The essence and memory of Al Saggaf Palace Within the intricate valleys of Mecca, humbly against the mountains, stood Al Saggaf Palace, witnessing the unfolding of history where civilizations, ethnicities, languages, and cultures have conversed and merged, rippling and resonating far beyond its boundaries. The palace has kept safe the soul of the land and guarded its stories. Initially the main seat of the Sherifs of Mecca, the palace became the residence of the founding father of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz bin Saud, and successive monarchs, before being finally chosen as the administrative residence of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Ministry of Culture commissioned five artist photographers and five writers from across the world to capture the essence and memory of Al Saggaf Palace. The result is a unique and astonishing collection of rare images enriched by the compelling interpretations of the space and narratives that take the reader on a visual voyage uncovering the “genius of the place” called Al Saggaf Palace. Genius of the Place: Al Saggaf Palace book series is an invitation to embark on a unique and immersive journey across time and space to unravel the soul of a historical heritage site in the spiritual center of Islam, Mecca, a focal axiom that resonated meaning to a myriad of cultures.