Al-Amn Magazine

HISTORY T he Red Palace is one of the most important historical landmarks in Kuwait that highlights the country’s unique architecture and desert nature while serving its defensive purposes. The palace was built using red clay and sits around 6,500 sq m. As much as it’s a cultural and historical attraction, the palace is also a symbol of Kuwaiti bravery and unity. It was built in 1897, a year after Sheikh Mubarak Al- Sabah “The Great” ascended to the throne. It is located in Jahra, around 32 km away from Kuwait City, a city where Sheikh Mubarak was very influential. It was the site of an important battle called the “Battle of Jahra”, during which Kuwait gained an important victory during the reign of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah that eventually led to the Uqair protocol, when the borders were drawn between Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The palace consists of three sections: The residence of the Amir, the mosque and the diwaniya. The residence and sanctuary of the Amir occupies the northwest side of the palace and consists of nine rooms, with two staircases, one leading to the roof and the other to his room, the only room built on the roof. The western side of the palace is occupied by the diwaniya, a place reserved for the seating of sheikhs and their guests, while the southern side is reserved for horse stalls and fodder. The mosque is located near the guard room and has its own house. The Red Palace is currently used as the headquarters of the Badia Heritage Centre. Kuwait Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi sponsored and attended the inauguration of the Red Symbo l of bravery, t rad i t i on , uni ty Mos t import ant h i s tori ca l Kuwai t l andmark