Gallery
Description
Property Name: Al-Hijr Fort
Inventory No: 966-4-2
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2010-05-22
Country (State party): Saudi Arabia
Province: Madinah
Town: Madinah
Geographic coordinates: 26° 48′ 15.42″ N
37° 57′ 1.07″ E
Historic Period: Abbasid
Year of Construction: 1258
Style: Abbasid
Original Use: Fortress
Current Use: Museum
Architect: Unknown
Significance
Al Hagar Islamic Castle was mentioned in an old narrative by the historian and traveler Al Magdisi. One of the oldest historic castles in the Arab Peninsula, it dates back to the Abbasid period. The castle was used for many purposes; most importantly, it was a resting place for the pilgrims, as well as protecting commercial convoys. It is also one of the most prominent features in the historical site of Al Hagar, preserving till today a lot of the ancient city’s characteristics.The fort is one of the main points in the Syrian Hajj Route, and also contains a water well, which is believed to be the well that the Prophet Saleh Camel drank from.
An old castle located on the old pilgrimage road near the Madain Saleh area (2 km) and is distinguished by its architectural style, and there is a station next to the Hejaz railway line. It is being restored by the Antiquities Agency at the present time, and the site can be used in various tourism activities in connection with its nearby sites (Madain Saleh – Al Mahatta).
Selection Criteria
iii. to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
State of Preservation
The Fort was renovated in 1985 by DMAM, and is protected by the fence surrounding the Madain Saleh Archeological site.
References
– الأنصاري، عبدالرحمن الطيب ؛ وحسين علي أبو الحسن:
العلا ومدائن صالح، حضارة مدينتين (دار القوافل، الرياض، الطبعة الثانية 12142هـ/ 2005م)
Commission of Tourism and Heritage