Al-Zarib Castle is one of the historical forts that was used to care for pilgrims and protect their caravans. It was built for this purpose and is located in al-Wajh Governorate in Tabuk Province, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The castle consists of a western gate leading to an open courtyard surrounded by the rooms and facilities of the fort. From its four corners, some windows were used to monitor the security of the area.
The castle was built in 1617 and is considered one of the most important remaining historical sites in Tabuk Province. It has been listed in the National Register of Architectural Heritage by the Heritage Commission, making it a significant tourist attraction in the Tabuk Province.
Al-Zarib Castle location
Al-Zarib Castle is located in Wadi al-Zarib, on the eastern side of al-Wajh Governorate in Tabuk Province, about twenty km from al-Wajh City, along the old Egyptian Hajj route
Design of al-Zarib Castle
Al-Zarib Castle has a rectangular shape with four towers, one at each corner, equipped with openings. The entrance is located on the western side of the castle. Inside, it contains rooms surrounding the outer courtyard, which include a prayer area and residential spaces. Nearby, several wells were used to provide water for the pilgrims. The castle has a prominent gate on its western facade, with a rectangular and wide entrance topped by an arch. On either side of the entrance, there are stone benches. The wide entrance is also topped by an arch, and there is a small circular opening within the arch that was used to protect the entrance gate of the castle.
The inner facade of the gate is distinguished by its finely cut sedimentary stones, which differ from the stones used in the rest of the castle. The four towers of the castle provide protection for those standing behind them. The entrance leads to a courtyard around which the residential rooms are distributed. There is also a staircase with a geometric design, and a mosque with a single hall. The mosque's mihrab is topped by a circular arch and a small circular opening, flanked by two round stone columns, all within a frame that matches the shape and building materials used throughout the structure. The mosque features an octagonal minaret with a conical dome.
Reason for the construction of al-Zarib Castle
Al-Zarib Castle was built to care for pilgrims and protect their caravans until they completed their Hajj. At that time, travel was done on camels, horses, and donkeys, so pilgrims needed a temporary place equipped with water for washing, drinking, and refilling their supplies. With wells located within the castle, it became a rest stop where pilgrims could rest, store excess travel provisions, and retrieve them upon their return from Hajj. The castle also served as a place for monitoring the security of the area, as well as for defense and archery.
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