In 647 AD, Caliph Osman ibn Affan was instrumental in developing Jeddah as the main port for foreign trade and travelers to Mecca. In the 16th century Turkish Ottomans turned Jeddah into a walled city to protect against foreign attacks, particularly from the Portuguese. In 1915 Jeddah became independent of Turkish rule. In 1947 much of the walls were dismantled. Today Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's main seaport where most of the country's imports arrive, and is an important industrial center. | In 647 AD, Caliph Osman ibn Affan was instrumental in developing Jeddah as the main port for foreign trade and travelers to Mecca. In the 16th century Turkish Ottomans turned Jeddah into a walled city to protect against foreign attacks, particularly from the Portuguese. In 1915 Jeddah became independent of Turkish rule. In 1947 much of the walls were dismantled. Today Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's main seaport where most of the country's imports arrive, and is an important industrial center. |