Jazan history

Foundation and Historical Roots

The history of Jazan stretches back into deep antiquity, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact founding date, as settlements in this region have existed for millennia. The city is situated on the historic coastal plain of Tihama. In early Arab chronicles and geographical treatises, the name "Jazan" initially referred to the inland valley (Wadi Jazan), known for its fertility, as well as a fortress controlling the surrounding area. Over time, this name became attached to the port city, which became the centre of the region.

Factors in the City's Development

The development of Jazan as a significant settlement was predetermined by a unique combination of natural and strategic conditions:

• Geographic Location: Its location on the shores of the Red Sea made the city a natural maritime gateway for the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Its proximity to the Farasan Archipelago enhanced its navigational importance.
• Trade Routes: For centuries, Jazan served as a key hub at the intersection of sea and land routes. Goods from India and East Africa passed through here, as did caravans of pilgrims heading to Makkah.
• Agrarian Resources: Unlike many desert cities, Jazan enjoyed powerful support in the form of the fertile lands of the surrounding valleys, ensuring food security and goods for trade.

Early Economy and Culture

The economic life of early Jazan was closely tied to the sea and trade, which shaped a distinct way of life:

• Maritime Trades: Until the modern era, the foundation of the residents' prosperity was fishing and pearl diving. Local divers and seafarers were renowned for their skill throughout the Red Sea region.
• Architecture: The city's historic built environment was distinguished by a unique style combining elements of mountain and coastal architecture, utilizing stone and mud brick adapted to the humid and hot climate.
• Cultural Exchange: Thanks to active trade, a rich cultural heritage formed in Jazan, absorbing the traditions of various peoples who visited this bustling port.

Chronology of the City's Development

• Antiquity — Middle Ages — Jazan takes shape as an important transshipment point on trade routes and a centre for pearl diving in the Red Sea.
• 1932 — The city and region officially become part of the newly formed Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, beginning a new chapter in their development.
• 1950s — The start of active modernization of urban infrastructure and the construction of the first modern roads.
• 1970 — Opening of the Wadi Jazan Dam, which became a key facility for irrigating the region's agricultural lands.
• 1976 — Commencement of operations at Jazan Airport, ensuring regular air connections with the country's major cities.
• 1981 — Completion of the new deep-water port, significantly expanding the city's trading capabilities.
• 2005 — Establishment of Jazan University, which quickly became the province's main educational and scientific hub.
• 2006 — King Abdullah lays the foundation stone for Jazan Economic City.
• 2015 — Launch of new tourism development initiatives aimed at promoting the Farasan Archipelago and the coast.
• 2018 — Start of large-scale projects within the framework of the national "Vision 2030" program to diversify the regional economy.
• 2021 — Commissioning of new industrial facilities, strengthening Jazan's status as an industrial hub.

Key Development Milestones: From Port to Industrial Centre

The history of Jazan is a journey from a traditional fishing settlement to one of Saudi Arabia's most important agro-industrial and logistics centres. Each of the events listed below radically changed the face and economy of the city.

• Construction of the Wadi Jazan Dam (1970)
  This project was a turning point for the region's agriculture. The dam not only protected the city from seasonal floods but also allowed for the creation of an efficient irrigation system. Thanks to this, Jazan secured its status as the "fruit basket" of the Kingdom, supplying the country with tropical fruits and grain crops.
• Opening of the New Jazan Port (1981)
  The launch of the deep-water port turned the city into a strategic logistics hub in the southern Red Sea. This event revitalized trade with Africa and Asia, created hundreds of jobs, and stimulated the development of supporting infrastructure, including roads and warehouses.
• Establishment of Jazan University (2005)
  The appearance of a major higher education institution became a powerful driver of social change. The university not only raised the level of education among the local population but also attracted students and faculty from other regions and countries, enriching the city's cultural life.
• Launch of the "Jazan Economic City" Project
  The start of construction on this giant industrial cluster marked the transition from an agrarian economy to an industrial one. The project attracted multi-billion dollar investments, including the construction of an oil refinery and a power plant, making the region a key player in the country's energy sector.
• Airport Modernization
  Transforming the regional airport into a modern transport hub significantly simplified tourist access to the region. This gave impetus to the development of the tourism sector, opening a convenient path for travellers to the Farasan Archipelago and the province's mountain resorts.
• Integration into "Vision 2030"
  In recent years, the city has been actively transforming within the framework of the national strategy. The focus has shifted to economic diversification, the development of sustainable tourism, and the preservation of cultural heritage, leading to the restoration of historic districts and the improvement of the urban environment for residents and guests.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Jazan represents a unique blend of the traditional building styles of the Tihama coastal plain and rapid modern urbanization. The city has evolved from a small port with mud-brick and stone structures into a major industrial and educational centre with modern infrastructure.

