Al-Ashar Pool: A historical engineering marvel on the Zubayda Trail
The Al-Ashar pool stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Islamic architecture, forming one of the most prominent historical landmarks along the famous Darb Zubayda. This archaeological site, once a vital artery for pilgrimage and trade caravans crossing the Sahara, still retains its architectural splendor despite the passage of centuries, telling current generations stories of the ingenuity of our ancestors in harnessing the harshness of nature to serve humankind.
A strategic location at the heart of history
The pool is located deep in the Great Nafud Desert, approximately 50 kilometers south of the historic village of Linah in the Rafha Governorate. Today, this landmark falls within the jurisdiction of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, giving it significant environmental and touristic value. The Al-Ashar Pool is considered a jewel among the stations along the Kufan Hajj route (Darb Zubaydah), which was completed and developed to an unprecedented extent during the Abbasid era (between 170 AH and 193 AH).
Historical background: Darb Zubayda, the lifeline
The Darb Zubayda, named after Zubayda bint Ja'far, wife of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, is considered one of the greatest engineering and service projects in Islamic history. It was not merely a road, but a comprehensive infrastructure system that provided security, water, and comfort for pilgrims and travelers coming from Iraq and the eastern Islamic world towards Mecca. Stations like al-Ashar played a crucial role in saving thousands of lives from dying of thirst in the desert, reflecting the humanitarian and civilizational dimensions of the Islamic state during that era.
Stunning architectural details
The Al-Ashar site contains the remains of approximately thirty architectural units of varying functions and sizes, arranged with meticulous precision along a single line extending three kilometers in length and 600 meters in width. These units include storage pools and water filters for purifying water from impurities, with a small distribution basin at the center.
The main rectangular pool is striking in its size, measuring approximately 65 x 52 meters and reaching a depth of nearly 5 meters. Ancient engineers designed an internal stone staircase running along the north and south walls, facilitating access to the water regardless of its level, demonstrating meticulous and practical thinking.
Water engineering ahead of its time
The site's grandeur extends beyond the main pool to encompass a network of vital water resources, including the Al-Khalisiyah, Al-Mahdiyah, and Al-Mutawakkil pools. These cleverly carved pools, nestled among the rocky outcrops and equipped with precise filters, relied on a sophisticated hydraulic system that drew flood and rainwater from distances exceeding 7 kilometers. Engineers at the time meticulously directed the natural streams and ridges to feed into these reservoirs, showcasing ingenious engineering planning and the skillful utilization of available natural resources.
Promising tourism future
Today, with Saudi Arabia's focus on reviving national heritage as part of Vision 2030, Al-Ashar Pool has gained even greater significance. Its location within a nature reserve enhances the chances of its preservation and transformation into a world-class cultural tourist destination. The integration of its ancient service function with its architectural beauty makes Al-Ashar an ideal model for cultural tourism, where visitors can experience the richness of history and understand the immense civilizational effort undertaken to serve pilgrims throughout the ages.
