Nassif House Museum — Attraction in Makkah Region

Located in the heart of Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district, Bait Nasseef stands as a remarkable testament to the city's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Constructed between 1872 and 1881 for Sheikh Omar Effendi Al-Nasseef, a prominent local merchant and governor, this iconic structure offers a window into the opulent lifestyle of Jeddah's elite during the late 19th century.

Architecturally, Bait Nasseef is distinguished by its Ottoman-influenced design, a departure from the traditional Hijazi style prevalent in the region. The building's façade features intricately carved wooden bay windows, known as "rawasheen," which not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also serve functional purposes by facilitating ventilation and providing privacy. The interior boasts 106 rooms adorned with elaborate frescoes, wood carvings, and decorative tiles inscribed with Arabic calligraphy, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the era. A unique feature of the house is its main staircase, designed with flat steps to accommodate camels that were used to transport supplies to the upper floors, including the kitchen located on the fourth level.

Historically, Bait Nasseef holds significant importance. In 1925, following the siege of Jeddah, King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud chose this residence as his royal abode upon entering the city, underscoring its prominence and strategic location. The house remained under the ownership of the Nasseef family until 1975, when it was acquired by the Saudi government and subsequently transformed into a library housing approximately 16,000 books. Today, it serves as a museum and cultural center, hosting exhibitions and lectures that delve into the rich history and heritage of Jeddah.

The area surrounding Bait Nasseef is equally captivating. Situated on Al-Alawi Street, one of Al-Balad's main thoroughfares, the house opens onto a square that was once home to the only tree in Jeddah until the 1920s—a neem tree that still stands today, earning the house the affectionate nickname "The House with the Tree." Visitors to this locale can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of traditional souks, explore neighboring historic houses, and experience the unique blend of cultural influences that have shaped Jeddah over centuries.

In recognition of its cultural and historical significance, Bait Nasseef, along with the Al-Balad district, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. This acknowledgment has spurred ongoing preservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate and learn from this emblematic landmark and its surroundings.

A visit to Bait Nasseef offers a profound insight into Jeddah's storied past, providing a tangible connection to the city's architectural innovations, historical events, and the daily lives of its inhabitants during a transformative period in Saudi...

The house of Nassif built by Omar Nassif is considered a landmark in Jeddah, where kings, princes, scholars, and ministers descended, so that the Ottoman Sultan Wahid al-Din was the last sultans of the Ottoman Empire after he was excluded from the caliphate, and the noble King Hussein bin Ali invited him to visit the Hejaz, and the princes of the holy city of Mecca came down to it then They turned into Muhanna Palace; King Hussein and his son Ali were also staying there. There was no hotel or guesthouse in Jeddah, except Nassif Palace, which is the hospitality palace for everyone who visited the Hijaz. In his six daughters and in Sheikh Muhammad Nasif, who is considered the grand heir of his grandfather; So the governor of the Ottoman grandmother, Ratib Pasha, made the palace a share of Muhammad Nasif because he is the only person able to receive guests, and after him King Faisal bin Abdulaziz purchased the palace from the heirs of Sheikh Muhammad Nasif in addition to the valuable library to make it the nucleus of public libraries in Jeddah. The ground floor of the palace contained the library, the table room, the rooms of the children, the guests, and friends, and there was a hostess attached to the palace, whose function was to receive the guests permanently, especially during the pilgrimage seasons. Abdel Azeez; He hurried to spend specific annual amounts to be...

Beit Nassif is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in Al-Balad, Old Jeddah. Built in the late 19th century, it served as the residence of prominent merchant families, including the Nassif family, who played a significant role in the city’s trade and economy.

King Abdulaziz Al Saud stayed in Beit Nassif for a period after entering Jeddah in 1925, adding to its historical importance. The house showcases traditional Hijazi architecture, featuring intricately designed wooden windows (Rawasheen) and spacious courtyards. It is a four-story structure and one of the first buildings in Jeddah to be constructed using Mangabi stone, a traditional building material in the region.

Current Status

Today, Beit Nassif has been transformed into a heritage museum, displaying the rich history of Old Jeddah. It also hosts cultural and historical events and is a key attraction in Historic Jeddah, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For history and architecture enthusiasts, visiting Beit Nassif offers a unique glimpse into Jeddah’s past and its...