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Najran (Arabic: نجران Najrān) is a province of Saudi Arabia, located in the south of the country. It has an area of 149,511 km². Its capital is Najran.
Najran JSI | |
|---|---|
| منطقة نجران | |
 | |
 Map of Saudi Arabia with Najran highlighted | |
| Country |  Saudi Arabia |
| Capital | Najran |
| Boroughs | 8 |
| Government | |
| • Governor | Jiluwi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed bin Jiluwi Al Saud |
| • Vice Governor | Turki bin Hathlul bin Abdulaziz Al Saud |
| Area | |
• Total | 149,511 km2 (57,727 sq mi) |
| Population (2010 census) | |
• Total | 505,652 |
| • Density | 3.4/km2 (8.8/sq mi) |
| ISO 3166-2 | 10 |
Najran is inhabited by the Yam tribe. A significant percentage of the province's inhabitants are Shia Ismaili. The current governor of the region is Prince Jiluwi bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Etymology
Similar to other ancient place names in Arabia, Najrān may have originally been the name of the whole oasis including all towns and villages. The old name of the ruins now known as "al-Ukhdūd", which may have been the central town, probably corresponds to Ramat.
Geography
This section does not cite any sources. (May 2024) |
Najran contains three geographical areas. First, the flat area which lies in the middle of Najran. It has several valleys, the most famous of them being Najran’s valley. Second, the mountainous area which is in the west and the north. There the weather is moderate in summer. It has several parks shaded by nabk trees. It has important governorate centers: Habuna governorate, Badr El-Junoob governorate and Yadmah governorate. Many of the mountains are distinguished by granite rocks, where marble and granite are quarried,. Third, the sandy area which lies in the east and is a part of the Empty Quarter. It is extremely rich in oil and water.
Governorates
- Al Kharkhir (4,015)
- Badr Al Janub (11,117)
- Hubuna (20,400)
- Khubash (22,133)
- Najran (329,112)
- Sharurah (85,977)
- Thar (16,047)
- Yadamah (16,851)
- Al-Wadiah (5,000)
Najran Valley Dam
Najran Valley Dam is considered to be one of the most important civil places in Najran Region because of its position and scenery.[citation needed] It is 35 km from Najran town. On this dam, there is a road 4.5 meters wide. It was built from concrete blocks, and has a system of water pipes which keeps the water cold.
As-Saud Waterfall
As-Saud Waterfall is located in Najran, and can be seen from a considerable distance away.[citation needed]
Population
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 300,994 | — |
| 2004 | 420,345 | +2.82% |
| 2010 | 507,106 | +3.18% |
| 2018 | 595,705 | +2.03% |
| source: | ||
Governors of Najran
- Fahd bin Khalid Al Sudairi ?–1997
- Mishaal bin Saud 1997–2008
- Mishaal bin Abdullah Al Saud 2009–2013
- Jiluwi bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 2013-
Religious groups in Najran
Najran, a fertile valley in what is now southwestern Saudi Arabia at the foot of mountains bordering the vast stretch of desert known as the Empty Quarter, was traditionally home to Christian and Jewish communities, in addition to Sulaymani Ismailis and Zaidis. Christians have been absent from Najran for some centuries, and the remaining Jewish community is Yemenite Jews that migrated to Najran and have left in 1949, following the establishment of the state of Israel. Najran's Zaidi community in 2008 numbers around 2,000.
The 2004 Saudi census put the number of inhabitants in Najran at around 408,000. Sulaymani Ismailis, widely believed to constitute a large majority of the Najrani population, share an identity based on historical, cultural, and religious roots. In Najran city, the Khushaiwa compound, with its Mansura mosque complex, is the spiritual capital of the Sulaymani branch of the Ismaili sect, one of two major strands of contemporary Ismailism. Most Ismailis in Najran belong to one of two tribes: Yam and the Hamdan. There are also some Sunnis of the Yam tribe, both recent converts as well as those who have adhered to Sunni Islam for centuries.
Ancient Christian community
Najran is known for being home to an ancient settlement of Christians in the Arabian peninsula. They signed the "Najran Pact" in the 7th century with the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, promising them fair treatment as "protected subjects" (dhimmi) of the newly conquered territories. The village is now abandoned.
