, antiques, and old weapons, line the museum’s corridors. And for those seeking a connection to the past, the museum offers more than just exhibits. It also offers a way to step into the life of the people who once called this village home.The Talal Maddah Theater, also known as Al-Muftaha Theater, is another crowning jewel of the village. As an indoor theatre, it is a place where lectures and seminars are frequently given, but it’s also home to many transient music festivals and the Janadriyah Festival. The theatre brings together the artistic and intellectual life of the region. Its cutting-edge sound and lighting technology create an immersive experience to draw visitors into the magic of the stage.Adjacent to the cultural landmarks is a market, a vibrant, colourful affair that reflects the village’s heritage. The market is a place where visitors can purchase crafts, local foods and traditional goods. It is here that the ancient mud houses, once abandoned, now pulse with life, filled with the laughter of vendors and the hum of commerce. Every Tuesday, the nearby Tuesday Market draws crowds from all corners of the Asir region. It has been a fixture since 1250 AH, re-established in 1416 AH near Al-Muftaha Village, and today it serves as a symbol of the village’s commitment to preserving its traditions while embracing the future.

Perhaps what makes Al-Muftaha Village most captivating is the way it reflects the spirit of the Asir region, a region that has always been at the crossroads of cultures, where ancient traditions meet the demands of modern life. The village’s buildings, adjacent along internal and external corridors, are a patchwork of old and new. Bright colours adorn the walls, with traditional patterns and designs woven into the very architecture of the area.

The visual art studios, each with two floors, bring in artists from all over the world. The first floor of each studio houses an exhibition hall, a reception area and an external view, while the second floor offers a more intimate space - a bedroom, a kitchen, and a course centre where aspiring artists can hone their craft.

Al-Muftaha Village, in all its multifaceted glory, is a place that speaks to the heart of Saudi Arabia’s cultural revival. Now under the ownership of the Ministry of Culture since May 2019, it’s a place where the art, architecture, and spirit of the Asir region come together in a harmonious dance.