The Country Witnessing History: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the historical Arabian Peninsula. It is home to Mecca and Medina where Islam emerged. Therefore it has an important place in the world of Islam. The country developed rapidly with the help of oil production. It is governed by kingship. The history of the country had changed with Mohammad becoming the prophet of Islam. It came under the Ottoman rule in 16th century during the Hedjaz campaign of Yavuz Sultan Selim and with the World War I, the Ottoman Empire lost control of the region.
Saudi Arabia mostly consists of Arab tribes. Technical and engineering labour forces are obtained from outside sources. After 1930s, with the beginning of oil production, the country prospered immediately. Together with that, religion tourism is an important source of revenue. Because of the desert climate, the temperature can reach up to 50 degrees during the summer.
Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to holy cities, regions and objects in Islamic culture. It is among the places where religion tourism is highly common. That's why it isn't hard to find luxury hotels. This oil-rich country has many skyscrapers, residences, and huge buildings. Together with that history plays an important role. Mecca is the main historical place in Saudi Arabia. Every year millions of Muslims come here to visit the Kaaba in tears. The Kaaba is a must see place for the duty of the Hajj and the Umrah. It means the house of Allah. It is a modest building in a cubic shape and covered with black. The Kaaba is circumambulated during the Hajj and it is the direction Muslims face when praying. The Great Mosque of Mecca, which encircle the Kaaba, is a very gorgeous mosque where millions pray.
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the first destination to see in Mecca, which is the second largest city in Saudi Arabia and home to many historical places. It is the second masjid where it is most grateful to pray for Muslims. It was built after the hijra. At the same time, Ar-Rawda al-Mutahhara, the tomb of prophet Muhammad, is also situated in the garden of the masjid. Jannat al-Baqi', the cemetery where important names for Islam like prophet Uthman was buried is also in the same complex.
The capital of Riyadh is a large commercial city. However, there are some historical places to see like the Masmak fort. It is built by using clay and mud-brick. The interior of the fort is used as museum. Another museum in the city is the National Museum of Riyadh just next to the Murabba Palace. The structure of the museum was designed to represent the three phases of creation. People coming to Riyadh never miss visiting the museum which they can see thousands of historical objects.
Jeddah, which is situated on the coast of the Red Sea, is a touristic town. It is home to many resort hotels with the beautiful beaches and sea. People enjoy their summer holiday in Durrat Al-Arus where it is more flexible then the rest of the country's life style.
Al-Abad is also frequented a lot by tourists and photographers because of the houses made of coral. The architecture is wonderful and very attractive. It was selected as the world heritage site by UNESCO in 2014.
El-Hicr excavation field on the north of Medina is a different historical place. It is under protection of UNESCO. There are many historical tombs, tablets over 50, fountains and wells. The decorations of the front façade is quite interesting.
Additional to those, you may get the opportunity of camel racing in the middle of the desert in Ta'if. The races are generally held in summers and it is quite fun. If you are an adventure seeker, you might also be interested in races by off road cars and safari tours. The lift right next to the Ramada Hotel in Ta'if is the biggest one in the region. It offers a beautiful mountain view which tourists from all ages admire.
Saudi Arabia is a place where the wonderful views of the desert comes together with authenticity, history and the modern architecture of the skyscrapers. It is a great place for tourists who want to experience a different culture in the hearth of Islam.
