Gallery
Description
Property Name: Al Qaisariah Souq
Inventory No: 966-3-5
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2010-05-20
Country (State party): Saudi Arabia
Province : Eastern Province
Town: Hofuf
Geographic coordinates: 25° 22′ 32″ N
49° 35′ 20.58″ E
Historic Period: 15th century, 1st half
Year of Construction: 1392-1542
Style: Unknown
Original Use: Commercial
Current Use: Commercial
Architect: Unknown
Significance
Qaisariyah Souq situated at the middle of Hafouf old city on the western edge of Refaa Awsat quarter opening directly to a wide road crossing the downtown area from north to south. It demonstrates a unique pattern of traditional Arabian markets and indicted that eastern region was engaged since ancient times in trade and commercial activities. Though there was no specific date for establishing Qaisariyah Souq but it was believed to be built in stages commencing from Gabriyah State era (795 – 931H and witnessed remarkable expansions during the first Ottoman reign (957 – 979H). The Souq underwent last renovation to its western facades during the first years after King Abdul aziz regained Al Hassa between the years 1337 – 1432H/1918 – 1923G.
Selection Criteria
i. to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius
iii. to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
iv. to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
It is under construction and renovation.
References
Hussein, Fahd Bin Ali. Antiquities of the Eastern Region (Agency of Antiquities and Museums, Riyadh, 1423 AH / 2003 AD)