By Loay Al-Zube
The ancient city of Hijr in Saudi Arabia has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. It is a historically significant site, mentioned in the Qur’an and known to have been inhabited since at least the 1st century CE. Located in the north-western corner of the Arabian Peninsula, Hijr is a testimony to the power and influence of the Nabataeans and their culture.
What is Hijr?
Hijr is an ancient archaeological site located in the northwestern corner of Saudi Arabia near the borders of Jordan and Israel. It is located in the province of Tabuk, about 60 km south of Madinah. It is located at the edge of the Wadi Al-Hijr, which is an important source of water in the region. The site is known to have been inhabited since at least the 1st century CE, and is mentioned in the Qur’an. The city was once a major trading center for the Nabataeans, who are believed to have inhabited the area from the 4th century BCE until the 2nd century CE.
Why is Hijr important?
Hijr is important for its long history and archaeological significance. The site is home to the tombs of some of the most powerful leaders of the Nabataean kingdom, including the tombs of Queen Shubaydah and King Aretas IV. Additionally, the city is known for its impressive architecture, including a large acropolis, a temple, and a theater.
The city also bears witness to the Nabataean’s great engineering skills, as evidenced by the extensive use of stone and brick in the construction of the city’s fortifications and monuments.
What makes Hijr a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Hijr was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. This prestigious designation recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the site, which has been inhabited for centuries and is home to a number of important archaeological remains.
The UNESCO designation recognizes Hijr as an outstanding example of the Nabataean civilization and its achievements. The site’s combination of archaeological and cultural remains, including the tombs of Nabataean leaders, makes it a unique example of the power and influence of the Nabataeans in the region.
Conclusion
The ancient city of Hijr in Saudi Arabia is an important example of the power and influence of the Nabataean civilization. The city’s impressive architecture and important archaeological remains have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 and a testament to the culture and achievements of the Nabataeans. Hijr is a unique site and an important part of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.