Al-Baha's Traditional Residences Highlight 'Al-Millah' for Winter Heating

Residential buildings in Al-Baha were historically designed to adapt to environmental conditions. Without modern heating and cooling technologies, these structures promoted natural thermal regulation while reflecting local traditions.

 A key feature of these homes is "Al-Millah," which served as the primary source of winter warmth, a communal kitchen, and a gathering place for enjoying coffee.

 Typically found in a corner of the house, Al-Millah consists of a clay-lined space measuring one to one and a half meters and features an iron stand for cooking pots over firewood. It supported a specialized set of culinary tools, including the Saj, a circular iron plate for baking bread; Al-Majraf and Al-Mihmas, a hollow iron scoop and stirring rod for roasting coffee beans; and a brass mortar and pestle for grinding roasted coffee.

 Today, Al-Millah has evolved from a necessity to a decorative element in modern Saudi homes. Much like the fireplace, it is now a valued feature for its warmth and cultural significance.