The Importance of the Darb Zubaydah
When the Abbasid Caliphs took power in 132 AH/750 CE, one of their first major decisions was to move the capital of the Caliphate from Damascus to Kufa in today’s Iraq. Shortly after this move, as early as the year 134 AH/751 CE, the first Abbasid Caliph, Abdallah Abul'Abbas, ordered the installation of milestones, flags, and lighthouses along the trail from Kufa to Makkah, named the Darb Heerah, to ease the trip for pilgrims and merchants.
In 762, Caliph Al-Mansour chose a location 170 km north of Kufa to found a new city named Baghdad, which became the main capital of the Caliphate for five centuries. During this period, the road between Baghdad/Kufa and Makkah/Madinah became a major trade and pilgrimage route. Subsequent caliphs enhanced this route with amenities like water reservoirs, wells, palaces, and rest houses. Zubaydah bint Ja’far, the granddaughter of Caliph Abu Ja’far al-Mansour and wife of the fifth Abbasid Caliph, Harun ar-Rashid, played a prominent role in improving these facilities. Her efforts were so significant that the road was renamed from Darb Heerah to Darb Zubaydah.
Fayd: A Major Station at a Crossroads
Located halfway between Kufa and Makkah and near the crossroads leading to Madinah and Makkah, the oasis of Fayd was strategically situated along the Darb Zubaydah. The oasis benefited from underground water sourced from wells and nearby wadis that directed rainwater towards cisterns built by the people of Fayd. This water supply, combined with its strategic location, made Fayd a vital stop for pilgrims and merchants for over five centuries.
Historical Accounts of Fayd
Renowned Arab explorer Ibn Battuta visited Fayd in 1327 CE (727 AH), describing it as a fortified town with a large fortress, surrounded by a wall. He noted that pilgrims and merchants lived there, trading and storing their belongings while on their way to Makkah. Al-Jazairi, who died in 1572 CE (980 AH), also described Fayd as a large fortress with abundant water from wells and cisterns, where pilgrims could purchase sheep, meat, milk, and camels.
Fayd Archaeological Site
The Museum
Before accessing the archaeological site, visitors can explore the Fayd Museum, which showcases artifacts from the ancient fortress and its surroundings. The museum's collection includes millstones, jewels, earthenware jars, pottery, incense burners, coins, and other items that highlight the long-lasting human activity in Fayd.
The Old Oasis City
Excavations south of the archaeological site have revealed an area with ovens used by the ancient population of Fayd. Estimates suggest that at its peak, the oasis city hosted over 1,000 inhabitants who provided shelter and supplies to travelers. A notable feature of Fayd is its large cisterns, such as the one located north of the fortress, measuring about 22 meters wide and nearly 2 meters deep. The old mosque, where locals and travelers prayed for centuries, is also located in this area.
The Citadel
To protect their wealth, the inhabitants of Fayd built impressive fortifications consisting of two concentric compounds made of black basalt from the nearby Harrat Umm Al-Hurruj. The outer compound, 750 meters long with 10 towers, protected an inhabited area, while the inner compound, 350 meters long, served as the main military stronghold with walls reaching up to seven meters high. Excavations have revealed the layout of the old city, including houses and shops built along a main street parallel to the walls.
How to Visit the Old Oasis City of Fayd
The Fayd archaeological site is a 7-kilometer drive on tarmac east of the highway between Ha’il and Buraydah. There is a signpost on the highway indicating Fayd, and the nearby modern village is available on Google Maps. The archaeological site is north of the road leading to the village. Inside the site, panels guide visitors to the main features and monuments. The site is fenced, and prior permission is required, so it's advisable to arrange all administrative requirements through guides who can coordinate with Saudi authorities.
Conclusion
Fayd, a significant oasis city along the historic Darb Zubaydah, played a crucial role in facilitating trade and pilgrimage for centuries. Today, its archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of its ancient inhabitants.
