What Is the Historical Significance of al-Shuna Tower in Yanbu?

Al-Shuna Tower is one of the oldest structures in the historical area of Yanbu, located in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province, west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was built during the expansion of Yanbu Port in 1519 and served as a weapons storage facility in 1920.

The dome-like al-Shuna Tower served as a storage facility and warehouse for grains and cereals delivered to the port. The tower was constructed using Mangabi stone, clay, and plaster, with walls measuring one m thick. The structure suffered damage, with many parts collapsing, but it was restored and rehabilitated.

Yanbu rose to prominence as a commercial port since the early Islamic era, serving as a hub for caravans and pilgrim ships arriving from Egypt, the Levant, and North Africa.