Discover the Intriguing Historical Landmarks of Al-Ula Governorate in Saudi Arabia, Including the Enchanting Legend of the Mountain of Girls – Explore Al-Ula Website

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.

Al-Ula Governorate, Saudi Arabia, has distinctive historical and natural destinations.
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”.

View of a carved landmark called Jabal al-Banat in 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.

The mountain includes the largest group of tombs in the archaeological site of Al-Hijr.Credit: ABDALRHMAN HAMAD ALEMAM

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.”

Jabal Al-Banat is located in the Al-Hijr archaeological site.
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.”

The mountain hosts 29 ancient tombs.
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.

The tour guide, Abd al-Rahman bin Hamad Musa al-Imam, recommended visiting other landmarks in Al-Ula Governorate, such as the old town.
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.

1683020499
#Jabal #AlBanat. #landmark #forms #background #Saudi #version #Rapunzel #story