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Hejaz

Adapted from Wikipedia · Discoverer experience

The Kaaba, a sacred site located in the Great Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Hejaz is a historical region of the Arabian Peninsula that includes most of the western part of Saudi Arabia. Important cities in this area are Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Tabuk, Yanbu, Taif, and Al-Bahah. The region is often called the "Western Province" and is bordered by the Red Sea to the west, Jordan and the Gulf of Suez to the north, the Najd to the east, and Yemen to the south.

Jeddah is the largest city in Hejaz and the second-largest city in all of Saudi Arabia. Mecca and Medina are also major cities in the region and are very important in Islam. Because of these holy cities, Hejaz holds a special place in Islamic history and culture. Arabic is the main language spoken there, with many people speaking a special dialect called Hejazi Arabic. The people of Hejaz come from many different backgrounds, but most are of Arab origin.

Etymology

The name "Hejaz" comes from an Arabic word that means "to separate". This is because the Hejaz region separates two other areas: Najd to the east and Tihāmah to the west.

History

See also: History of Saudi Arabia

The city of al-Ula in 2012. The city's archaeological district is in the foreground, with the Hejaz Mountains in the background.

According to Islamic tradition, this region is where the Islamic prophet Muhammad was born, in Mecca. It is believed that Mecca was founded by his ancestors Abraham, Ishmael, and Hagar. The area later became part of his empire during the early Muslim conquests. It was included in several caliphates over time: first the Rashidun Caliphate, then the Umayyad Caliphate, and finally the Abbasid Caliphate. The Ottoman Empire also controlled parts of the area at times. After the Ottoman Empire ended, an independent Kingdom of Hejaz existed briefly in 1925 before being taken over by the nearby Sultanate of Nejd, forming the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd. In September 1932, this kingdom joined with other areas to become the unified Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Besides Mecca and Medina, other important historical places in Hejaz include Fadak, Khaybar, Taymah, and Wādī al-Qurā in Al-Ula.

Culture

See also: Culture of Saudi Arabia

Religion

The culture of Hejaz is deeply shaped by Islam, as it is home to two of its most important cities, Mecca and Medina. In Saudi Arabia, Islamic teachings guide many aspects of daily life, creating a society that values tradition and family. Many customs in the region have been passed down for centuries, mixing Arab heritage with Islamic practices.

Cuisine

Hejazi food shares many dishes with the rest of Saudi Arabia but also has its own special recipes, like Saleeg. Other foods in the region come from many places around the world, brought by people from different cultures. For example, Mantu, Yaghmush, and Ruz Bukhāri came from Central Asia, while Burēk, Šurēk, and Kabab almīru are from Turkey and the Balkans. Dishes like Mandi and Mutabbag are from Yemen, and Biryāni and Kābli come from South Asia. Grilled meats such as shawarma and kebab are also popular, and Hejazi meals are often full of flavor and spices.

Geography

See also: Geography of Saudi Arabia and Geology of Saudi Arabia

The Hejaz is a part of Saudi Arabia that lies along the Red Sea. It is known for its dark, volcanic sand. The area includes some tall mountains that separate it from another region called Najd. There are many old volcanoes in the Hejaz, and large lava fields cover a huge area—bigger than the whole state of Missouri.

Cities

See also: List of cities and towns in Saudi Arabia

Some important cities in the Hejaz include:

Al Bahah Region:

Medina:

Mecca Province:

Tabuk Region:

Tourism

See also: Tourism in Saudi Arabia

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, a big tourist area is being built between the towns of Umluj and Al-Wajh along the Red Sea coast. This area covers 28,000 square kilometres (11,000 square miles). The plan includes using 22 of the many islands along the coast to create a special place for visitors with high-quality homes, shops, and other services. The rules for this area will follow international standards.

Demographics

See also: Demographics of Saudi Arabia

The Hejaz is the most populated region in Saudi Arabia, home to 35% of the country's people. Most people here follow the Sunni tradition, with a smaller group of Shia people living in cities like Medina, Mecca, and Jeddah. Many people in the Hejaz see themselves as very open-minded because this area was part of big Islamic empires, such as the Umayyads and the Ottomans, for many years. People in the Hejaz feel a strong connection to the important places in Mecca and Medina, giving them a unique identity among regions in Saudi Arabia.

Culture

The Hejaz region has a rich and important history, especially for many people around the world. It is home to two of the most sacred cities in a major world faith, which brings many visitors each year. The area has its own special traditions and ways of life that have been passed down through generations. People there take great pride in their cultural heritage and the stories of their past.

Notable people

Al-Abwa'

Further information: Al-Abwa'

Mecca

Pre–6th century CE

Since

Medina

Pre–6th century CE

Since

Ta'if

6th–7th centuries CE

Since

Images

An ancient statue displayed at the National Museum of Korea during an exhibition of archaeological treasures from Saudi Arabia.
Historical site in Makkah showing the Place of Birth near Masjid ul Harram.
The Prophet's Mosque, a beautiful and important place of worship.
A view of the Great Mosque of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, showcasing its impressive architecture and cultural significance.
Hajr Ismail is a significant historical site located near the Kaaba in Makkah.
Ruins of Qasr al Farid, an ancient tomb located in the archaeological site of Mada'in Saleh in Saudi Arabia.
A 16th-century illustration of Arabian merchants from the Códice Casanatense, showing a merchant and his wife in traditional clothing.
Historical image showing workers laying railway tracks on the Hejaz Railway near Tabuk in 1906.
Map showing the historical region of the Kingdom of Hejaz
A beautiful night view of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology campus with illuminated buildings.
A view of the Mina area near Masjid Al-Khayf, an important site during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Pilgrims gathered on the plain of Arafat during the Hajj, a holy journey in Islam.
Historical ruins and ancient rock carvings in the region of Madian, Saudi Arabia.

Related articles

Jeddah
Saudi Arabia
Red Sea
Jordan
Umayyad Caliphate
Abbasid Caliphate

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Hejaz, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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