These are some of the last remaining houses behind Marina Mall and they sit on prime real estate. I think the first pictured building is going to be demolished as it evicted the stores that were located there. The other houses are on the opposite side of the road and are fenced in as well waiting for a buyer. Where is the National Council of Culture, Arts and Letters? Why isn't this council trying to save the few remaining buildings?
Is someone doesn't stand up to save these buildings they will be lost forever.
Great catch! I am a descendant of the people that used to live there. We still live very close by, and these houses are part of our "block". The houses, both the old as well as the newer ones hold the nomeclarure of the "Al-Hamad houses". Which were settled here by my great-uncle Khalid Abdulatif Al-Hamad and his brothers. My father was personally brought up and lived in the second house from the lights.
ReplyDeleteThere are no plans to sell to any commercial buyers as there are still a few of us living just a few meters away, and as you mentioned, the old houses ought to be protected as cultural heritage. It would be a shame if one day these houses were to be sold commercially and demolished. I hope I never see the day.
The owners are still holding out on selling — but how long can that hold out?
Rakan Adel Al-Hamad
Wow! That's awesome. Are there any old pictures? I'm trying to document what's left of the old buildings as I want my children to know of their heritage and sadly it's disappearing. I wanted to jump the fence and see inside but I might get caught lol. I really want to fight for these structures but it's hard to find a voice when everyone is focused on money and not the past.
ReplyDeleteThis is great. The photos looks one of a kind and you did a nice shots. This kuwaiti-houses looks though and incredible. I have a friend there. Thank you for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteThere are some interesting points on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There’s some validity however I will take hold an opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more!
ReplyDeleteWe'd like to know whatever happened since the date you posted such an interesting article. Our country is wasting what's left of our heritage plus not taking care of what's been built about 10 years ago. Where this is going ... we don't know!
ReplyDeleteThe buildings are still standing although the ones that were used as shops have a metal fence around them, slated for demolition who knows if so that's a shame. I've since found many other properties wasting away and no one cares. Bait al Othman is refurbishing the other homes surrounding the museum which is a positive note. I'm still finding new locations every day which is awesome. I think NCCAL is getting more involved but still not to the point of trying to save every last remaining building. I'm sure the owners of the properties may be hesitant as well, some of the properties are prime real estate and everyone is after money not saving their heritage. Only time will tell.
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