Hofuf history

The city of Hofuf, located in the heart of Al Ahsa, one of the world's largest oases, boasts a rich and centuries-old history. Archaeological findings indicate that people settled on this fertile land as far back as the Neolithic era, drawn by the abundance of water resources amidst the desert. The name of the historical region itself, Al Ahsa, comes from an Arabic word meaning "the sound of water flowing underground," highlighting the vital importance of subterranean springs for this region. Thanks to its unique location, the oasis has served as a haven for trade caravans and pilgrims for millennia.

Over the centuries, Hofuf has been a significant cultural and commercial centre. In 899, the region became the centre of a state independent of the Abbasid Caliphate, and by the year 1000, it had evolved into one of the largest cities in the world at that time. Later, these lands were part of the Ottoman Empire, traces of whose rule can still be found in the city's architecture. Legends shroud the history of Hofuf: traditions say that the Queen of Sheba herself visited here, and this place is considered the final resting place of Layla and Majnun—the heroes of the famous Arabic tale of tragic love.

Today, Hofuf is one of the main cultural centres of Saudi Arabia, where modern buildings stand alongside ancient monuments. In 2018, the entire cultural landscape of the Al Ahsa Oasis, including its gardens, canals, wells, and historical buildings, was deservedly included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This recognition underscores the exceptional value of the region as an example of harmonious interaction between humans and the environment over millennia. The city continues to play an important role, being home to many prominent Saudi families and a major educational hub.

Key Dates in the History of Hofuf

• Around 5000 BC — Archaeological findings indicate the appearance of the first permanent Neolithic settlements in the fertile Al Ahsa Oasis.
• 899 AD — The region becomes the centre of the independent Qarmatian state, which separated from the Abbasid Caliphate, with Hofuf as its capital.
• 1550 — The territory of Al Ahsa becomes part of the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Sultan Suleiman I.
• 1670 — The local Bani Khalid tribe successfully expels the Ottoman garrisons and establishes its own rule in the region.
• 1795 — Forces of the First Saudi State capture Al Ahsa, incorporating it into their domains.
• 1871 — The Ottoman Empire restores its control over the region, which would last for more than forty years.
• 1913 — King Abdulaziz ibn Saud recaptures Hofuf from the Ottomans, peacefully incorporating it into the future Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• 1938 — Discovery of major oil fields in the Eastern Province, which fundamentally changes the economy of the entire region, including Hofuf.
• 1975 — King Faisal University is founded in the city, strengthening its status as an important educational centre of the country.
• 2018 — The entire cultural landscape of the Al Ahsa Oasis, including the historical part of Hofuf, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Stages of Hofuf's Development

• Ancient Agricultural Centre: Thanks to its location in the fertile Al Ahsa Oasis, the city has been a key agricultural hub since ancient times. The abundance of water and date palms ensured its prosperity and made it an important stop on trade routes.
• Capital and Trade Hub: In the Middle Ages, Hofuf was the capital of an influential state and one of the largest cities of its time. Its markets, particularly the famous Souq Al Qaisariya, played a central role in regional trade for centuries.
• Ottoman Urban Planning: Periods of Ottoman rule left a noticeable mark on the city's architecture and layout. Fortifications were erected, such as the Ibrahim Palace, and mosques were built, defining the appearance of the historical centre.
• Integration into Saudi Arabia (1913): The peaceful entry into the future kingdom under the leadership of Abdulaziz ibn Saud was a turning point. This marked the beginning of centralised administration and integration into a unified state, creating conditions for further modernisation.
• Era of the Oil Boom (from the 1930s): The discovery of giant oil fields, such as Ghawar, in the immediate vicinity of the city fundamentally changed its economy. Hofuf received a powerful impetus for development: infrastructure modernisation began, along with the construction of roads and modern residential areas.
• Creation of an Educational Hub (1975): The founding of King Faisal University transformed Hofuf into a major educational and scientific centre of Saudi Arabia. This attracted students and specialists to the city and contributed to the development of related economic sectors.
• Modern Urban Planning: In recent decades, the city has been actively expanding. Beautification projects are being implemented, and new public spaces and transport interchanges are being built, improving the quality of life and connecting historical districts with modern ones.
• UNESCO Recognition and Tourism Development (2018): The inclusion of the Al Ahsa Oasis in the UNESCO World Heritage List stimulated the development of cultural tourism. This led to the restoration of historical monuments and the creation of new tourism infrastructure, which became an important vector for the development of the city's economy.

