Najran
The Najran oasis stands 4,500 feet above sea-level. Its tallest point reaches 2,000 feet high within the valley, placing it at 6,500 feet above sea-level overall. This elevated position sits in a fertile wadi that hosts rich soil and abundant water resources despite the surrounding arid environment. The length of the oasis measures 15 miles while its width spans just 2 miles. A layer of sandstone lies above igneous rocks like basalt and granite throughout this area. This sandstone belt stretches over a considerable distance across the entire oasis and has historically facilitated movement through Najran compared with the surrounding granite mountains. Many trade routes cross through this region where numerous graffiti have been found by archaeologists. In ancient times, this location served as an obligatory passageway to reach Yemen when entering from the Hejaz or the Arabian Gulf. Two main caravan routes intersected here: one running from Hadhramaut through the Hejaz to the Eastern Mediterranean, another extending northeast through Al-Yamama into Mesopotamia. The great Sabaean mukarrib Karib'il Watar conquered this federation in the early 7th century BC according to his lengthy Sabaic inscription. Three centuries later, another inscription shows continuing Sabaean rule over Najran. By the 2nd century BC, Amirum eclipsed Ma'in in the Jawf area and took control of Najran. During this period, the considerable role played by Najran in caravan trade led to the adoption of Dhu Samawi across Yemen including by the earlier Ma'in kingdom.
Beginning in 522, the Jewish king of Hummer, Dhū Nuwās, initiated campaigns against Christians in South Arabia. His forces included Himyarite locals and Aksumites already present in the region. An inscription commissioned by one of Dhu Nuwas's army commanders describes these events in a celebratory manner. Sharahil positioned himself against Najran laying siege to the city while blocking its northeastern caravan route toward Qaryat al-Faw and eastern Arabia. This blockade aimed to put economic pressure on the city during the thirteen-month-long siege that followed. After capturing Najran, Sharahil ordered a large plunder of the area and stated execution of 12,500 people from the city. Part of the capture success involved an offer made by Dhu Nuwas that relinquishing control would guarantee safety for Christians. He swore this oath over a Torah scroll in the presence of several rabbis before breaking his promise entirely. The massacre became international outrage among Christians with Syriac authors writing many works about it including the Book of Himyarites and Simeon's Letter on the Himyarite Martyrs. A particular moment of outrage occurred when Dhu Nuwas ordered bones of Najran's bishops exhumed collected in a church then burned alongside other Christian laity and clerics. In the aftermath, the clan of Arethas built a martyrium dedicated to the martyred Christians known as the Kaaba of Najran. This structure became a point of pilgrimage with custodians drawn from Banū Abd al-Madān chief clan of the tribe of Balhārith. Three churches from Najran are now known: the Church of the Ascension of Christ, the Church of the Holy Martyrs and the Glorious Arethas, and the Church of the Holy Mother of God.
During Muhammad's preaching period, he was visited by a delegation of the Christians of Najran involving a 2qib, a sayyid, and a bishop. After early Muslim conquests, these Christians fell under Islamic rule according to the Siyar of ash-Shaybani. The community made an agreement to pay Muhammad an annual tribute of 2,000 pieces of clothing in return for promised protection. This agreement was renewed under caliphs Abū Bakr and Umar ibn al-Khattab. However, in 641, the Christians of Najran were accused of usury and expelled from the city entirely. Under Caliph 2Umar's reign, the Christian community was deported to Mesopotamia where they settled near Kufa in a place they called Najānīya. In the following centuries, Najran lost much of its former importance though reports indicate Jews and Christians still comprised two-thirds of the population in the 13th century. By 1633, the Principality of Najran was established initially under Yemeni kingdom suzerainty before control shifted to the Ottoman Empire as part of forming Ottoman Arabia. The fort of Najran was constructed later in 1942 but built according to earlier architectural norms featuring thick mud walls and high ceilings supported by palm rafters. Before being decommissioned in 1967, this structure served as the palace of the local emir. Today it remains one of the main tourist attractions of the town despite its relatively recent construction date.
After World War I ended with Ottoman defeat, they retreated from the Arabian Peninsula leaving Najran region within newly formed Kingdom of Yemen territory. In 1932, Ibn Saud merged Hejaz and Nejd to establish Saudi Arabia creating undefined borders between these new states. Failed negotiations over territorial ownership led Saudi Arabia to launch war on the 20th of March 1934 against Yemeni forces. Saudi forces quickly drove out Yemeni troops while Britain Italy and France sent warships into Hodeidah port captured by Saudi Arabia. This international pressure prompted Ibn Saud announcing ceasefire initiating negotiations that officially concluded May 20 with Treaty of Taif signing. That treaty defined border extending from Red Sea to southern tip of Najran province though Saudi only claimed temporary rule initially. In 1994, Saudi Arabia asserted permanent ownership over the entire province. After taking control in 1934, local Jewish population numbered around 200 people according to Saudi records. By 1949, these Jews were permitted to leave for Aden where they rejoined migrating Yemenite Jewish communities heading toward Israel. The city now serves as capital of Najran Province with population reaching 381,431 according to 2022 census figures.
Old Najran was surrounded by circular wall measuring 220 by 230 meters constructed from square stone featuring defensive balconies throughout its perimeter. Excavations at this site have uncovered glass metals pottery bronze artifacts alongside square and rectangular buildings dating back centuries. At Al-Ukhdūd located south of current city carvings from ancient times remain visible along with human bones discovered there. A museum displays items including distinctive bronze lion head among other archaeological treasures. Najran's landmarks include the Rass stone standing 2 meters high made entirely of granite material. The fort built in 1942 now serves as main tourist attraction despite being relatively recent construction compared to older ruins nearby. In 1981 completion marked end of Najran Valley Dam project situated about southwest of main urban center within Wadi Najran itself. This dam provides water supply flood control groundwater recharge functions while supporting regional development efforts today. Despite hot desert climate conditions typical across Arabian Peninsula average temperature remains approximately cooler than Riyadh due to higher altitude positioning at 4,500 feet above sea level.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
What is the elevation of Najran above sea level?
Najran stands 4,500 feet above sea-level. Its tallest point reaches 2,000 feet high within the valley, placing it at 6,500 feet above sea-level overall.
When did Dhū Nuwās initiate campaigns against Christians in South Arabia?
Beginning in 522, the Jewish king of Hummer, Dhū Nuwās, initiated campaigns against Christians in South Arabia. His forces included Himyarite locals and Aksumites already present in the region.
How many people were executed during the capture of Najran by Sharahil?
After capturing Najran, Sharahil ordered a large plunder of the area and stated execution of 12,500 people from the city. This event became international outrage among Christians with Syriac authors writing many works about it including the Book of Himyarites and Simeon's Letter on the Himyarite Martyrs.
On what date was the Treaty of Taif signed to define borders between Saudi Arabia and Yemen?
Negotiations officially concluded May 20 with Treaty of Taif signing. That treaty defined border extending from Red Sea to southern tip of Najran province though Saudi only claimed temporary rule initially.
What happened during the confrontation outside Najran's Holiday Inn hotel on the 23rd of April 2000?
A watershed confrontation occurred outside Najran's Holiday Inn hotel on the 23rd of April 2000 involving armed demonstrators against police and army units. Exchange of fire left two Ismā2ilīs dead plus one policeman killed according to some government accounts.