Makkah LAST week most newspapers published a report about a citizen damaging a historical fort in Madinah that dates back to 14 centuries. The fort has eight watchtowers and was built on an area of 2,000 sq. meters using huge rocks. The fort, with more than 20 rooms, was constructed in an excellent manner to ensure its strength as well as beauty. Outside the fort is a deep well which is damaged due to lack of care for years. It is believed that the fort was constructed during the time the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Despite its historical significance a Saudi man dared to raze the building using heavy equipment and this has occurred in broad daylight. Although many local newspapers have reported this painful incident, there was no response from the authorities, especially the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), which is responsible for protecting the Kingdom's heritage sites. I contacted an official of the commission to inform him about the incident. He asked me to send a message to his email, explaining the incident, which I did. However, I have not receive any response from the official until writing this article. I think we should have an open discussion with the commission to enhance its role in preserving the country's rich heritage. It's unfortunate that the SCTH has not fulfilled even our minimum expectations in terms of preserving heritage. It is rather concerned about placing sign boards and constructing compound walls around heritage sites. I hope the commission would exert greater efforts to preserve the country's rich heritage especially those related to the Prophet and his close Companions. It should be able to present a glittering picture of the Kingdom's heritage to foreign visitors including pilgrims. Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman once wondered why we still do not have an Islamic museum and we are in the land of the two holy mosques while Muslims all over the world turn toward the Holy Kaaba in prayer and we have Madinah, the capital of the first Islamic state. Soon after the deputy crown prince's statement I have called for the establishment of an Islamic museum in Madinah as the region contains a large number of heritage sites that are closely related to the Prophet, who was sent by Allah as a blessing to the whole humanity. But the commission did not respond to that article as if it doesn't give enough care and attention to what is written in the mass media. Restricting the commission's activities to tourism is not a welcome move and will not legitimatize its negligence toward historic heritage of the country. The reality proves that the commission has failed to realize the hopes and aspirations of citizens. Its programs do not satisfy their expectations by any standard. Its presence is mostly honorary and it does not finance tourism festivals, although they are held under its aegis. SCTH has been a ray of hope for citizens interested in history and we hope it would restore the heritage and bring back its liveliness with the support of specialized companies. While visiting a European country once, I saw people gathering at a place and there were cameramen. People told me that a specialized company was fixing a piece that had fallen from a heritage palace in the city. I wish the commission had given utmost importance for the preservation of Islamic heritage such as the fort of Bani Waqif and Hijaz Fort. Most of these historic landmarks have vanished as a result of illegal encroachment and irresponsible activities of people who do not know their historic value. I don't know why the SCTH is skeptical about improving the condition of historical sites in Madinah and other parts of the country. Citizens expect greater endeavors by the commission to preserve the nation's heritage.
