Assessment of Saudi Arabia’s Classification and Selection Criteria for Heritage Sites: A Case Study of Barzan Heritage Area in Hail City

Abstract

Cultural heritage has numerous developmental prospects that might contribute to the sustainable development and quality of life of communities. However, cultural heritage products have a complex relationship with many sectors. This paper examines Saudi criteria for the classification and selection of cultural heritage and presents a case study on the implementation of these criteria. It aims to develop local assessment criteria for cultural heritage values and conservation in Saudi Arabia. A theoretical analysis has been conducted to evaluate the criteria for the classification and selection of architectural heritage value and the relationship between whole heritage values. The paper discusses the criteria’s limitations and impacts and identifies misunderstandings of cultural heritage values in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this study indicate that the mechanism of implementing a list can affect both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in different ways and at different levels. The criteria should include all cultural heritage values within a context rather than a single building or object. Thus, one of the main objectives of the criteria is to recognize and highlight the importance of a site through its values. The case study of the Barzan District illustrates the factual impact of current legislation and organizational structures on heritage sites.