Sakaka history

Origins and Formation of the City

The history of the city of Sakaka is rooted in deep antiquity, when the presence of water in the desert determined the habitats of civilizations. This settlement did not arise by a single decree but formed naturally around a fertile oasis, becoming a centre of life in the north of the Arabian Peninsula.

Foundation and First Mentions

The exact date of the city's foundation is hidden in the centuries, yet archaeological finds confirm that people inhabited this territory as early as the Neolithic era. The first permanent settlements formed here over 4,000 years ago. In ancient chronicles, this area was often mentioned in the context of Assyrian records as part of the lands of the Kingdom of Qedar, playing the role of an important hub on the route between Mesopotamia and Arabia.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of an isolated oasis into a significant city was driven by a combination of unique conditions:

• Geography and Resources: Its location on the northern edge of the Great Nafud Desert and the presence of abundant underground water reserves allowed for the development of agriculture in an extremely arid climate.
• Trade Routes: Vital caravan routes passed through the region, including branches of the famous "Incense Route". The oasis served as a safe stopover for merchants travelling between the Levant and the south of the peninsula.
• Strategic Importance: The territory where Saudi Arabia is located today has historically been a contact zone for various cultures. Sakaka was situated at the junction of influence between the Nabataeans and other ancient states, which contributed to the construction of the first fortifications.

Early Culture and Economy

The economic foundation of the early settlement consisted of date palm cultivation and camel breeding. The cultural life of the ancient inhabitants is captured in stone: the city's surroundings abound with rock art and inscriptions (petroglyphs), which testify to the literacy of the population and a complex social structure long before the advent of Islam.

Timeline of Events

• Around 4000 BC: Erection of the Rajajil megalithic columns, testifying to the early settlement of this territory and the existence of ancient cults.
• 633 AD: The Al-Jawf region comes under the influence of Islam following a peace treaty concluded by the military commander Khalid ibn al-Walid.
• 19th Century: Large-scale reconstruction of Za'abel Castle, which strengthened the defence capabilities of the oasis and became a symbol of local authority.
• 1909: Establishment of control over the region by the powerful tribal chief Nuri ibn Shaalan, under whom Sakaka became an important political centre.
• 1926: The final incorporation of the city and surrounding territories into the state of King Abdulaziz, the future Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• 1930: The city receives the official status of the administrative capital of the Al-Jawf Province, giving impetus to the creation of government institutions.
• 1970s: The beginning of active modernization of urban infrastructure, including road paving and the electrification of residential neighbourhoods.
• 2005: Decree on the founding of Al Jouf University, transforming the city into a key educational hub for the northern region.
• 2008: Establishment of the annual Olive Festival, which secured the city's status as the leader of the olive industry on the Arabian Peninsula.
• 2011: Opening of the renovated Al Jouf Airport, significantly expanding opportunities for passenger and cargo transport.
• 2018: Launch of regular passenger services on the North-South Railway (SAR), connecting the city with the capital, Riyadh.
• 2019: Commissioning of the country's first solar power plant, Sakaka IPP, marking the start of the national renewable energy programme.

Major Development Milestones

The development path of the city of Sakaka is a story of the transformation of an ancient oasis into a modern industrial and educational centre. Economic and urban planning changes here occurred in several key stages, each of which altered the face of the region.

• Confirmation of Administrative Status (1930s): After the Al-Jawf region became part of the unified Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the city officially secured its role as the administrative capital of the province. This decision centralized management and directed state resources towards the development of local infrastructure.
• Agro-Industrial Revolution (1980s): The introduction of deep drilling technologies and modern irrigation allowed for the scaling up of agriculture. It was during this period that the city began to turn into the "olive capital" of the country, and the cultivation of dates and olives shifted from subsistence farming to industrial export.
• Urbanization and Infrastructural Growth (Late 20th Century): Active construction of paved roads, electrification, and water supply to residential districts led to rapid population growth. Traditional mud-brick buildings began to be replaced by modern concrete structures, forming new neighbourhoods.
• Educational Breakthrough (2005): The founding of Al Jouf University became a crucial cultural and social event. The appearance of a higher education institution halted the outflow of youth to major metropolises and created a base for training local qualified personnel.
• Integration into the Railway Network (2018): The opening of a passenger and freight station on the North-South Railway (SAR) line radically improved logistics. This linked the city via high-speed connection to the capital and the country's borders, stimulating trade and population mobility.
• Start of the Renewable Energy Era (2019): The launch of the country's first large-scale solar power plant, Sakaka IPP, with a capacity of 300 MW. This event not only attracted international investment but also made the city a flagship of "green" energy within the framework of the "Vision 2030" national programme.

