Mada'in Salih (earlier known as Al-Hijr), about 1,111 km west-northwest of Riyadh and about 402 km northwest of Madinah, is one of the not-to-be-missed historical wonders in Saudi Arabia (and unsurprisingly of the whole world). Mada'in Salih occupies a strategic position on the ancient spice route (Frankincense Route). All caravans crossing the area passed by Al Hijr. This area was said to be very fertile with abundant water. Even though,
Al Hijr was mentioned in various inscriptions of which some dated back to the sixth century BC, all the remaining architectural elements are dated to the Nabataean Civilization that comes between 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD. In July 2008, UNESCO declared Madain Salih as the World Heritage Site.

For the route to Mada'in Salih, please proceed to the last page of this section

"And remember when He (God Almighty) made you (people of Thamud) successors after (the people of) Ad and gave you habitations in the land, you build for yourselves palaces in plains, and carve out homes in the mountains. So remember the graces (bestowed upon you) from God, and do not go about making mischief on the earth." (Holy Qur'an - 7:74)

Southern part of Qasr al-Bint tombs

Nabataeans and People of Thamud

Nabataeans (3rd cent. B.C. - 1st cent. A.D.) were said to be mysterious people. Their origin is not agreed upon by historians though some conclude that they were of Arab origin. They did not leave any kind of written history other than some inscriptions of personal matters.

According to the Holy Qur'an, the area (Mada'in Salih) was occupied by the people of Thamud (since as early as the year 3000 B.C.) Thamud lived between the times of Prophet Noah and Moses (Peace be upon them)

The name "Al-Hijr" continued to be used until 14th century A.D. Thereafter the area became known as Mada'in Salih. While this name is attributed to one of the Abbasid rulers, many people came to associate it with the Prophet Salih, who is mentioned in the Qur'an as the Prophet who was sent to the people of Thamud.

Two tomb facades

Tombs in Mada'in Salih easily matched that of Petra in Jordan which was the capital of Nabataean Kingdom; Mada'in Salih was considered their second capital.

Techniques of carving

There are a number of tombs in Mada'in Salih left unfinished. Leaving incomplete tombs and facades helped discover the stages of its carving. Evidences indicate that the mason started carving from top to bottom