Clock Tower

The monthly itinerary for the “free” compound bus showed the destination as “Clock Tower”.  I had no idea where Clock Tower was, nor did I know what I’d find at the destination.  But what the hell…… Might as well go and see the sights whilst I’m here.

It turned out that “Clock Tower” actually has a clock tower <surprise>.

It is located in the heart of the old city.  The major commercial centre of Riyadh is now further north so this was an opportunity to walk around the original part.  Unfortunately there isn’t much of the original part left.  Behind the clock tower is what’s known by the expats as “Chop Chop Square”.  This is where sentences were carried out after Friday prayers (the mosque is on the edge of the square).  Rumour has it that any westerners who happened to be in the vicinity would be allowed (pushed) to the front row to watch justice being done (beheadings and amputations).  All of this stopped some 5-6 years ago with the punishments now occurring at the scene of the crime. 

The square looks quite modern and rather recently built.

Theft can result in the removal of the right hand.  The left hand is used in-lieu of toilet paper and as a consequence the right is used to eat from the communal food bowl (fingers, not utensils).  Not having a right hand places you squarely in the Jenny Craig Platinum Membership Club.  Interestingly, there is very little in the media about these sentences.  Not because the authorities are squeamish.  I suspect they are reasonably proud of their application of Sharia Law.  It appear there is little to publicise because there is so little theft.  The consequences of getting caught are a powerful deterrent.