What Are the Historical Sites Located in Dumat al-Jandal in al-Jawf Province?

Al-Dar'i Neighborhood, a historical site located in Dumat al-Jandal, consists of interconnected stone houses and alleys built during the fifteenth century. It is one of the ancient quarters of Dumat al-Jandal. The site also includes Marid Castle, one of the most iconic archaeological fortresses in the northern part of the Kingdom. Marid Castle sits atop a high hill overlooking the old city of Dumat al-Jandal. Although parts of the castle were reconstructed, the majority remains in its original state. The walled castle features a set of rooms, four towers at the four corners of the fortress, used for surveillance, and a deep well located at the base of the castle. Extensions and rooms were added later to the original structure of the castle. The earliest documented mention of Marid Castle dates back to the third century, when Queen Zenobia of Palmyra besieged the fortress but failed to conquer it, leading to her famous remark: “Marid has rebelled, and al-Ablaq has risen in glory.”

Dumat al-Jandal Wall, discovered by the (then) Antiquities and Museums Agency in 1985, is located on the western edge of Dumat al-Jandal. It stands approximately 4.5 m high and shares a construction style with Marid Castle.

Omar Bin al-Khattab Mosque at Dumat al-Jandal is one of the prominent historic mosques in the Kingdom. It is believed to have been ordered by Caliph Omar Bin al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him. It was reportedly built during his passage through Dumat al-Jandal on his way to receive the keys to Jerusalem in 637. The mosque is located adjacent to al-Dar’i Neighborhood, from the south, positioned in the heart of the old city.