Jeddah, August (پاکستان پوائنٹ نیوز 27 أغسطس 2025ء) The distinctive wooden features are an integral part of the architectural character of Historic Jeddah, crafted using the “mangour” technique, a traditional wood-carving method that produces interlaced geometric patterns with delicate openings, mirroring Jeddah’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage.
The incorporation of rawasheen into public spaces is part of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to consolidate traditional architectural elements, particularly through projects like Culture Square, which is designed in a vertical architectural style inspired by Historic Jeddah’s buildings.
Besides their fine carvings and aesthetic proportions, the rawasheen also hold a prominent functional role, allowing for natural ventilation and light while preserving the privacy of those inside. They are believed to have first appeared in the late 6th century AH, evolving over time into architectural icons across the major cities of the Red Sea coast.
Rawasheen are made from high-quality woods such as teak or sandalwood, and their production follows a meticulous multi-stage process, beginning with measuring, cutting, and sorting the wood before assembling the pieces. Then come the stages of carving geometric designs, finishing, and finally treating the wood with materials that enhance durability and resistance to climate conditions, ensuring they remain firm over time.
The rawasheen traditionally featured natural brown tones but later transitioned in some eras to shades of green and blue, harmonizing with the fabric of traditional buildings and reflecting a refined taste in color selection.
Culture Square reimagines the spirit of local architecture through a contemporary lens, reusing traditional elements in modern ways. Its facades employ a push-and-pull technique, giving the square a lively and less uniform appearance that emulates the shadows and dynamic movement created by the vertical structures and varied alignments of Historic Jeddah architecture.
