The history of Shaar Castle in Asir and the stages of its restoration
The Shaar Castle stands as a living testament to the rich history of the Asir region, representing a unique example of traditional military architecture in Saudi Arabia. This landmark is not merely an ancient stone structure, but a historical document that tells the stories of defensive fortifications and human ingenuity in adapting the rugged mountainous terrain for security and surveillance in the southern highlands.
Strategic location and challenging geography
The castle is situated in a strategic location known as "Bahat Shaar," approximately 33 kilometers north of the city of Abha. It was cleverly constructed on a relatively flat area, rising between 2,400 and 2,800 meters above sea level. The site's importance lies in its direct overlooking of the Tih Valley from the west, while it is surrounded by mountain ranges and hills to the east, north, and south. This makes the castle an ideal vantage point, offering panoramic views of vast expanses of mountains and plains, and controlling the region's natural passes.
Historical significance and connection between As-Sarat and Tihama
The Shaar Castle derives its paramount importance from its historical role in protecting and securing trade and transportation routes. According to researcher Dr. Ghaythan bin Jaris in his book “Abha… Capital of Asir” (2009), the castle's construction dates back to the late 13th century AH, with expansion and fortification work continuing until the early 14th century AH. The castle served as the guardian of the Shaar Pass (formerly known as the Tih Pass), a vital artery connecting the Sarawat Mountains with the Tihama plains, making it a pivotal point for controlling the movement of travelers and caravans and securing the rugged mountain paths.
Architectural style and defensive engineering
The castle boasts an architectural design that respects the natural topography of the site. It comprises a group of adjacent stone buildings constructed using solid local stone mixed with limestone clay, giving it exceptional strength to withstand erosion and the passage of time. The castle includes towering watchtowers, spacious courtyards that were used for training military garrisons, and interior rooms with narrow loopholes (slash-holes) specifically designed for shooting, defense, and observation, reflecting the advanced military thinking of that era.
National Heritage Restoration and Revival Project
As part of the Kingdom's efforts to preserve its cultural identity, the Heritage Commission is leading an ambitious project to restore and rehabilitate the Shaar Castle site. The project aims to address the damage inflicted on the buildings and stone towers, rehabilitate the internal walkways and courtyards, and improve the site's infrastructure to make it ready to receive visitors. This initiative is part of a comprehensive national strategy to care for visitable archaeological sites, contributing to the promotion of cultural tourism in the Asir region and connecting new generations with their rich history, transforming the castle from a silent relic into a vibrant tourist and cultural destination.
