Saudi Gazette report
ALULA — Overlooking the northern a part of Madinah, Hadiya Fortress stands from a excessive vantage level between Wadi al-Tabaq and Wadi Khaybar. It embodies a wealthy historic legacy that tells the story of centuries of pilgrims and merchants touring from the Levant to Makkah.
The archaeological website of Hadiyah Fortress is among the most outstanding strategic factors on the Levantine Hajj Route. It’s doubtless that it was used as a station for pilgrims starting within the pre-Islamic period, given its direct position in securing the route and offering consolation and provides to caravans heading to Makkah. This made it a serious transit level on this historic route.
The fort was in-built a strategic space overlooking a pond designated for gathering rainwater, making it an essential supply of water for pilgrims and a middle for supplying them with provisions. The fort consists of 4 defensive towers at its corners, three of which nonetheless stand, whereas the fourth has been affected by the results of time.
The traveler Ibn Battuta referred to this website in his documented journey within the yr 726 AH, describing the placement of the fort by saying: “It’s a properly of water in a valley the place they dig, and water comes out, and on the third day they descend into the holy, noble, and honorable metropolis,” referring to the fort’s proximity to Madinah and its pivotal place on the highway.
Historian and Islamic historical past researcher Dr. Fouad Al-Maghamsi defined that “Hadiya,” situated in Wadi Al-Tabaq, enjoys a strategic location between Madinah and Al-Ula, roughly 169 kilometers north of the town. It was a serious cease for pilgrims and commerce caravans in historical occasions, due to its handy location on one of many historic routes.
He acknowledged that the positioning gained further significance at first of the 20 th century with the launch of the railway line, when an official station referred to as “Hadiyah” was established as a part of a collection of main stations alongside this very important stretch.
