Al Wajh history

Foundation and First Mentions

Al Wajh is considered one of the oldest cities on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. The exact date of its foundation is hidden in the depths of history; however, it is known that the settlement served as a key port for the interior regions of the Arabian Peninsula for centuries. Historically, the city acted as the main maritime gateway for the ancient oasis of AlUla, ensuring a connection between the desert civilizations and the outside world.

Key Factors of Development

Several important circumstances contributed to the transformation of a small coastal settlement into a significant populated area:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on a plateau with convenient access to a natural harbor, making it an ideal place for ships to dock and find shelter from the elements of the sea.
• Trade Significance: Al Wajh was located at the intersection of maritime routes connecting Arabia with Egypt and African countries, ensuring a constant turnover of goods.
• Water Resources: The presence of fresh water sources was a critically important factor for survival and development in the arid climate, attracting caravans and seafarers alike.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Al Wajh was based on maritime trade, fishing, and shipbuilding. Local residents were renowned for their skills in navigation and seafood harvesting. Thanks to its status as a port, the city absorbed the cultural traditions of various peoples who visited these shores.

A unique feature of the city became its architectural heritage. A distinct style formed here, characteristic of the Hejaz region, utilizing coral stone and the famous wooden balconies known as rawashin. These elements not only adorned the facades but also served to naturally ventilate the interiors, demonstrating the high level of adaptation of early settlers to the local climate.

Ancient History and the Ottoman Period

• Era of the Nabataean Kingdom (1st century BC — 1st century AD): The city functioned as the port of Al-Hijr (Hegra), serving as a key trade hub for the Nabataeans.
• 1561: Estimated date of the construction of Al-Souq Fort, built to protect the routes of pilgrims heading to Makkah.
• 1875: Construction of the new castle-fort (Al Wajh Castle), which was used as the headquarters of the local administration during the late Ottoman period.

20th Century: Wars and Unification

• January 23–24, 1917: During the Arab Revolt, the city was taken by the forces of Prince Faisal with the support of the British navy.
• 1917: Al Wajh became the main operational base for coordinating attacks on the Hejaz Railway.
• 1925: The city peacefully entered the Saudi state during the process of the unification of Hejaz and Najd.
• 1984: Opening of the domestic Al Wajh Airport (EJH), ensuring air connectivity with other regions of the Kingdom.

Modernity and Future Outlook

• 2017: Al Wajh is included in the global tourism project, The Red Sea Project, within the framework of the "Vision 2030" strategy.
• 2023: Start of large-scale reconstruction of the airport and infrastructure under the management of Red Sea Global to transform the city into a center for international tourism.

Stages of Al Wajh's Formation and Development

The history of Al Wajh is a journey from a stopover for pilgrims to one of the centers of a global tourism project. The city has undergone several key transformations that defined its modern appearance.

• Status as a Main Port for Hajj (17th–19th centuries)
  For centuries, Al Wajh served as a crucial transit point for pilgrims from Egypt and North Africa.
  Significance: A constant flow of travelers ensured economic prosperity and cultural diversity, turning the city into a bustling trade hub on the Red Sea coast.
• Construction of Fortification Systems (1617 – late 19th century)
  The erection of Al-Zareeb Fort (east of the city) to protect water sources and later urban forts.
  Significance: Fortifications guaranteed the safety of caravan routes and water resources, which was a critical condition for the survival and growth of the settlement in the desert climate.
• Flourishing of Merchant Shipping (late 19th – early 20th century)
  During this period, the city functioned as the main maritime gateway for the entire Tabuk region and the AlUla oasis.
  Significance: The formation of a wealthy merchant class who built the famous historical center with its characteristic wooden rawashin balconies, defining the architectural face of the city.
• Strategic Center of the Arab Revolt (1917)
  The capture of the city by Arab army forces and its use as a base for operations against the Ottoman Empire.
  Significance: Al Wajh entered world history as a key point of geopolitical change in the Middle East, shifting its role from a trade port to a military-political center.
• Administrative Integration (1925)
  The city's entry into the Saudi state.
  Significance: The beginning of an era of stability and centralized governance. The city became part of a unified national economic system, allowing for the introduction of modern standards in education and medicine.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough (1980s)
  Construction of desalination plants and the opening of the airport in 1984.
  Significance: Solving the fresh water deficit triggered population growth, while air transport brought the region out of geographical isolation, linking it with the Kingdom's major metropolises.
• Inclusion in the "Vision 2030" Strategy (from 2017)
  Integration of the Al Wajh coast into the mega-project, The Red Sea Project.
  Significance: A cardinal shift in the economic paradigm — a transition from fishing and local trade to creating a world-class resort zone, attracting international investment and changing the urban structure.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Al Wajh is a unique example of adapting an urban environment to a hot climate and maritime landscape. The city historically developed on a high plateau overlooking the harbor, which defined its multi-level structure and picturesque silhouette.

