id library: AlUla Old Town – An Oasis of Heritage, published by Assouline

For nearly a millennium, the Old Town of AlUla in Saudi Arabia has been continuously inhabited, and its way of life has been safeguarded over the centuries. Through considerable conservation projects, the ways of old have been preserved for subsequent generations. 

Dar Tantora hotel, in particular, is a prime example of these tireless efforts, respecting tradition while looking toward the future. AlUla Old Town: An Oasis of Heritage details the conservation and re-imagining of this section of AlUla Old Town into a stunning new luxury eco-lodge – captured in stunning photography by Oliver Pilcher – inviting visitors to lose themselves among the labyrinthine pathways of close-set, mud-brick homes, refurbished with today’s modern comforts. 

The Old Town of AlUla is a well-preserved piece of history. Photography Oliver Pilcher

The book was compiled by Dr. Abdullah bin Adam Saleh Naseef, who was born in AlUla and received intermediate and secondary certificates from the Saudi Scientific Institute in Madinah, a bachelor of arts from King Saud University, Riyadh, and a Ph.D. from the faculty of arts, University of Manchester, UK, with a focus on the ancient monuments of the Arabian Peninsula. He has written numerous books on this subject, including An Historical and Archaeological Survey of Al-Ula with Special Reference to Its Irrigation System (1988). 

Aerial view of the Old Town. Photography by Oliver Pilcher

Photographer  Oliver Pilcher studied sculpture at the Edinburgh College of Art before embarking on a photographic career, which has taken him all around the world and given him the opportunity to shoot for some of the world’s finest brands. He previously worked with Assouline on the best-selling Paris Chic (2020) and New York Chic (2023) and has contributed photos to Louis Vuitton Manufactures (2022), Riva Aquarama (2022), Saudi Coffee (2023), Saudi Dates (2023), Camels from Saudi Arabia (2024) and Falcons from Saudi Arabia (2024). The AlJadidah area of the Old Town is a hub of culinary hot spots, lively cultural events, including a thriving art scene, and bustling market stalls selling woven crafts and handmade pottery. All of this splendor is just minutes from the abundance of nature found in the AlUla Oasis, providing the Old Town with a plethora of fresh produce. The Old Town of AlUla offers visitors a unique chance to take a step back in time and live in harmony with nature and history.

The ancient tombs of Hebra illuminated by a starry night. Photography by Shutterstock/Vadim_N

More of id library here.