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Helen Betts | all galleries >> Galleries >> Saudi Arabia: Life in the Desert > The Masmak
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16-OCT-2013

The Masmak

"The Masmak (Arabic: Qaṣr al-Maṣmak قصر المصمك‎) is a clay and mud-brick fort, with four watchtowers and thick walls, founded on stone blocks, lying in the center of Riyadh, in the old quarter. This building played a major part in the kingdom's history, as it was here that the recapture of Riyadh, led by Ibn Saud, occurred on 14 January 1902." (Wikipedia) We couldn't go inside today since it was a men only day, but families are allowed on Thursday.

For the "adventure" that goes along with this series, see this image of a totally contrasting kind of architecture:

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hamery29-Aug-2015 08:34
Excellent composition and a lovely pov of this acient fort. Well, " men only " day ... Not fair ! BV+
MarcViskens29-Aug-2015 07:50
Bery nice composed Helen
Well done
Chris Morton05-Jul-2014 18:50
a big sandcastle!
Patrick Goossens05-Jul-2014 18:37
OK I missed this one where you are explaining about the mud
Aivar Mikko13-May-2014 19:02
Nice fort and shot!
Ton T.29-Dec-2013 18:33
Great building! V
Zoltán Balogh18-Oct-2013 15:31
Impressive building, wow! V
Carol Rollins18-Oct-2013 13:16
I agree, it does look like a giant sand castle. Excellent photo of this beautiful building. ~
Graeme17-Oct-2013 08:46
This fort looks beautiful in the sunlight, Helen.BV
fotabug17-Oct-2013 06:05
Beautiful photo
joseantonio17-Oct-2013 04:23
I agree with William comment: reall seems a sand castle.V
Gill Kopy17-Oct-2013 00:49
Ditto Jane's comment - beautifully captured V
janescottcumming16-Oct-2013 23:47
Looks like a giant sand castle. V
Mairéad16-Oct-2013 22:10
Have to agree - it really does look like a sand castle.
Sounds like you are having quite an adventure. V
larose forest photos16-Oct-2013 21:20
It truly is fortress like and quite lovely. As William said, it looks like a sand castle on the beach! The contrast with the ultra modern building is striking. V
Tomasz Dziubinski - Photography16-Oct-2013 21:11
Very nice image of this historic fort, Vote.
William Barletta16-Oct-2013 21:11
Very interesting and reminiscent of a sand castle on the beach
Colin Storey16-Oct-2013 21:03
Two great contrasting and well composed images. v
danad16-Oct-2013 20:51
A very fine composition. The kind of architecture you can find from Marocco to Turkestan. V.
Barry S Moore16-Oct-2013 20:47
Stunning composition. Love the POV. ~V~
Jim Coffman16-Oct-2013 20:35
A very nice capture with a great deal of historical background!!
Anitta16-Oct-2013 20:03
Agree what Kim said. Something different for sure. V
Kim16-Oct-2013 19:58
Very nice and interesting architecture shot! V
Milan Vogrin16-Oct-2013 19:56
Nice photo!