Qurayyat history

Origin History and Meaning of the Name

Modern Qurayyat grew on the site of ancient settlements located in the strategically important Al Jawf region. The city's name translates from Arabic as "small villages" and was historically known as "Qurayyat al-Milh" (Villages of Salt). This name reflects the structure of early settlement in the territory: instead of a single large centre, there existed a group of small settlements united by a common trade and geography.

Key Factors of Formation

The city's development was defined by its unique geographical position in the north of the country, near the border with Jordan. Saudi Arabia in this part of the peninsula historically served as a gateway for travellers and merchants. The most important factors for growth were:

• Trade Routes: For centuries, the city served as a key transit point for caravans heading from the Levant deep into the Arabian Peninsula.
• Pilgrimage Path: Important roads for pilgrims performing Hajj passed through this area, which contributed to the development of hospitality infrastructure and the exchange of goods.

Early Economy and Cultural Features

The economic foundation of the region since ancient times was salt mining. Local salt was famous for its quality and was the main export commodity, earning the region the nickname "the storehouse of white gold". In addition to mining, residents engaged in agriculture in the oases, cultivating dates and olives, which formed a special way of life combining the traditions of settled farmers and trading enterprise.

Key Milestones in the City's History

• Ancient Period — The settlement, known as "Qurayyat al-Milh" (Villages of Salt), flourishes due to the mining of high-quality salt and its location on caravan routes.
• 630 AD — The region comes under the sphere of influence of Islam during the Prophet Muhammad's expedition to Tabuk, facilitating the spread of the new religion among local tribes.
• 1922 — The Kaf Oasis (the historical centre of the district) becomes the subject of a territorial dispute and is temporarily occupied by Transjordanian forces.
• 1925 (November 2) — The "Hadda Agreement" is signed, according to which Qurayyat officially becomes part of the domains of the Sultan of Nejd (future Saudi Arabia).
• 1926 — A local administration (Emirate) is created in the city, beginning the process of integrating the region into a unified state governance.
• 1932 — After the proclamation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the city affirms its status as a strategic border outpost in the north of the country.
• 1974 — Opening of the domestic Gurayat (Qurayyat) Airport, ensuring regular air connections with Riyadh and Jeddah.
• 1980s — Large-scale modernization of the "Al-Haditha" checkpoint, 30 km from the city, which becomes the largest land port in the Middle East.
• 1993 — The beginning of active development of olive growing in the region, which subsequently brought the city fame as one of the "olive capitals" of the Kingdom.
• 2007 — The final demarcation of borders between Saudi Arabia and Jordan consolidates stability and promotes the growth of trade turnover through the city.
• 2018 — Visit of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, during which the foundation stone was laid for new infrastructure projects.
• 2022 — The city's population reaches approximately 167,000 people, confirming its role as a key economic centre of the Al Jawf province.

Modern Qurayyat is the result of a dynamic transformation from small oases into an important economic hub. Located at the junction of trade routes, the city has gone through several key stages of development that have shaped its current appearance and status within the state of Saudi Arabia.

• Consolidation of "Salt Villages": Historically, the settlement developed around salt mining, which gave it the ancient name "Qurayyat al-Milh". The unification of scattered villages into a single administrative unit allowed for the centralization of resources and created a base for future urbanization.
• Creation of the "Al-Haditha" Land Port: The construction and modernization of the largest border crossing with Jordan in the Middle East turned the city into the Kingdom's main northern gateway. This event became a powerful driver for the development of logistics, international trade, and the service sector.
• Agrarian Revolution and Olive Growing: The transition from traditional date cultivation to the intensive farming of olive trees radically changed the region's agriculture. Today, the city is one of the recognized centres of olive oil production, which gave a powerful impulse to the local economy.
• Development of Transport Aviation: The opening of the local airport ensured rapid connections with Riyadh and Jeddah. This overcame the geographical isolation of the region, opening it up to business travel, investors, and government projects.
• Urban Modernization: In recent decades, the city has experienced a construction boom, including the erection of modern medical centres, educational institutions, and residential districts. This has significantly improved the quality of life and attracted qualified specialists to the region.
• Integration into Development Strategy: The inclusion of the city in national infrastructure and tourism development programs (within the framework of "Vision 2030") opens new perspectives, turning it from a transit point into an independent attraction on the country's map.

