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.
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| Najran Valley In Saudi Arabia |
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
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 Najrn.
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.