The architectural appearance of Hofuf represents a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern trends, reflecting the city's centuries-old history and its rapid development in the 20th century. Urban planning here has evolved from the dense construction of mudbrick oasis houses to the emergence of modern quarters with wide avenues.

Traditional Oasis Architecture

Historically, the construction in Hofuf, like the entire Al Ahsa Oasis, was dictated by harsh climatic conditions. It is characterised by the following features:

• Materials: The main building materials were unbaked brick (adobe), clay, as well as the trunks and fronds of date palms.
• Layout: The old city was distinguished by narrow, shaded streets and houses built closely together. This structure created shade and facilitated natural ventilation.
• Courtyards: A key element of the traditional dwelling was the internal courtyard, onto which the windows of all rooms opened. This ensured privacy and created a comfortable microclimate.

A striking example of traditional commercial architecture is the historical market, Souq Al Qaisariya, whose covered galleries and shops preserve the spirit of an old Arab city.

Ottoman Influence

The period of Ottoman rule, especially in the 16th and 19th centuries, left a noticeable mark on the city's fortification and administrative architecture. The most significant monument of this era is the Ibrahim Palace. This powerful structure combines elements of local and Ottoman military architecture. Its thick walls, watchtowers, and the Al-Qubba Mosque inside the fortress demonstrate the fusion of styles and the strategic importance of the city in those times.

The Modern Era

The discovery of oil fields in the mid-20th century became a catalyst for radical changes in urban planning. The architectural appearance of Hofuf began to change rapidly:

• New Materials and Styles: Clay and wood were replaced by concrete, steel, and glass. Buildings in the international modernist style appeared.
• Urban Planning: The construction of new districts began with wide roads, modern residential complexes, shopping malls, and public buildings.
• Landmarks: The founding of King Faisal University in 1975 not only strengthened the city's status as an educational centre but also introduced large-scale modern architectural complexes to its landscape.

Today, Hofuf continues to develop, carefully preserving its rich heritage recognised by UNESCO and integrating it into the modern urban environment, creating a multi-layered and colourful urban landscape.

Notable People of Hofuf

The city of Hofuf and the entire Al Ahsa Oasis have been home to many influential figures in the fields of religion, politics, culture, and sports for centuries. Below is a list of some of the most famous personalities associated with this historical region.

• Abu Tahir al-Jannabi (10th century): Ruler of the Qarmatian state, whose capital was the Al Ahsa region. He went down in history as a formidable military commander who significantly expanded his state's influence and carried out a daring raid on Makkah in 930. His rule marks an important and controversial period in the history of Eastern Arabia.
• Ibn Abi Jumhur al-Ahsai (15th century): An influential Shia theologian, jurist, and philosopher born in Al Ahsa. He travelled extensively, studied, and taught in Iraq and Persia, leaving behind significant works on theology and jurisprudence, and was renowned for his theological debates.
• Sheikh Ahmad al-Ahsai (1753–1826): A major Islamic theologian and mystic, founder of the Shaykhism school of religious philosophy. His teachings, which originated in Al Ahsa, had a significant influence on Shia thought in Iran and Iraq and attracted many followers due to ideas about the imminent arrival of Imam Mahdi.
• Ghazi Abdul Rahman Al Gosaibi (1940–2010): One of the most famous statesmen, diplomats, and men of letters of modern Saudi Arabia, born in Hofuf. He held the posts of Minister of Industry, Health, and Labour, and was ambassador to Bahrain and the United Kingdom. As a poet and novelist, he was considered an important voice for liberal reforms in the Kingdom.
• Taisir Al-Jassim (born 1984): A famous Saudi footballer born in Al Ahsa. For many years, he was the captain of Al Ahli club and one of the key players for the Saudi Arabia national team, participating in several Asian Cups and the 2018 World Cup.
• Mohammad Al-Sahlawi (born 1987): A popular footballer and striker born in Hofuf. He gained wide fame through his performances for Al Nassr club and the Saudi Arabia national team, becoming one of the top scorers in its history.
• Yasser Al-Mosailem (born 1984): A professional footballer and goalkeeper born in Al Ahsa. He spent most of his career at Al Ahli club and represented Saudi Arabia at the international level, including at the 2018 World Cup.