Taif history

The city of Taif, located in the Hejaz mountains in western Saudi Arabia, is one of the oldest settlements on the Arabian Peninsula. Its history is rooted in the pre-Islamic era, and for centuries it has played a significant role in the cultural, economic, and political life of the region.

Foundation and Early Period

The first mentions of Taif are associated with the Arab tribe Banu Thaqif, which settled in this area. In pre-Islamic times, the city was an important religious center housing the sanctuary of the pagan goddess Allat, which was later destroyed. Due to its strategic location and ties with Makkah, Taif was involved in key events at the dawn of Islam.

Key Development Factors

The rise of Taif was driven by several unique factors:

• Geographic Location: Situated at an altitude of about 1,800 meters above sea level, the city features a milder and cooler climate compared to the rest of the country. This made it a popular summer destination and the unofficial "summer capital" of Saudi Arabia, where the government and even the royal residence would relocate.
• Trade: The city was located at the intersection of important trade routes connecting Yemen with Makkah and the Levant, which contributed to its economic prosperity.
• Agriculture: The favorable climate and fertile soils allowed Taif to become a true oasis. The city became famous as the "breadbasket of Makkah" thanks to the cultivation of wheat, fruits such as pomegranates and grapes, and, of course, the famous Taif roses.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Taif was closely linked to agriculture. The city became renowned throughout the region for the production of precious rose oil and rose water from the petals of the Damask rose, plantations of which spread across its surroundings. The annual Rose Festival, which is held to this day, highlights the cultural significance of this craft. Additionally, Taif was known as the venue for one of the largest pre-Islamic fairs in Arabia — Souq Okaz, which has been revived in modern times as a cultural festival.

Key Dates in the History of Taif

The history of Taif, one of the oldest cities on the Arabian Peninsula, is filled with important events that defined its role in the region. From a pre-Islamic center to a modern summer capital — here are the main milestones of its development.

• 6th Century AD — The city is founded and settled by the Arab tribe Banu Thaqif, making it an important trade and religious center of pre-Islamic Arabia.
• Around 619 — The Prophet Muhammad visits Taif to call its inhabitants to Islam but meets with rejection and hostility.
• 630 — After the Battle of Hunayn, Muslim forces besiege Taif but are unable to take the well-fortified city.
• 631 — A delegation from Taif travels to Madinah and voluntarily accepts Islam, after which the pagan sanctuary of the goddess Allat in the city was destroyed.
• 16th Century — Taif, like the entire Hejaz region, becomes part of the Ottoman Empire, remaining under its rule for several centuries.
• 1916 — During the Arab Revolt, Hashemite forces under the command of Abdullah bin Hussein capture the city after a siege, ousting the Ottoman garrison.
• September 1924 — The forces of Abdulaziz Al Saud conquer Taif, which becomes a key step towards the unification of Saudi Arabia.
• 1934 — The Treaty of Taif is signed in the city, officially ending the Saudi-Yemeni War and establishing modern borders between the two states.
• 1965 — A modern highway connecting Taif with Makkah is opened, significantly improving the city's transport accessibility and promoting its development.
• 1989 — The historic Taif Agreement is signed in Taif, ending the 15-year Civil War in Lebanon.
• Present Day — Taif is known as the "summer capital" of Saudi Arabia, a popular resort, and a center for cultural events such as the Rose Festival and the Souq Okaz fair.

Key Stages of Taif's Development

The development of Taif is the story of transforming an ancient oasis into a modern tourist and cultural hub. Its favorable climate, strategic location, and cultural heritage formed the basis for its urban planning and economic successes over the centuries.

• Status as "Summer Capital": Historically, due to its cool mountain climate, Taif became the unofficial summer residence for the Royal Family and the government of Saudi Arabia. This status facilitated the construction of palaces, government buildings, and the development of first-class urban infrastructure.
• Agriculture and the "Rose Industry": Taif is famous for its fertile lands, which allowed it to become a center for growing fruits, vegetables, and especially the famous Taif rose. The production of precious rose oil and perfumes created a unique economic niche and cultural brand for the city, which celebrates the Rose Festival annually.
• Creation of a Modern Transport Network: The construction of modern highways connecting Taif with Makkah, Jeddah, and Riyadh was a turning point in the city's development. This significantly improved its accessibility for pilgrims, tourists, and trade flows. A crucial step was also the modernization of the airport to increase its capacity.
• Integration into "Vision 2030": Within the framework of the national economic diversification strategy "Vision 2030," Taif received a new impulse for development. Large-scale projects have been launched under the "New Taif" concept, which includes the construction of a new airport, a technology oasis, an industrial zone, and major residential areas. Special attention is paid to the development of mountain resorts in the Al Hada and Ash Shafa areas, the modernization of parks, and the creation of new entertainment facilities, strengthening the city's status as a leading tourist destination.
• Preservation of Architectural Identity: Despite active modern construction, great attention is paid in Taif to preserving its historical appearance. Under the Saudi Downtown Company project, work is underway to develop the city center while preserving cultural heritage. The restoration of ancient buildings constructed from stone and mudbrick allows for a harmonious combination of modern development with the city's rich architectural legacy.