From Mudbrick Fortresses to a Modern City

The architectural appearance of the city of Qurayyat clearly illustrates the transformation of the region from scattered oases into a strategic urban centre. Urban development here is clearly divided into two eras: the traditional, where architecture served as protection against the climate and enemies, and the modern, oriented towards comfort, logistics, and state standards.

Historical Heritage: Vernacular Architecture

In the old districts and surroundings (particularly in the historical settlement of Kaf), examples of traditional Arabian architecture have been preserved. This style was formed over centuries under conditions of resource scarcity and a harsh climate.

• Materials and Technologies: The main building material was adobe (unfired brick made of clay and straw) on a stone foundation. Roofs were made from date palm trunks and tamarisk.
• Iconic Object: The brightest example of the era is Qasr Kaf (Kaf Castle). This is a fortification with cone-shaped towers and thick walls, characteristic of the military architecture of Arabia in the early 20th century. It combines utilitarian simplicity with the reliability necessary to control caravan routes.

Modern Stage: Functionalism and Modernization

With the onset of the oil boom and centralized administration, Saudi Arabia began a large-scale reconstruction of its cities. Qurayyat was no exception, exchanging winding streets for a clear grid of wide avenues.

• Residential Development: Today, regional modernism prevails in the city. These are typically two- or three-story concrete villas in sandy shades, surrounded by high walls to ensure family privacy. The architecture is utilitarian, with an emphasis on protection from the sun (small windows, use of modern air conditioning systems).
• Public Buildings: Mosques and administrative centres are often built in the style of modern Islamic architecture, where reinforced concrete structures are decorated with stylized arches, domes, and geometric ornaments, paying tribute to the country's cultural code.

Prominent Figures of Qurayyat and the Region

The history of the city of Qurayyat and the surrounding territories is inextricably linked with influential tribal leaders and statesmen who shaped the destiny of this border region. Here is a list of key figures who left a noticeable mark on the city's chronicles.

• Nawaf ibn Nuri al-Shaalan
  Ruler of the region, builder
  Son of the powerful head of the Ruwalla tribe. In 1920 (1338 AH), he built the famous palace-fortress Qasr Kaf, which became the administrative centre and symbol of power in the oasis. His activities laid the foundation for the development of the settlement as an important fortified point.
• Nuri al-Shaalan
  Paramount Sheikh of the Ruwalla tribe, historical figure
  One of the most influential tribal leaders of Arabia in the early 20th century. For a long time, he controlled vast territories of Northern Arabia, including the "Salt Villages" (Qurayyat al-Milh). His political decisions played a key role during the complex period of border redrawing in the Middle East before the region joined the state of Saudi Arabia.
• Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz al-Sudairi
  First Emir (Governor) of Qurayyat
  An outstanding administrator appointed by King Abdulaziz to govern the region after its official annexation to the Kingdom. He played a decisive role in creating a modern civil administration, establishing the work of border services, and integrating local residents into the national structure.
• Abdulaziz ibn Musa'id ibn Jiluwi
  Emir of the Hail Region and Northern Territories
  Cousin of the founding King and one of his closest associates. As the ruler of the vast northern region, he oversaw security and governance in Qurayyat during the state's formative stage, ensuring stability on important trade routes.
• Faisal ibn Nawaf Al Saud
  Statesman, Emir of Al Jawf Province
  A representative of the modern era of governance. As the current governor of the region (which includes Qurayyat), he actively promotes projects within the framework of the "Vision 2030" strategy, paying special attention to the development of renewable energy and tourism in the city.