In September 2008 I wrote an article about Taif, Saudi Arabia. I’ve been through Taif multiple times and the more I saw of Taif the more I was drawn to it which was what inspired me to do additional research and write about this area of Saudi’s Hijaz. However my article only touched the tip of the iceberg on the magnificence of Taif and its many treasures.
Now I am very happy and proud to advise that the essence and magnificence of Taif has been fully captured with the release of the book, Taif: Eden of Arabia. The book is the work of Saudi national Mohsen Al-Dajani who demonstrates he is not only a mesmerizing wordsmith but a gifted photographer as well. The images he captures with his photos clearly illustrate his passion for photography and appreciation of Taif.
Taif: Eden of Arabia is now available at Jarir Bookstores and it makes a magnificent table top book that one is immediately drawn to with its rich and tasteful cover. 
Stay tuned for a future blog post will be forthcoming shortly of an interview with the multi-talented Mohsen Al-Dajani where he shares with American Bedu how he developed his love for photography and what inspired him to have a book published about Taif. And I am confident that anyone who is fortunate to view Taif: Eden of Arabia will eagerly await more books with Mohsen Al-Dajani’s photos.
Taif: Eden of Arabia provides all of us with an insiders view and understanding of this multi-faceted city.
Filed under: Books, culture, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, Saudi Living, travel, Uncategorized Tagged: | culture, culture shock, customs, desert, heritage, history, KSA, places, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, travel
Taif was one of my favorite places to explore and camp when I lived in Jeddah. I place of beauty and a good place to escape the Jeedah heat in the summer. I must look for the book.
I am really looking forward to that interview!
How nice to see a photo of the famous Jarir bookshop!
While driving to Taif from Jeddah, we passed through a tree-lined street in Mecca that looked as though it could have been anywhere in the midwest on a beautiful summer day. I can’t wait to Read the book, Carol, thanks for the update. But, which area in KSA feels like Eden? I’d have to say Jeddah due to it being on the Red Sea. I also hear that Abha is very beautiful.
From the mountains to the juniper trees throughout the region of Taif and Abha resemble many parts of my home state Arizona USA. Since my first trip to this part of Saudi 24 years ago, KSA has put in a lot of time and effort in promoting tourism, boosting the economy for the local natives and introducing the many arts and crafts they have to offer such as silver crafted jewelry, baskets and the famous daggers many of the local men wear as part of their native dress.
A must do, if possible, as a vacation destination.
Tours are available from the US through Peter Voll and Peter Harrigan Aramco World both can be contacted at peter.voll@hcptravel.com .
Sabrina
It seems a lot of Saudis share your feelings about Taif (my father for instance!!). But to call it ‘Eden of Arabia’ … mmm … I am not quite sure!
It has been a time when Taif was the summer destination for the whole Kingdom. The King and the whole government were spending their summer up there (it is about 2000 meters above the sea level!).
But I believe that time has passed; for me, it is a bit boring city. Maybe the lack of suitable tourism projects is the main reason. Yes, it is a natural beauty, but time has had his own marks on its face and it certainly needs some make up touches!
Noone will be disappointed with this book and its incredible photos of Taif and surrounds.
Sabrina – thank you for the info on American tour groups for Saudi Arabia.
Dear Bedu, My father was born in Taif, although his family is from Riyadh. My mother’s people are from near there. It has always been a very special place. I would hate to see it change – and always loved that for many years it was the “summer capital”. Thank you for mentioning it.
Dear Mariam,
I do hope that you are able to obtain the book. Taif has so many different faces and the book also shows how different the same place looks depending on the time the picture is taken too!
This would also make a great gift for your mom or dad and I’m sure it would remind them each of special memories.
[...] camera, the Nikon F6, another film camera which I used in making most of the images in my book Taif: Eden of Arabia. I moved toward digital about 18 month ago with Nikon D3, a very sophisticated camera. Digital [...]
[...] Is it the opportunity to stroll along the Red Sea in Jeddah? Is it visiting a rose farm in Taif? Or is it more simple and just being able to experience tranquility and peace away from the [...]