2023-05-02 09:16:31
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) – The corners of the historic Al-Ula governorate embrace many wonders, with various interesting discoveries emerging from time to time.
In addition to being home to the ancient Nabatean civilization, and an open-air museum, Al-Ula also embraces facades and rock formations that testify to the skill of those who carved it in ancient times.
Credit: FAYEZ NURELDINE / Contributor
These carved wonders include the “Girl of Girls”, which includes the largest group of tombs in the archaeological site of Al-Hijr, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, according to the official website of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, “Explore Al-Ula”.
Credit: ABDALRHMAN HAMAD ALEMAM
An enchanting site with an intriguing legend
The Saudi tourist guide, Abd al-Rahman bin Hamad Musa al-Imam, documented this charming landmark through his lens while introducing tourists and visitors to the region.
In an interview with CNN in Arabic, the imam said that the landmark “is considered one of the most important historical sites in Al-Hijr,” adding that “it was named Jabal al-Banat because it contains a large number of facades and tombs owned by women, and their names are documented in ancient Nabataean inscriptions.”
Credit: ABDALRHMAN HAMAD ALEMAM
The imam also indicated that decorating the tombs with architectural decorations and dated inscriptions indicates that these tombs were used more than two thousand years ago.
The Mountain of Girls also serves as the backdrop for an intriguing legend that has been described as “the Saudi version of the story of Rapunzel,” according to the official website of the “Spirit of Saudi Arabia.”
Credit: ABDALRHMAN HAMAD ALEMAM
According to an old legend, the mountain belonged to an only daughter, and her father wanted to protect her, so he built a room for her on top of the mountain, where she sang and combed her hair, but the young woman grew increasingly lonely in her room.
While her father was traveling, a handsome man, attracted by her singing, appeared under her room, and they both fell in love at first sight.
The young woman allowed the man to visit her in her room by climbing up her long hair, and eventually became pregnant.
But this story did not have a happy ending, when her father returned to the stone, and learned of her pregnancy, he ended the lives of the two lovers.
Credit: ABDALRHMAN HAMAD ALEMAM
The imam explained that the antiquities of the Al-Hijr area enchant visitors, especially when they arrive at the Jabal Al-Banat site, and see the various tombs and the ways of carving in them.
In the event that one is not satisfied with visiting this landmark alone, the imam recommends visiting Mount Athleb, the cemetery of Lahyan bin Koza, and the old town, in addition to enjoying the charming panoramic view of Mount Awerid.
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