Makkah’s Living Heritage Reflects Generations of Hospitality, Food and Craft
RIYADH, October 18 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Welcoming guests, sharing food and passing on craft skills remain central to Makkah’s cultural heritage, reflecting the city’s long history as a meeting place for pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Makkah’s religious and historical role has shaped a diverse social culture, expressed through food, dress, hospitality and folk arts. The International Day of Intangible Cultural Heritage, observed on October 17, highlights the importance of preserving these practices and the knowledge behind them.
Family gatherings, meals shared with neighbours, and the serving of coffee and dates connect hospitality with everyday community life. These customs are also part of celebrations, Ramadan, and the Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Traditional cuisine preserves more than recipes. The preparation, presentation and sharing of dishes and sweets carry stories and customs that reflect the city’s social history.
Crafts and older occupations provide another link between generations. Skills associated with pottery and traditional household utensils preserve knowledge of how people worked, produced goods and furnished their homes.
Documenting these skills can help maintain their place in Makkah’s cultural memory. Their continuity also depends on families and practitioners passing on their knowledge, supported by institutions and researchers.
Source: SPA.
