Al-Ablaq Palace

Al-Ablaq Palace,also known as "al-Ablaq Fortress," is a historical palace located southwest of Tayma' Governorate in Tabuk Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its construction is attributed to Adiya, the ancestor of the pre-Islamic poet al-Samaw'al.

Al-Ablaq Palace has been known by several names, including "al-Radhm" Palace and "al-Fard" (the unique) due to the absence of any similar structure in its time. Renowned for its strength and fortification, it is also referred to as "al-Samaw'al Palace" and "al-Ablaq al-Fard."

The palace derived its name from its color, which ranges between white and red—a hue referred to as "al-Ablaq" in Arabic. Built of stone on an earthen hill, it gained historical fame and was mentioned in many ancient Arabic books. In "Kitab al-Aghani" by Abu Faraj al-Asfahani, it is noted that Adiya, the ancestor of al-Samaw'al, dug a well of fresh water in the fortress. Arabs would visit, and he would host them, establishing a market near al-Ablaq.

The palace is also mentioned in "Mu'jam al-Buldan" by Yaqut al-Hamawi in the thirteenth century, who indicated that the palace was "in ruins." Contrary to this, Sheikh Hamad al-Jasser, died in 2000, in his book "al-Mu'jam al-Jughrafi Lil-Bilad al-'Arabiyyah al-Su'udiyyah" (Geographical Dictionary of Saudi Arabian Countries) pointed out its "strength," explaining that the remains of the fortress still exist.

A proverb is attributed to "al-Zabba'," the Queen of Palmyra who lived in the third century and died in 273: "A giant rebelled, and al-Ablaq still strong," which may imply that she could not capture al-Ablaq Palace.

Al-Ablaq Palace is mentioned several times in ancient poetry, including:

- Adiya built for me a fortress grand and strong, With water to draw, whenever I long

- In al-Ablaq al-Fard my home does stand ... No destiny’s house rivals al-Ablaq

Al-A'sha said about it:

Not even Adiya could prevent death with his wealth, And the unique al-Ablaq of the Jew in Tayma'

Its heights were established by the son of David for a time, With lofty arches and strong construction

It rivals the midpoints of the sky, and beneath it, Are courtyards, halls, plaster, and a moat

It has a high tower at its top and elevations, And musk, basil, and wine that claps

And fair maidens like dolls and generous women, Pots, a cook, a Sa` (unit of measurement), and a bowl

Thus, its lord could not escape death, but death came to him unhesitatingly.

Al-A'sha also said:

In al-Ablaq al-Fard of Tayma is a dwelling, a fortified castle, and a neighbor who does not betray

The General Directorate of Antiquities at the Ministry of Knowledge (currently Ministry of Education) conducted archaeological excavations at al-Ablaq Palace. It was found that settlement at the site dates back to the early first millennium  and continued until the early centuries.