Hidden Gem of History: Riyadh's Kingdom Heritage is where the past comes alive

Amid Riyadh’s bustling streets lies a testament to Saudi's rich heritage and culture – Kingdom Heritage.

With two gigantic camels looming over the entrance, it’s almost impossible to miss this ode to Saudi legacy tucked in Al Takhassusi Street. The charming souvenir shop is unique thanks to its creative designer, Azzledin Aliyan, who revives history by recreating exact replicas, whether traditional doors or swords used by kings and princes, down to the finest details.  

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A Pathway to the Past

Kingdom Heritage’s humble beginnings were steered by Azzledin’s appreciation for traditional Saudi houses. Over three decades ago, when he was around 20, Azzledin found his first piece – a door.

“Our first collection came from a blessed craftsman, who at that time didn’t realise how talented he was. But today he’s a famous artist. He had a small window, which he had just turned into a door,” Azzledin says, recalling the period he and three childhood friends started to sow the seeds of a business. Little did he know the door would become a representation of the group’s passion and dedication to preserving Saudi heritage.  

Noticing a niche for souvenirs, the friends began working with artisans. "We had our first exhibition at King Faisal Hospital in 1994, displaying some small crafted boxes and doors on a table we rented..."  

Demand for their handpicked gems from rural Saudi and their intricately designed doors grew, prompting them to establish their first physical presence in Euromarché, a French hypermarket in Riyadh.

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A Cultural Experience Beyond Commerce 

The store is a treasure trove of history and culture, with pieces that Azzledin deems priceless. There is a painting of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman made of stones, each one magnified to reveal Qur’an verses. “You cannot put a value on these pieces. Sometimes, they can even be appraised at over 1m riyals” he says.    
 
Kingdom Heritage isn’t just a business; it seeks to provide a museum-like experience. Azzledin says: "People ask 'Is it for sale? Is it a museum?' But we want to take them back in time, give them a slice of our heritage, and let them experience it."
 
“This is our ishq [love/passion]. I love to see people coming here and admiring everything." One corner of the store is dedicated to life in Saudi 40 years ago, from a vinyl record player to a tin of Royal Dansk cookies, and it stirs a whirlwind of memories that ignite nostalgia.  

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Unveiling Treasures of the Past

The living museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the intricate details of Saudi's past, but it takes observant eyes and a true admirer of arts to find the real treasures.  

“We collect unique things. Sometimes we also buy from museums, and people like us leave behind valuable pieces for sale when they die, so we go and collect these,” Azzledin says. They also design traditional items, with utmost detailing to maintain authenticity, often sourced from professional artisans. 

“Every village has its speciality, so we go (travel) and collect. Some people specialise in dates, or tasbihs made from date seeds, so we head there. We go to Taif for swords, a different village for Al Sadu, Hail for coffee pots, Abha for handicrafts – we travel a lot to find the best.” 

Driven by his love for rural areas, Azzledin tours to discover the essence of each place. Whether it's sipping karak tea from a clay pot in India or being captivated by the vibrant heritage of south Mexico, Azzledin brings back a piece of every place he visits. His experiences enrich the collection and add to the cultural narrative that Kingdom Heritage represents. 

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Recognising Saudi Identity  

What makes Azzledin happy is the changing tides in society's interest in Saudi culture, saying: "People are thirstier to know about Saudi culture now, and it is easier to give them what they want." The early years’ challenges, like waking up at 5am to showcase their work at various locations, have paid off.  

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Guardians of Tradition   

As the world turns its gaze towards Saudi, Kingdom Heritage stands tall, showcasing the country’s beauty and legacy.

Azzledin remains dedicated to his dream. "I don't do it for the money, I do it for our love of heritage and design. The dream continues.” The vision for Kingdom Heritage is always evolving. "I always dream big, and I still dream more," he affirms. It’s an example of how nothing is impossible when fuelled by passion.

The legacy is in the artefacts they trade, the stories they share, the experiences on offer, and in return, the connections they forge with people from around the world. 

Kingdom Heritage
Al Takhassusi Street, Riyadh

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Images with thanks to Osama Jaberti