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<TITLE>Archaelogical Heritage</TITLE>
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<CENTER><B><I>Archaeological Heritage</I></B></CENTER>
<P><B><I><BR>Historic preservation is an essential element
of Saudi Arabian culture. Today the Kingdom's archaeological heritage is
safeguarded by the Department of Museums and Antiquities, which has excavated,
catalogued and preserved pre-historic and historic sites. Important archaelogical
work is also carried out by the Department of Archeaology at King Saud
University in Riyadh.</BR></I></B></P>
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<P><B><I><BR>Diriyah, the ancestral home of the Al-Saud family and the first capital of the Saudi state, was a major restoration project undertaken by the Kingdom's archeaologists. Other projects include the ancient sites at Fau, Madain Salah, Al-Ula, Tayma and Duma, and along the Darb Zubaidah, the pilgrimage road to Makkah.</BR></I></B></P>
<P><B><I><BR>As the birthplace of Islam special emphasis
is placed on preserving the Kingdom's Islamic archeaological heritage.
In addition to the Holy Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah,
a large number of mosques around the Kingdom, such as those built by the
first caliphs after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, have been meticulously
restored.</BR></I></B></P>
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<P><B><I><BR>The recent restoration of the old Qasr Al-Hokm
area in Riyadh is indicative of the Kingdom's commitment to preserve and
cherish its cultural heritage for the benefit of its citizens. Similar
restoration work of the old city quarters has been undertaken in Jeddah,
Hail and other cities around the Kingdom. This restoration work was particularly
significant during the celebrations in 1999 marking the Hijrah centennial
since the taking of the Masmak Fortress in 1902</BR></I></B></P>
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