Najran Province

Najran
—  Province  —
نجران
Map of Saudi Arabia with Najran highlighted
Capital	Najran
Government
– Governor	Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah
Area
– Total	119,000 km2 (45,946.2 sq mi)
Population (2004)
– Total	500,000
– Density	4.20/km2 (10.9/sq mi)
ISO 3166-2	10

Najran (Arabic: نجران‎ Naǧrān) is a province of Saudi Arabia, located in the south of the country along the border with Yemen. It has an area of 119,000 km². Its capital is Najran. Najran is inhabited by the powerful Yam tribe, who have lived in the region for hundreds of years. The Governor of the Najran Province has been Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz since 2009. The former Governor was Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdul Aziz but he was "relieved" in 2008. ^[1]

Geography

Najran contains three geographical regions. First, the flat region which lies in the middle of Najran. It has several valleys, the most famous of them being Najran’s valley. Second, the mountainous region which is in the west and the north. There the weather is moderate in summer. It has several beautiful parks such as shadowy and nabk trees. It has important governorate centers. They are Habuna governorate, Badr EL-junoob governorate, Yadmah governorate, and that governorate that won King Fahd’s attention because it has mineral wealth. The most important of all is the gold area where much gold was mined that lies in El-Johns area, which follows Safah center. Many of the mountains are distinguished by granite rocks that produce marble and granite. Its productions cover a large part of the Kingdom’s needs. Third, the sandy region which lies in the east and is a part of the Empty Quarter. It is extremely rich in oil.

The name of Najran

The name of Najran means "the piece of wood in which the hinge of the door goes around". The word "Najran" also means thirsty. Another explanation is that the name was attributed to Najran Ibn Zaidan Ibn Sabaa Ibn Yashgab Ibn Yareb Ibn Qahtan because he was the first person to come to Najran and inhabit it.

Najran valley dam

Najran valley dam is considered to be one of the most important distinct civil places in Najran region because of its special position and it is a beautiful and wonderful scene. It is 35 km from Najran town. On this dam, there is a road 4.5 meters wide. It was built from concrete blocks. Furthermore, it has a system of water pipes in the dam which keeps the water cold.

Ancient Christianity

Main article: Christian community of Najran

Najran is known as an ancient settlement ground for Christians in the Arabian peninsula. In fact, the population has signed the famous Najran Pact in the 7th century with the Prophet Muhammad, promising them fair treatment as subjects (dhimmi) of the newly conquered territories. Even today, it is said that there remain Christian communities in Najran.

As-Saud Waterfall

It is one of the most beautiful places distinct in Najran. The people of Najran look at the waterfall's unique civil place. It was built in a unique architecture style. Water falls in a beautiful way. You can watch this waterfall from a long distance.

The most famous dishes

The most famous dishes in Najran include: - Al-Burr: a breakfast meal which consists of bread made from wheat and flour, it is mixed and given the round ball shape and a hole is made to put milk, or honey, or dates honey on it, - Al-Wafed: a thick kind of bread made of wheat and is also made in round shape, it is served in Al-Matrah beside Al-Marg, - Al-Maasooba: made of corn flour meshed and some soup added is to make it soft, and it is usually served in a special ceremonies, - Ar-Ruksh: a soft kind of bread which comes in the shape of slice and it is served in the pot made of stone and then it is mixed with the soup, - Al-Margoog: consists of dough which is cut into small slices and it is cooked with soup and vegetables.

Folk arts

Najran has some folk arts including the traditional clay considered to be among the most beautiful in Arab area. The houses are built of light tan clay in the shape of a rectangle. On the other hand, Najran has different kinds of traditional dance. For example, Al-Zamil which is an enthusiastic kind of poetry refers to special occasion in which so many men share together in the middle of a circle formed by old men. The stanzas of Al-Zamil are chosen carefully to express the subject for the occasion. Furthermore, Al-Zamil is considered to express emotions, and some time for apologies. Al-Razffah describes a dance which is used for wedding, or for happy occasions. Choirs come into rows and they sing poetry, and their country’s glory they are usually they for beautiful girls, and for the emotions. Al-Razffah has a special time and special voice. Between the two rows two men meet each other and they dance in specific movements holding stilettos or sticks in their hands. Also there is another art that is (Laa'bat Ateran) done by black men.

References

Minosa, Tchekof. Najran: Desert Garden of Arabia. Paris: Scorpio Editer, n.d

1. ^ http://www.kkh.med.sa/Portal/en/news-a-event/70-2010-03-18-00-20-19.html

See also

• Greater Yemen

External links

Saudi Arabia portal

• Travel through the province of Najran, Splendid Arabia: A travel site with photos and routes

Coordinates: 17°29′30″N 44°07′56″E / 17.49167°N 44.13222°E / 17.49167; 44.13222