A pioneering scientific initiative to rediscover the historic “Zubaida Trail”

In a move reflecting the growing interest in the cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Heritage Commission of the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies , has launched an international call for researchers and academics to participate in an ambitious scholarly project aimed at exploring the history of the Darb Zubaydah, one of the most important pilgrimage routes in the Islamic world. This initiative aims to compile original scholarly contributions into a peer-reviewed book, supported by grants and field support for outstanding researchers.

Historical background: A lifeline across the desert

The Darb Zubayda is a unique engineering and historical masterpiece, stretching over 1,400 kilometers from Kufa in Iraq to Mecca. This route is named after Zubayda bint Ja'far, wife of the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid, who played a significant role in its development and construction during the 8th century CE. The Darb was not merely a pilgrimage route; it was a vital artery for trade and cultural and social exchange between Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula. The route was equipped with stations, rest stops, water wells, cisterns, dams, and signposts to ensure the safety and comfort of travelers, making it a testament to the engineering and administrative prowess of the Abbasid era.

The importance of the initiative and its expected impact

This research initiative is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally , it aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on preserving and showcasing national heritage as an integral part of Saudi identity. The research findings will also contribute to the nomination of the Darb Zubaydah (Zubaydah Trail) for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, thus enhancing the Kingdom’s standing on the world heritage map. Regionally and internationally , the project strengthens shared cultural and historical ties within the Islamic world and presents the world with a unique model of human heritage that embodies the values ​​of cooperation and solidarity. The initiative is expected to attract a distinguished group of international experts, enriching the scholarly dialogue on the history of Islamic civilization.

In-depth research topics and precise requirements

To cover all aspects of this historical monument, the initiative identified 9 key research themes, including:

• Analysis of the building materials and techniques used.
• Urban development and architecture in the Abbasid era along the road.
• History, social mobility, and its intersection with other paths.
• The study of ancient inscriptions and scripts (paleography).
• Archaeological survey and landscape effects using remote sensing techniques.
• Hydrology and complex water systems.
• Historical Geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Studies.
• Archival and documentary research.
• Climate and environmental studies and their impact on road design.

To ensure academic rigor, the organizing bodies stipulated that applicants must be affiliated with academic or research institutions, and that submitted research must be original, unpublished, and exclusively related to the "Zubayda Trail." All submissions will undergo a dual, anonymous academic peer-review process to guarantee transparency and integrity.

Timeline and financial support for winning projects

Each winning researcher will receive dedicated financial support, with the possibility of additional field support for projects that require it. A precise project timeline has been established, with the deadline for submitting research abstracts being March 26, 2026, and successful candidates to be notified by the end of April 2026. The final book is scheduled for publication by Dar Al-Faisal Publishing House during the third quarter of 2027, serving as a comprehensive scholarly reference that sheds light on previously unknown aspects of the history of this prominent cultural landmark.