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Helen Betts | all galleries >> Saudi Arabia: Life in the Desert >> UNESCO site Mada'in Saleh, Al-'Ula, Medina > The diwan
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11-APR-2014

The diwan

I wasn’t planning on posting this picture, but I decided that the interior of the diwan and the work on it were pretty amazing.

“The diwan (meeting room), carved into a hillside to shield it from the wind, is one of the few extant examples of non-funerary architecture in Mada’in Saleh. … [The area was probably used by the Nabataeans] as a cult site. Opposite the hollowed-out room are niches cut into the rock where Nabataean deities were carved – now sadly weathered.” (from Lonely Planet, “Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula”)

This is the very impressive exterior of the diwan:



Nikon D800
1/125s f/8.0 at 24.0mm iso320 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Ton T.19-Apr-2014 19:11
Very impressive!! V+
Gary Hudes18-Apr-2014 22:41
An impressive image of this carved out chamber. One wonders how long it took to do such work, how they created the layers overhanging the entrance that look like a curtain with the folds. Amazing. V.
Zeeby18-Apr-2014 21:14
An amazing and interesting place, great shot! V
Mairéad18-Apr-2014 21:07
It really is fascinating. It must have been a huge task to carve out the room, creating such smooth surface. And the inclusion of the people really helps see how impressive it is. V
Karen Stuebing18-Apr-2014 20:59
Amazing and fascinating. The people really give it a context and sense of scale too. V.
larose forest photos18-Apr-2014 20:40
I am so glad you posted this. It shows us what the interior is like and it is quite impressive. V
Chris Morton18-Apr-2014 19:51
better than your average cave shelter!
Stephanie18-Apr-2014 19:33
I think the people here makes this a superior image! V
Will Hoskins18-Apr-2014 19:22
The work is pretty amazing. The inclusion of people helps with scale and makes for an interesting composition. V
Pieter Bos18-Apr-2014 19:17
Interesting place. Very nice image Helen! ~V
joseantonio18-Apr-2014 18:15
I wonder how they did all this.V.
Colin Storey18-Apr-2014 18:04
Glad you posted this image of this impressive cave room. v