The journey of 150,000 kilometers within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, over the span of two years in search of precious values and lost traditions has ended, but the journey of the book “The Land of Adat” is just beginning. If past explorers ventured into the forbidden deserts of Arabia to discover the Badu and their ways of life, author Alexander Woodman rose to the occasion too, by embarking on a whirlwind discovery of the entire Kingdom in the twenty-first century.
A dream comes to fruition through the book entitled “The Land of Adat.” What the human eyes see and perceive is the most incredible. Alexander Woodman, an honor graduate of UCLA and USC, helps the reader to journey with him and to become a partner in witnessing the undying traditions and the living history of the nomads who live closer to God in their own ways.
It is worthwhile reading the book “The Land of Adat,” which inspires and enriches the human soul to see the self in the life of people born in the desert.
The book becomes more precious through the foreword and introduction written by His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the world-renowned political scientist, formal UCLA professor and senior fellow at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies Dr. Joseph Kechichian. Their words depict the core depth of the author’s insights. Truly, the author conveys a message of peace to all, to be able to see the beauty of the entirety of the world.
In order to get such meticulously detailed descriptions of Saudi culture, tradition, and lifestyle, there must have been a degree of communication with the locals. What was their attitude towards foreigners who come from a completely different background, trying to document the essence of their livelihood?
Based on my personal experience at the beginning of my journey, I was not able to experience the close fellowship of the Saudis. Truly, I found this very natural. However, once the relationship was developed, their trust went beyond my expectations. Therefore, the due respect has to be extended to the Saudis, and one ought not to be judgmental.
It is undeniable that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia values its historical legacy as much as it fosters innovation and improvement. “The Land of Adat” takes the reader into a journey through old castles, monarchial tombs, and antique craftsmanship to modern cities with contemporary architecture. How synergetic was the experience of traveling through Saudi Arabia? How does the Kingdom manage to combine the old and the new?
Beauty cannot be complete without the awareness of the old and the understanding of history. The new has to reflect the elements of the old. If we are successful in doing so, then the old and the new will be merged harmoniously. When I visited almost all uncharted territories of the Kingdom, only then I saw the complete and beautiful mosaic.
Within the book, there is a very conscious level of integration of the reader into Arab life through the usage of Arabic words, the Hijri calendar, the recipes of traditional food. What is the intended effect that this stylistic choice will or should have on the reader? Is it aimed towards familiarizing foreigners with the culture, or appealing to those whose culture is the subject of discussion?
Language is a history itself. In any given nation’s life, language, culture, even words journey with the people. As we look into the history of the people, the same words and language change their texture and understanding. Thus, we need to see the language, culture, and tradition in the context of history.
What was your “Lighthouse” while traveling through “The Land of Adat” – Saudi Arabia?
My hidden inner instinct drowned me into the desert. I was in search of the genuine people with pure heart and soul. This thought and feeling never abandoned me, and turned to be the “Lighthouse” of my journey. The more I penetrated the depth of daily life of the Kingdom, the more layers of thoughts and feelings developed in me. I felt the infusion of eternity in my spirituality. The more I walked into the desert, the deeper I understood the significance of the journey, which I had taken. For many, the “Lighthouse” becomes the guiding light of their lives. In my case, this journey helped me to understand the “Lighthouse” was within me, and the light was radiating from my heart. These are feelings, which cannot be described and translated into words.
When discussing the philosophy of givers and takers. What did you give to “The Land of Adat,” and what did “The Land of Adat” give to you?
“The Land of Adat” empowered me to see the beauty in each person. What I gave to the people of the land cannot be put in-words. The reward of that, I saw in the eyes of those people. They spoke to me through their eyes, with gratitude and love. While in “The Land of Adat,” I was in a dialogue with eternity. There, I met the untouchable, and, yet the most precious appearance of humanity. Then, I fell in love with the people. This was the moment when “The Land of Adat” was enlightening my soul.
Please, discuss the first day of the years-long journey and the first step.
As I took my first step to journey in Saudi Arabia, I immediately felt echoes of life brightening my spirituality. I understood that I was moving forward toward the voices of the souls of desert. But then, I immediately felt that this journey had started in my life long before, and what I realized, was that the journey had re-started after a long breakaway.
You have met hundreds of Saudis, entered a number of Bedouin tents, risked, and enjoyed at the same time. How did you learn to enjoy the risk?
During my journey, desert, and Bedouins have become a reality. With my journey, risk ended, and the search for purity deepened in my heart. Words cannot possibly express justly the extent of appreciation and gratitude flowing into my blood. I would wish that all people have similar journeys in their lives. Thus, the people of the world will become the architects of peace. And my vision for peace is an undying gift that I will embrace forever.
What about the last shoot you made for the book and the feelings?
My journey does not have the last shoot. The journey continues as the Kingdom unfolds.
Photo credit: instagram.com/thelandofadat
