Within The Walls

“Within the Walls” is inspired by family elders’ stories of living within the historic walled city of Jeddah (AlBalad), which was taken down in 1947. 

AlBalad’s architectural features were unique; the houses were made of coral blocks and dressed in distinct carved wooden verandas and windows (masherabiya). 

A writer once told me he “walks through people’s stories to better understand them”. This rings true as I walk through the district time and time again. I think of the memories those walls shared: the day my father was born, my aunt’s daily journey to school, and the day my grandfather died. 

As nuclear families have become the norm and family members spread across cities and countries apart, we strive to maintain the sense of community and connectedness the elders took for granted within the walls.