La "sposa del mare": Jeddah e la sua memoria storica all'alba del XXI secolo

Jeddah, also known as the “Bride of the Sea” and the “Port of Mecca”, cradle of Islam, is historically inherently linked both to maritime trade and to the pilgrimage (hajj). This article aims to trace back some crucial events in the history of this city until its most recent evolution. Nowadays, it is certainly more and more complex and it is facing new problems and challenges imposed by development, modernity and demographic growth. Its historical heritage and the pivotal topic of requalification in old and new urban spaces are considered in the light of an interesting ongoing internal debate. This debate gains special importance for the future of Jeddah and of its human resources.