Al Masmak Fort

After being here for 2.5 years and coming down here at least once a week I finally decided to go inside the Al Masmak Fort right in the centre of downtown Old Riyadh.

In the centre of Riyadh - this building played a major part in the Kingdoms history, as it was here that the recapture of Riyadh led by Ibn Saud occurred on January 14, 1902.

A cannon used by the Saudi Military with an Ottoman Seal dated 1880

A Saudi door

Cannon Balls

Pen case with Ink Wells

An incense burner - you will see the women wafting the fumes through their hair and they will stand over the burner and waft the fumes up their abayas.

A traditional coffee pot

Swords

Camel Attire

Camel Attire

A model of the Old City Of Riyadh 1918 AD

A close up of the intricate carvings on the door

The coffee making area

Typical saudi furniture - still seen in the shops today

This is what most saudi families have in what is called their Majlis - which means sitting place. Most homes have a separate building outside the house where meetings, gatherings take place and it is usually furnished like this. You are seated on the floor on brightly coloured cushions and served arabic coffee and dates .

This is a place for men only.

Be Good Now

If you commit a crime eg- theft, adultery or murder you will most likely be taken down here to "Chop Chop Square" as it is known, to have your limbs cut off or to be executed ie- your head chopped off!!!!

This is right in the middle of Riyadh next to the Gold Souqs...

Not quite sure of the statistics - but it apparently still does happen.

Westerners are well warned to stay away on a Friday (this is when it is rumoured to take place) as they will be pushed to the front for the best seat in the house

Yes I did take these myself and it was not on a Friday. I have also been down here at night time, and families come here in droves with their picnic tables and the kids run around and they have a great time right here in

Chop Chop Square....