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

In the development of Al Wajh, there is a clear division into the historical part (Al-Balad), which is now a cultural heritage site, and modern districts.

• Hejazi Style (19th – early 20th century)
  This is the dominant style of the historical center. Buildings were erected from local coral limestone mined from the Red Sea reefs.
  Characteristic features:
  • Massive walls that retain coolness.
  • The famous rawashin — carved wooden balconies and bay windows. They functioned as air conditioners, catching the sea breeze, and allowed residents to observe the street while remaining unseen.
  • Decorative wooden doors and shutters with intricate geometric carving.
• Ottoman Military Architecture (17th – early 20th century)
  Represented by fortification structures that served to protect the city and pilgrim routes. The style is distinguished by utility, thick walls, and the strategic placement of loopholes.
• Modern Functionalism (from the 1970s)
  With the growth of the city, the population moved to new districts with concrete construction. This period is characterized by wide streets designed for cars and standard villas, which, however, often borrow elements of traditional decor (arched windows, stylized crenellations on roofs).

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The appearance of the city is formed by several key landmarks reflecting its history:

• Al-Balad District (Old Town): A labyrinth of narrow streets on the cliff. Ancient merchant houses have been preserved here, for example, the Badiwi House, which now serves as a museum and demonstrates the luxury of the interiors of wealthy trading families of the past.
• Al Wajh Castle: Built in 1875, it is a classic example of an administrative-defensive structure of the late Ottoman period. The building with an inner courtyard and corner towers dominates the old town.
• Al-Zareeb Fort: Located to the east of the city, this rectangular fort with round towers was an important stopping point for Hajj caravans, demonstrating the skills of engineers of that time in creating water supply and protection systems in the desert.
• Al-Ashraf Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in the city, the architecture of which combines the simplicity of early Islamic forms with elements of the maritime style (the use of sea stone in the masonry).

Historical Figures and Leaders of the Arab Revolt

The history of Al Wajh is inextricably linked with the events of 1917, when the city became the headquarters of the Arab Revolt. It was here that the destinies of key figures who changed the map of the Middle East crossed paths.

• Faisal bin Hussein (King Faisal I)
  Commander, first King of Iraq
  In January 1917, Prince Faisal entered Al Wajh, making it his main operational base. From here, he coordinated the actions of the Northern Arab Army, negotiated with local tribes, and planned sabotage operations on the Hejaz Railway. The period of his stay in the city became a turning point in the campaign against the Ottoman Empire.
• Thomas Edward Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)
  British officer, archaeologist, and writer
  The legendary British intelligence officer spent several months in Al Wajh, developing a strategy for guerrilla warfare. It was in this city, according to his memoir "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," that the daring plan to march across the Nefud desert to capture Aqaba from the rear was conceived.
• Auda ibu Tayi
  Paramount Sheikh of the Howeitat tribe
  The charismatic Bedouin leader arrived in Al Wajh in the spring of 1917 to pledge allegiance to Prince Faisal. His visit to the city was a historic event: it was here that the alliance was forged which allowed Arab forces to make the legendary crossing of the desert and take Aqaba.
• Ja'far al-Askari
  General, statesman
  A former Ottoman officer who defected to the side of the revolt. In Al Wajh, he was engaged in forming and training regular units of the Arab army. His organizational skills turned scattered detachments into a combat-ready force based in the city's port.

Cultural and Public Figures

Beyond military commanders, names associated with the city include those who shaped its peaceful appearance and cultural heritage.

• Sheikh Hussein Badiwi
  Prominent merchant and philanthropist of the 19th century
  A representative of one of the city's most influential merchant families. He is known for the construction of the famous "Badiwi House" — an architectural masterpiece that is today a symbol of Al Wajh's historical heritage. His activities contributed to strengthening the city's trade ties with Egypt and Sudan.