Jabal Ikmah in Al-Ula: The largest open-air library of Dadanite inscriptions
Jabal Ikmah occupies a unique and exceptional place on the map of archaeological sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically in the Al-Ula Governorate, which is considered an open-air museum of ancient civilizations. This majestic mountain is famous for containing hundreds of Dadanite and Lihyanite inscriptions that have withstood the ravages of time and environmental challenges for thousands of years, earning it the nickname "the open library" due to the wealth of information it provides about the region's history.
Historical context: A meeting point of caravans and civilizations
To understand the significance of Jabal Ikmah, one must consider the historical context of Al-Ula Governorate in northwestern Arabia. During the first millennium BCE, this region was a key strategic station on the ancient trade route known as the Incense Route, which connected southern Arabia with northern Arabia and the Mediterranean Sea. Within this context, the Dadanite and later Lihyanite civilizations flourished, and the mountain served as an official and religious record, where merchants, kings, and ordinary people documented their lives, religious rituals, and commercial transactions.
A unique linguistic and cultural treasure
The significance of the inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah transcends their mere function as letters carved into the rock; they represent the largest collection of Dadanite inscriptions in the world. These writings and symbols document diverse social activities and human expressions that reflect aspects of daily life in ancient Al-Ula. Furthermore, these inscriptions are an indispensable resource for linguists and archaeologists, highlighting the evolution of ancient Arabic dialects, writing styles, and literature, thus aiding in deciphering the linguistic history of the region and the development of the Arabic alphabet in general.
Universal inclusion in the Memory of the World Register
In recognition of the site's high research and archaeological value, and thanks to the tireless efforts of the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate in coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, Jabal Ikmah has been officially inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. This inscription confirms the authenticity and integrity of the inscriptions, which remain remarkably well-preserved in their original locations.
Future and tourism importance
Today, Jabal Ikmah represents a cornerstone of the Kingdom's cultural tourism strategy, providing reliable scientific material for researchers studying the history of ancient Arab kingdoms and contributing to a deeper understanding of the development of human societies. The Royal Commission is working to prepare the site to welcome visitors from around the world, making it a living testament to the story of ancient Arabs and their ingenuity in documentation and recording, thus reinforcing AlUla's position as a leading global heritage destination.
