Culture of Saudi Arabia
Architecture
Many exceptional pieces of modern architecture were created in recent times by eminent architects like Minoru Yamasaki and others. German architect Bodo Rasch has worked in Saudi Arabia for many years. He specialises in roofs and "lightweight" constructions, like large umbrellas and tents (http://www.sl-rasch.de/). see Prophet's Mosque Courtyard Treatment, Madinah, Saudi Arabia http://archnet.org/library/images/thumbnails.tcl?location_id=2951
Mr. Rasch converted to Islam many years ago and is therefore permitted to work in Mecca and Medina. He constructed numerous tent villages for pilgrims.
Ethos
Social Norms
Major religions The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state wherein no other major religions have official status, freedom to worship, or legal protections or rights. The particular branch of Islam practiced there is known as Wahabbism. According to the US Department of State Website, "Saudi Arabia is an Islamic monarchy without legal protection for freedom of religion, and such protection does not exist in practice. Islam is the official religion, and the law requires that all citizens be Muslims. The Government prohibits the public practice of non-Muslim religions. The Government recognizes the right of non-Muslims to worship in private; however, it does not always respect this right in practice." Furthermore, "Islamic practice generally is limited to that of a school of the Sunni branch of Islam as interpreted by Muhammad Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab, an 18th century Arab religious reformer. (Outside Saudi Arabia, this branch of Islam is often referred to as "Wahhabi," a term the Saudis do not use. The teachings of the reformer Abd Al-Wahhab are more often referred to by adherents as "Salafi" or "Muwahiddun," that is, following the forefathers of Islam, or unifiers of Islamic practice.) Practices contrary to this interpretation, such as celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday and visits to the tombs of renowned Muslims, are discouraged. The spreading of Muslim teachings not in conformance with the officially accepted interpretation of Islam is prohibited. Writers and other individuals who publicly criticize this interpretation, including both those who advocate a stricter interpretation and those who favor a more moderate interpretation than the Government's, reportedly have been imprisoned and faced other reprisals." http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2002/14012.htm
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