The architectural appearance of Taif represents a harmonious blend of traditional Hejazi architecture and modern urban planning solutions. Over the centuries, the city has changed while maintaining its unique identity, shaped by its climate, cultural significance, and status as the "summer capital" of Saudi Arabia.

Traditional Hejazi Architecture

The historical buildings of Taif are a prime example of the architectural style characteristic of the western part of the Arabian Peninsula. Old buildings in the city center and historical districts are constructed using local materials, primarily stone and mudbrick. This style evolved under the influence of Ottoman and Islamic architecture. Key features include:

• Use of Stone: Durable local stone served as the main material for erecting walls, which ensured coolness inside the premises on hot days.
• Wooden Balconies (Rawashin): One of the most recognizable features of Hejazi architecture is the intricately carved wooden balconies and window lattices known as rawashin. They not only decorated facades but also provided privacy and ventilation.
• Multi-story Structures: Traditional houses often had several floors, where the lower levels were used for receiving guests, and the upper ones for family life.

A brilliant representative of this era is the Shubra Palace. Built in the early 20th century, it served as a summer royal residence. Its architecture is unique: it combines traditional Hejazi elements (wooden balconies and latticed windows) with Ottoman, Islamic, and even Roman motifs in the decoration of columns and interiors. Today, this magnificent building houses the city museum.

Modern Development and Modernism

Since the mid-20th century, with the strengthening of Taif's status as a summer government residence, active modern construction began in the city. This period is characterized by the appearance of concrete and glass buildings, wide tree-lined avenues, and modern hotels such as the InterContinental Taif. The architecture of this time reflected a desire for modernization while maintaining the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of a resort city.

Currently, the urban development of Taif is defined by large-scale projects within the national program "Vision 2030". The "New Taif" project envisages the construction of a new international airport, technology parks, residential areas, and the modernization of tourism infrastructure in the mountain areas of Al Hada and Ash Shafa. Despite the active introduction of modern architectural forms, great attention is paid to preserving historical heritage, restoring ancient buildings, and integrating them into the renewed urban environment.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Taif

Throughout its rich history, Taif has been the birthplace and center of activity for many prominent figures who left a significant mark on religion, politics, and military affairs. The city is rightfully proud of its connection to people whose names have entered the annals of the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the entire Islamic world.

• Uthman ibn Affan (approx. 574–656) — The third Rashidun Caliph and one of the closest companions of the Prophet Muhammad; according to many accounts, he was born in Taif. His reign went down in history for the final compilation and canonization of the Quranic text. The connection of this iconic figure with the city underscores its deep historical significance in the early Islamic era.

• Abdullah ibn Abbas (approx. 619–687) — A cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the most authoritative interpreters of the Quran. Although he was born in Makkah, he spent the last years of his life in Taif, where he was buried. The city's main mosque is named in his honor, making him one of the key figures in the spiritual history of Taif.

• Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf Al-Thaqafi (661–714) — An influential military commander and governor of the Umayyad Caliphate, born in Taif. He was one of the most vivid and controversial figures of his time, playing a key role in consolidating Umayyad power, suppressing rebellions, and implementing important administrative reforms, including the reform of the Arabic script.

• Muhammad ibn al-Qasim Al-Thaqafi (695–715) — An outstanding Arab military commander, nephew of Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, and also a native of Taif. At a young age, he led a campaign that resulted in the spread of Islam to the territories of Sindh and Punjab (modern-day Pakistan), marking the beginning of the Muslim era in the Indian subcontinent.

• Urwah ibn Mas'ud Al-Thaqafi (died approx. 630) — A chieftain of the Banu Thaqif tribe, which ruled in Taif. Initially an opponent of the Muslims, he later accepted Islam and returned to his hometown to call his people to the new faith. Here he met a martyr's death, becoming a symbol of devotion and faith.

• King Abdulaziz Al Saud (1877–1953) — The founder and first king of modern Saudi Arabia. Although he was not born in Taif, the city is inextricably linked with his name. After the unification of the country, Taif became his official summer residence. It was here, in the Shubra Palace, that he passed away. His presence cemented Taif's status as the unofficial "summer capital" of the Kingdom.

• Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1934–2012) — Crown Prince and Minister of Interior of Saudi Arabia, born in Taif. For more than 30 years, he served as Minister of Interior, playing a key role in the country's security system and leading counter-terrorism programs.