Born in Madinah in 1956 AD (1376 AH), Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman bin Ibrahim Kaaki stands as a distinguished Saudi architect, historian, and consultant at the Madinah Development Authority. He is also the esteemed founder of the Dar Al Madinah Museum, a testament to his dedication to preserving the rich Islamic heritage of Madinah.
His academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from King Saud University, Riyadh, in 1982. He furthered his studies with a master’s from Al-Azhar University, Cairo, in 1996 and culminated with a PhD in Urban Planning from Heriot-Watt University, UK, in 2002.
Dr. Kaaki’s literary contributions to the field are profound. His magnum opus, the “Landmarks of Medina between Architecture and History," spans 44 volumes. Other notable works include “Medina Pictures from History" (2006), “The Urban Fabric of Medina" (2007), and “The Illustrated Collection of the Most Famous Landmarks of Medina" (2011).
In 2011, he also founded the Madina House and Museum for Urban and Cultural Heritage, further showcasing his commitment to Madinah’s history.
His dedication has been recognized with several accolades, including the Prince Sultan bin Salman Award for Urban Heritage (2006), the Medina Award (2007), the King Salman Prize (2014), and the prestigious King Faisal International Prize in Islamic Studies (2015). In honor of his achievements, Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah Region, celebrated him in 2015.
“At the heart of Dar Al Madinah Museum lies a profound reverence for the rich tapestry of Islamic history and the luminous legacy of Madinah. My vision for this institution is not merely to showcase artifacts but to create a living testament to our faith, our heritage, and our shared journey as a community. I envision a space where every visitor, young and old, can connect deeply with the roots of Islam, where history comes alive, and where the stories of our past inspire a brighter, more harmonious future."