Stone Villages of Taif: A Testament to Human Ingenuity

Nestled amidst the rugged granite mountains of the Maysan Governorate in Taif, the villages of Bani Malik, Bani Saad, and Thaqif boast a unique architectural heritage. The houses in these villages are skillfully constructed from the very stone that forms the towering peaks around them, a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of generations past. Visitors to Maysan are captivated by the people's stories and the striking resemblance between the colours of their houses and the mountains. Many locals are eager to share their rich cultural heritage, including traditional crafts, arts, chants, and ancient tools used in construction, such as the pickaxe and chisel. The villages of Maysan offer a distinctive architectural experience. Visitors can explore houses carved into the mountaintops and villages built on rock adorned with grapevine, apricot, peach, and almond branches. The ancient dams in these villages are renowned for their suitability to the rocky terrain and their ability to withstand the element s. Constructed from granite stones and covered with clay, these structures stand as enduring symbols of the past. Source: Saudi Press Agency