The architectural appearance of Sakaka presents a striking contrast between deep antiquity and rapid modernity. Historically, the city developed as an oasis, which defined its traditional buildings, while the economic boom of the 20th and 21st centuries led to the emergence of modern districts and structures. The city's architecture does not show the influence of European styles such as Gothic or Renaissance, as its development followed its own Middle Eastern path.

Ancient Heritage and Traditional Architecture

The region's early architectural landscape is represented by unique prehistoric and historic structures that formed the foundation of the city's identity.

• Prehistoric Period: The main monument of this era is the Rajajil Columns, dating back to approximately the 4th millennium BC. These megalithic groups of sandstone pillars, located near the city, are not architecture in the classical sense but serve as crucial evidence of the earliest monumental human activity in the region.
• Traditional Islamic Architecture: The historical buildings of Sakaka were typical for oases of the Arabian Peninsula. They were characterized by the use of local materials—clay, stone, and wood. A landmark object of this period is the Qasr Za'abel (Za'abel Castle), built in the 19th century on an elevation. This structure of clay and stone with observation towers served as a defensive and administrative centre, demonstrating the principles of the region's fortification architecture.

Modern Urban Planning and Architecture

Since the mid-20th century, and especially in recent decades, Sakaka has experienced rapid growth that has completely changed its appearance. Old mud-brick buildings stand alongside new modern edifices.

• The Era of Modernism (Late 20th - Early 21st Century): Active state funding led to a large-scale reconstruction of the city. New districts with wide streets appeared, and concrete, steel, and glass began to dominate construction. The architectural style of this period can be described as functional modernism, often with elements referencing Islamic traditions (for example, the use of arches and geometric ornaments in a modern interpretation).
• Iconic Modern Objects:
  • Al Jouf University: Founded in 2005, the university campus is a prime example of modern Saudi architecture. Its buildings are designed taking into account modern educational needs and climatic conditions.
  • Government Buildings and Hospitals: New administrative complexes, schools, and medical facilities, such as the medical city currently under construction, demonstrate a modern approach to public architecture.
  • Al Jouf International Airport: Like many modern airports, it is a model of functional and technological design intended to serve the growing passenger flow.

Notable Figures Associated with Sakaka

The history of the city of Sakaka and the Al-Jawf region is closely intertwined with the activities of tribal chiefs, rulers, and modern administrators who contributed to its development. Although the city is not the birthplace of world-renowned figures in art or science, its history is rich with the names of significant regional leaders.

• Sisara (Legendary Period)
  Role: Military Commander.
  Significance: According to local legends, the ancient Well of Bir Sisara, located near Za'abel Castle, bears his name. Although the historicity of this figure in this context is a subject of legend, the mention of him highlights the region's deep historical roots.
• Nuri ibn Hazaa al-Shaalan (1847–1942)
  Role: Chief of the Ruwalla tribe.
  Significance: A powerful tribal leader who established control over the Al-Jawf region, including Sakaka, in 1909. He became the de facto ruler of these lands and played a key role in the politics of northern Arabia in the early 20th century.
• Nawwaf ibn Nuri al-Shaalan (1883–1921)
  Role: Ruler of Al-Jawf.
  Significance: The son of Nuri al-Shaalan, he was appointed ruler (Emir) of Al-Jawf and governed the region from Sakaka from 1909 to 1919, continuing his father's work in consolidating power in the northern part of the Arabian Peninsula.
• Turki ibn Ahmad al-Sudairi (Reign: 1930–1933)
  Role: First Emir of Al-Jawf Province within Saudi Arabia.
  Significance: He was appointed the first official governor of the region after its inclusion in the modern Saudi state. His appointment marked the beginning of a new administrative era for Sakaka as the provincial capital.
• Prince Fahd ibn Badr ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud (Reign: 2002–2018)
  Role: Emir (Governor) of Al-Jawf Province.
  Significance: A member of the Royal Family who led the region for 16 years. During his tenure, major infrastructure modernization projects were implemented in Sakaka and the province, including the founding of Al Jouf University and the development of agriculture.
• Prince Faisal ibn Nawwaf ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud (Reign: since 2018)
  Role: Current Emir (Governor) of Al-Jawf Province.
  Significance: The current head of the region, continuing the course of economic diversification and development within the framework of the "Vision 2030" national programme, including projects in the fields of tourism and renewable energy.