Sakaka: Prince Thunayyan bin Saud bin Mohammed bin Miqrin Palace, located in the southwestern part of the historic At-Turaif District, hosts a range of cultural and historical activities that enrich the experience of visitors to Hal Al-Qusoor, one of the programs of Diriyah Season 25/26. The palace reflects the status of knowledge and its importance in the First Saudi State.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Prince Thunayyan bin Saud was renowned for his sound judgment and profound wisdom. The loss of his eyesight did not prevent him from continuing his pursuit of learning. He owned a vast library, supported scholars and students, and was deeply engaged in various fields of learning.
Within this palace, visitors are offered a unique visual and auditory experience that provides insight into the stages of Prince Thunayyan bin Saud's life, from his childhood, through his passion for knowledge, to his role in counsel and the loss of his sight, and finally to the endurance of his palace after his passing.
The experience harnesses the interplay of light, sound, and shadow to highlight his true legacy, immortalized through his knowledge and library, which continued to illuminate paths of learning after his death, embodying his human and intellectual transformations.
Through projection-mapping technology, the first, second, and third rooms are presented with still images in a shadowy style depicting the prince's upbringing, grounded in knowledge, wisdom, and counsel. In the fourth room, an installation artwork addresses his loss of sight, while the fifth room features an installation that reflects the resilience of his palace. This is enhanced by an immersive soundscape that transports visitors into an atmosphere of calm and serenity, beginning with the recitation of Quranic verses, the sound of turning book pages, and fading voices of men in gatherings, concluding with the sounds of cannons and the steadfastness of the palace.
Historically, the palace served as the residence of Prince Thunayyan bin Saud, who was born in Diriyah at the end of the 17th century AD. He witnessed the founding of the Saudi State by his brother, Imam Mohammad bin Saud, in 1727, and supported him with advice and counsel during that pivotal period.
Prince Thunayyan bin Saud Palace was built in the mid-18th century AD, overlooking Shuaib Hubaiker from a strategic location. It is distinguished by its traditional Najdi architectural style and stands as a majestic structure that combines defense and comfort. It is considered one of the largest and most significant palaces in At-Turaif District, showcasing the strength and scale of its construction, with a large portion built of stone, particularly on the southern side overlooking the valley.
The palace has two floors and a spacious internal courtyard that serves as an open living area. It features two main entrances and a secondary entrance overlooking the valley, facilitating access from multiple directions. Its construction utilized mudbricks, mud, stone, and Tamarisk wood, with a structural system based on load-bearing walls.
Diriyah Season 25/26 reinforces Diriyah's status as the cradle of the Saudi State, serving as a permanent platform for cultural engagement and advancing the vision of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority. The season features programs that reflect authentic Saudi values through a contemporary lens, aligned with the cultural and tourism objectives that are pillars of sustainable development under Saudi Vision 2030.