(MENAFN- Arab News) JEDDAH: Many Saudis have over the years been using Egyptian-made tent fabric with designs dating back to the Mamluk era to adorn their homes in Ramadan.
Mohammad Ali Jaber who sells these products in the Al-Balad area said pilgrims from Egypt used to bring it to Makkah and Madinah to sell during Ramadan and the Haj.
'The fabrics have over the years become associated with the month of Ramadan and is seldom seen in other times of the year' he was quoted as saying by a local publication recently.
It is still being used to erect tents for weddings and funerals. 'The fabric is used in many ways but mostly to celebrate the coming of the holy month' he said.
Another vendor in the historic district in Jeddah Fayez Mahmoud said the fabric was expensive in the past because it was hand-stitched. Only hotels restaurants and wealthy people bought it.
'Nowadays it is printed so it is much cheaper and affordable.' The prints are mostly Islamic with floral patterns representing Arab and Islamic culture he said.