Traditional Era: Tihama Style and Ottoman Heritage

The region's historic buildings were shaped by the hot and humid climate, as well as available natural materials.

• Vernacular Architecture (Folk Style): Characteristic of residential buildings until the mid-20th century. The main type of housing was conical huts known as "ushsha". They were built from wood, straw, and clay, which ensured excellent ventilation. In wealthier quarters and administrative buildings, stone and fired brick with decorative wooden elements were used.
• Fortification Architecture: The strategic position of the port required protection. A vivid example is Al-Dosariyah Castle. This massive stone structure, located on high ground, combines elements of local masonry and Ottoman military engineering.

Era of Modernization: Functionalism and Concrete

With the start of the oil boom and the unification of the Kingdom, the city began to expand beyond the old centre.

• Functionalism (1970s–1990s): Practical concrete construction predominated during this period. Wide avenues, administrative buildings, and standard residential blocks appeared. Architecture became more utilitarian, focused on quickly providing housing for a growing population.
• Infrastructural Gigantism: The construction of the port and the Wadi Jazan dam changed the landscape, adding large-scale engineering structures to the city's panorama.

Modernity: High-Tech and Neo-Traditionalism

In the 21st century, Jazan is experiencing a new architectural flourishing linked to the implementation of mega-projects and attention to cultural heritage.

• Contemporary Modernism and High-Tech: The symbol of the new era is the Jazan University campus. Its administrative tower, made of glass and steel, dominates the coastline, embodying a striving towards the future.
• Neo-Traditionalism (Heritage Preservation): In response to globalization, an interest in roots has emerged. The Jazan Heritage Village complex is an architectural reconstruction where modern technologies are used to recreate traditional stone houses and huts, allowing tourists to see the historic look of the region in comfortable conditions.

Notable People of Jazan

The Jazan region, possessing a rich cultural heritage, has been the birthplace of many famous figures who have left a significant mark on the history, art, and science of Saudi Arabia.

• Mohammed Abdu — Singer and Composer.
  One of the most famous musicians in the Arab world, holding the honorary title "Artist of the Arabs". A native of the Jazan region, he has made an invaluable contribution to popularizing Khaleeji (Gulf) and Saudi music on the international stage.
• Hafiz ibn Ahmed Al-Hakami — Islamic Scholar and Educator.
  A prominent Islamic scholar of the mid-20th century. He played a key role in establishing the education system in southern Saudi Arabia by founding several schools. His works on theology and law are still studied in Islamic universities.
• Muhammad ibn Ali al-Idrisi — Political Figure and Ruler.
  A historical figure of the early 20th century, founder of the Idrisid Emirate in Asir and Jazan. His rule was an important stage in the region's history, preceding its peaceful integration into the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Ibrahim Miftah — Poet, Historian, and Writer.
  A native of the Farasan Islands who dedicated his life to studying and documenting the history of Jazan and the archipelago. His books are considered important sources for understanding the cultural traditions and past of this coastal land.
• Ahmed ibn Ibrahim Al-Harbi — Writer and Novelist.
  A contemporary literary figure whose work has received recognition both within the country and abroad. An active member of the Jazan Literary Club, promoting the development of modern prose and supporting young talents in the region.