Cultural heritage preservation efforts highlighted in Saudi Arabia and Algeria

In the Asir province of Saudi Arabia, traditional architectural heritage is being revitalized through the preservation of al-qatt, a UNESCO-recognized art form. Abdulaziz Abu Sarrah has led efforts to restore ancestral buildings, such as his family's 1835 palace in Al-Azizah, which features intricate interior paintings of geometric patterns in vibrant colors. These restorations aim to safeguard a unique regional lifestyle and architectural tradition that faced decline following the 1973 oil boom.

In the Tassili N’Ajjer region of the Algerian Sahara, historical recognition is being sought for Jebrine Ag Mohamed Machar, a Tuareg guide who played a pivotal role in discovering and documenting thousands of square meters of ancient rock art. While colonial-era expeditions credited European researchers, modern efforts are highlighting Machar's essential contributions and intimate desert knowledge that allowed for the documentation of these prehistoric paintings and engravings.