Diriyah in Historical Maps Book
Diriyah in Historical Maps is a distinguished publication that delves into the rich tapestry of Diriyah’s history through a curated collection of historical maps. This book offers readers a visual journey, charting the evolution of Diriyah from its early days to its current significance as a cultural and historical landmark in Saudi Arabia. The book meticulously compiles a series of maps that have documented Diriyah over the centuries. Each map is accompanied by detailed annotations and narratives that provide context, highlighting the city’s strategic importance, urban development, and its role in regional politics and trade. The collection showcases the transformation of Diriyah, offering insights into its architectural growth, territorial expansions, and the socio-political factors that influenced its evolution.
The design of Diriyah in Historical Maps reflects a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements. Drawing inspiration from historical maps, the book’s layout features motifs and patterns that echo the region’s heritage. The use of the newly revived Diriyah font—a typeface based on historical calligraphy from the Almuqana manuscript and designed by Tarek Atrissi Design—adds authenticity and a unique visual identity to the publication. The book is bilingual, presented in both Arabic and English, and was carefully designed to ensure that all information, text, and map annotations are clearly and accessibly presented in both languages. The typography was carefully matched across Arabic and Latin scripts at both the headline and body text levels, creating a balanced and functional reading experience for speakers of either language.
High-quality printing techniques have been employed to ensure that the intricate details of each map are preserved and presented with clarity. The choice of paper, binding, and cover materials exudes a sense of luxury, making the book not only an informative resource but also a collector’s item.
The cover design of the Diriyah Map Book features a white hardcover with gold foil titles and a die-cut window that reveals a golden map beneath. The book is housed in a sturdy slipcase made of heavy paperboard, printed with the same design elements and metallic Pantone colors, creating a cohesive and refined presentation. This thoughtful packaging transforms the book into an elegant gift item that reflects the rich history of the city. Additionally, the edge of the book block—the side opposite the spine—is gilded with gold foil, adding a luxurious and exclusive finish that reinforces the premium quality of the publication.
The interior design of the Diriyah Map Book utilizes a structured grid system to ensure consistency and readability throughout the pages. The margins are carefully defined to enhance the overall bilingual layout.
At Tarek Atrissi Design, our scope extended beyond the design of the book to include full production management. We oversaw the entire printing process—from pre-press preparation and printer selection to on-site coordination and quality control—ensuring the highest standards were met at every stage. The book was printed at a top-tier printing facility in the Netherlands, and we managed the logistics of shipping and delivering the final product to the Diriyah Gate Development Authority in Saudi Arabia.
