Najran:Traditional handcrafted wooden doors in Najran's historic mud-brick architecture stand as remarkable symbols of local craftsmanship and community life. These doors are crafted to balance privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal, acting as decorative transitions between public and private spaces.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Mohammed Al Hetailah, Chairman of the Najran Society for History and Archaeology Board, emphasized that these doors provide significant insights into historical carpentry and architecture. Large exterior doors were designed for security and accommodating livestock and harvests, while smaller interior doors served private spaces. Many doors included smaller openings for entry without compromising privacy, featuring iron and wooden hardware adorned with geometric motifs and carvings.
Dr. Khaled Almazam, an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Najran University, noted that local carpenters used indigenous timber, selected for its durability in extreme climates, to create these doors. Craftsmen assembled wooden planks with crossbars, added decorative carvings, and incorporated traditional locking mechanisms, directly installing them into mud-wall frames.
Both experts stressed the need to document, restore, and preserve these heritage doors from environmental and modern threats. Protecting these artifacts is crucial for maintaining Najran's architectural identity and passing traditional carpentry skills to future generations.