One of Jeddah’s most historic structures, the 19th-century Sharbatly House, has been revitalized into a vibrant center for cultural, literary, artistic, scientific, and intellectual events. Located in the Al-Balad district, the renovation was spearheaded by Seifalah Sharbatly, grandson of Abdullah Sharbatly, with a focus on blending modern updates with the building’s original charm.
Seifalah Sharbatly, a businessman with a deep passion for heritage preservation, led the renovation efforts to modernize the house while maintaining its historic character. He utilized new materials from Sweden and Egypt, adhering to stringent heritage preservation standards. Each tile in the building is inscribed with “Made in Hejjaz,” a nod to the project’s dedication to authenticity and detail.
Sharbatly’s journey began in 2013 when he discovered the dilapidated state of the house, which had fallen into disrepair with collapsed ceilings and heavy dust accumulation. Motivated by a desire to preserve his family’s legacy, he proposed a comprehensive renovation to his father, who supported the initiative. Initially expected to take three years, the restoration took seven years to complete, finishing just before Al-Balad was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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The four-story Sharbatly House, situated on Al-Bayaa Square, was originally constructed by Al-Sharif Abdulilah Mihanna Al-Abdaly and later acquired by Abdullah Sharbatly. Over the years, it served various functions, including as the headquarters of the Egyptian mission in Saudi Arabia and a key location for Egyptian traders.
Sharbatly’s vision was to transform the house into more than just a museum. He aimed to create a dynamic cultural center that would attract both professionals and amateurs from the art world, bridging traditional and contemporary styles. His goal is to foster a vibrant cultural community and to reflect Saudi cultural identity.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, which has been instrumental in reviving Al-Balad and turning it into a major tourist attraction, Sharbatly’s project has become a prominent cultural venue. He has worked closely with officials to ensure his vision for the house was realized and is now considering expanding his efforts to create a larger cultural area in Al-Balad.
Looking ahead, Sharbatly is also negotiating to save another family property in Al-Ruwais, which faces demolition. He hopes to preserve this historic house as well, continuing his commitment to protecting and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.
The Sharbatly House stands as a testament to the successful integration of historical preservation with contemporary cultural ambitions, marking a significant contribution to Jeddah’s cultural landscape.
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