Saudi heritage enthusiast preserves old dallahs to keep coffee traditions alive

The dallah, a coffee pot deeply rooted in Saudi culture, transcends its utilitarian purpose. It embodies the values of hospitality and generosity, cherished and handed down through generations. In Tabarjal, a northern Saudi Arabian town, Saeed Al-Ghadyan, a heritage enthusiast, shares his lifelong passion for collecting these ancient artefacts.

Al-Ghadyan's journey into dallah collection commenced in his youth, driven by an innate curiosity to understand their historical significance. He embarked on a quest to document the history of these coffee pots, aiming to safeguard this authentic tradition for future generations. Al-Ghadyan's quest took him across various regions, where he sought out old dallahs.

Initially, he contemplated distancing himself from this hobby, even selling some of his acquisitions. However, the allure of these coffee pots proved too strong. He soon found himself unable to resist the pull and resurrected his collection. The dallahs in Al-Ghadyan's possession exhibit a plethora of styles and craftsmanship, each piece narrating a unique story of Saudi Arabia's rich coffee-making heritage.

These artifacts serve as tangible reminders of the social and cultural values that continue to thrive in Saudi society today.