Province
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Domat Al-Jandal / Jouf
| This was a main town on the ancient trade route that linked Mesopotamia, Persia and Syria with Yemen, and was vital to the spread of Islam as the gateway to Palestine and Syria through Wadi al-Sirhan |
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Located 50km south of the capital Sakakah, Domat al-Jandal means "Dawma of the stone." The name comes from the local belief that the town was first settled by Dawma, son of Ismail and grandson of the prophet Ibrahim. Archeologists have found abundant evidence that long before Ismail's time, Jouf's fresh water and fertile soil had proven attractive to settlers.
This modest town boasts a ruined castle, a remarkable mosque, and a system of wells and ancient irrigation canals known as qanats (a signature piece of plumbing from the great Nabataean empire). The fact that the qanats are still working means that the Oasis of Sakakah and Domat Al-Jandal have remained verdant and fertile.
Arabian, Babylonian, Nabataean and Islamic records all show that this is one of the most ancient settlements in Arabia. The city was the base for Adumites, known by Assyrians as 'Al Domatu' (Adummatu) who describe it as "the seat of the King of the Arabs". This region is also identified with the biblical Midian; and a region known to the ancient Egyptians as Kashu. Domat al-Jandal also appears in the bible atlases as 'Dhuma'; inscriptions in the city date back 3,000 years; it was ruled by a number of Arabian Queens including Queen Zabibei, Queen Shamsi.
With so many trade routes passing through, the souq here became one of the most famous of the Arabian markets in pre-Islamic times. When it was ruled by Sukonians from Kindah, the markets were held during Rabi Al Awwal. Control of each market was agreed after a 'duel' between competing tribal leaders. The 'king' who won, was allowed to allocate the stalls for the market - which could begin only once he'd sold all his merchandise.
Qasr Marid (meaning 'giant castle') is 1.2km east of Domat al-Jandal. The palace is built high on a rocky hill overlooking the ad-Dir. It is an impressive structure with an oval shape, four conical towers, passages and a well. It functioned as the governor’s residence and home to a garrison for the soldiers. Ramparts provide a great view over the town and oasis. The castle is also known as 'Al-Ukaidir' (after one of it's most famous residents). The foundations date to Nabataean times.
Records of Queen Zenobia's expeditions name Fort Marid as being impenetrable. It was the seat of local government until the new fort built by Al-Rashids replaced it. There has been substantial restoration to the building which was completed in 1423H (2002).
The castle has been visited by a number of famous travelers including The Prophet Mohamed (pbuh) in 5H (626), Abdul Rahman Awf 6H (628) and Khaled Bin Al Waleed (may Allah be pleased with him) in 9H (630).
Amongst the European visitors were Valin in 1261H (1845), Pelgrave in 1279H (1864), Lady Blunt in 1290H (1873), Euting 1300H (1884), Forder in 1318H (1901), Butter in 1325H (1908) and Philby in 1340H (1922).
Ad Dir (Al Dera) The Old Town is located to the north of Qasr Marid. This old settlement of Domat al-Jandal represents a model of an Islamic city and traditional architecture in the region. Excavations conducted at parts of the settlement showed that it was built over successive layers, going back to the pre-Islamic period. The old town has a narrow passage between two story buildings made of limestone and mud-bricks. Roofs were made of wood and palm. Water channels (qanats) were found at the eastern and western parts of the settlement.
The actual buildings which are standing there today are not that old, but earlier building materials have been used - meaning that ancient Nabataean inscriptions are visible on some stones.
A small portion of Domat al-Jandal's once formidable city wall has been restored and can be viewed without a permit in the desert just outside the town. The watchtowers along the wall were hollow all the way to ground level.
Next to Ad Dir is the minaret of the Mosque of Omar (Umar Mosque). It is possibly the oldest existing one in the world. Dating back to 15H (AD644) it is unique in its design, being square shaped, with tapered sides and windows at each story. It is built over an arch that allows a street to pass through its base. The minaret is the only remaining original feature of a mosque built by 2nd Caliph, Omar bin al-Khattab (Umar ibn al-Khattab) (may Allah be gracious to him) in 17H (AD644) on his way back from his Jerusalem conquest (Al Quds).
Still in use, the mosque is not particularly tall, it has a carved door with red geometric patterns and is wholly unlike any other mosques you'll see. It is built using stones and clay. Its ceiling is made up of wood and palm trees. It has a prayer niche, a pulpit, a prayer room for women and a little well, which was used for drinking and ablution. Its area is about 600 sqm and it is still in good shape.
The once famous oasis of Sakakah is still lush, and the city and surrounding area continues to produce large amounts of wheat, citrus fruit and olives. It also supports over half a million mature date palms and is the homeland for the tribe called 'Kalb'.
The nearest accommodation is in Sakakah 50km away, where you'll also find an excellent museum. The hotel can arrange tours of Domat Al Jandal / Jouf and transport.
Al Nusl Hotel
P.O.Box 317
Skakah, Al Jouf
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel : +966-(0)4-625 0353
Fax : +966-(0)4-625 0408
E-Mail : special@alnuslhotel.com |
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