Culture
This section does not cite any sources. (May 2024) |
Cuisine
The local dishes in Najran include:
- Al-Burr: a breakfast meal which consists of bread made from wheat and flour, it is mixed and given the round ball shape and a hole is made to put milk, honey or dates in it
- Al-Wafed: a thick kind of bread made of wheat and is also made in round shape, it is served in Al-Matrah beside Al-Marg
- Al-Maasooba: made of corn flour meshed and some soup added is to make it soft, and it is usually served in a special ceremonies
- Ar-Ruksh: a soft kind of bread which comes in the shape of slice and it is served in the pot made of stone and then it is mixed with the soup
- Al-Margoog: consists of dough which is cut into small slices and it is cooked with soup and vegetables
Folk arts
Najran has some folk arts including traditional clay techniques.[citation needed] The houses are built of light tan clay in the shape of a rectangle. On the other hand, Najran has different kinds of traditional dance. For example, which is an enthusiastic kind of poetry refers to special occasion in which so many men share together in the middle of a circle formed by old men. The stanzas of are chosen carefully to express the subject for the occasion. Furthermore, is considered to express emotions, and some time for apologies. describes a dance which is used for wedding, or for happy occasions. Choirs come into rows and they sing poetry. Al-Razffah has a special time and special voice.[citation needed] Between the two rows two men meet each other and they dance in specific movements holding stilettos or sticks in their hands. Also there is another art that is (Laa'bat Ateran) done by black men.[citation needed]
Mass shootings of Ethiopian refugees
Since 2014, refugees have been killed after crossing the Saudi border by the Saudi Border Guard. Since 2023, at least several hundred Ethiopian refugees have been killed at the border between Yemen and the provinces Jazan, ʽAsir, and Najran. The Saudis also used explosive weapons.
See also
References
- Najran Official page
- Ana Echagüe; Edward Burke (June 2009). "'Strong Foundations'? The Imperative for Reform in Saudi Arabia" (PDF). FRIDE (Spanish Think-tank organization). pp. 1–23. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2012.
- "Saudi Arabia: Regions & Major Cities - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information". www.citypopulation.de.
- "The Ismailis of Najran" (PDF). Human Rights Watch. September 2008. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
- Frankfurter, David (1998). Pilgrimage and holy space in late antique Egypt. BRILL. p. 388. ISBN 978-9004111271.
- "Saudi Arabia: Mass Killings of Migrants at Yemen Border". Human Rights Watch. 2023-08-21. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
- Beaumont, Peter (2023-08-21). "'Fired on like rain': Saudi border guards accused of mass killings of Ethiopians". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
- Minosa, Tchekof. Najran: Desert Garden of Arabia. Paris: Scorpio Editer, n.d
External links
- Travel through the province of Najran, Splendid Arabia: A travel site with photos and routes
This article needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources Unsourced material may be challenged and removed Find sources Najran Province news newspapers books scholar JSTOR December 2009 Learn how and when to remove this message Najran Arabic نجران Najran is a province of Saudi Arabia located in the south of the country It has an area of 149 511 km Its capital is Najran Najran JSIProvinceمنطقة نجرانMap of Saudi Arabia with Najran highlightedCountry Saudi ArabiaCapitalNajranBoroughs8Government GovernorJiluwi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed bin Jiluwi Al Saud Vice GovernorTurki bin Hathlul bin Abdulaziz Al SaudArea Total149 511 km2 57 727 sq mi Population 2010 census Total505 652 Density3 4 km2 8 8 sq mi ISO 3166 210 Najran is inhabited by the Yam tribe A significant percentage of the province s inhabitants are Shia Ismaili The current governor of the region is Prince Jiluwi bin Abdulaziz Al Saud EtymologySimilar to other ancient place names in Arabia Najran may have originally been the name of the whole oasis including all towns and villages The old name of the ruins now known as al Ukhdud which may have been the central town probably corresponds to Ramat GeographyThis section does not cite any sources Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources Unsourced material may be challenged and removed May 2024 Learn how and when to remove this message Najran contains three geographical areas First the flat area which lies in the middle of Najran It has several valleys the most famous of them being Najran s valley Second the mountainous area which is in the west and the north There the weather is moderate in summer It has several parks shaded by nabk trees It has important governorate centers Habuna governorate Badr El Junoob governorate and Yadmah governorate Many of the mountains are distinguished by granite rocks where marble and granite are quarried Third the sandy area which lies in the east and is a part of the Empty Quarter It is extremely rich in oil and water Governorates Al Kharkhir 4 015 Badr Al Janub 11 117 Hubuna 20 400 Khubash 22 133 Najran 329 112 Sharurah 85 977 Thar 16 047 Yadamah 16 851 Al Wadiah 5 000 Najran Valley Dam Najran Valley Dam is considered to be one of the most important civil places in Najran Region because of its position and scenery citation needed It is 35 km from Najran town On this dam there is a road 4 5 meters wide It was built from concrete blocks and has a system of water pipes which keeps the water cold As Saud Waterfall As Saud Waterfall is located in Najran and can be seen from a considerable distance away citation needed PopulationHistorical populationYearPop p a 1992300 994 2004420 345 2 82 2010507 106 3 18 2018595 705 2 03 source Governors of NajranFahd bin Khalid Al Sudairi 1997 Mishaal bin Saud 1997 2008 Mishaal bin Abdullah Al Saud 2009 2013 Jiluwi bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 2013 Religious groups in NajranNajran a fertile valley in what is now southwestern Saudi Arabia at the foot of mountains bordering the vast stretch of desert known as the Empty Quarter was traditionally home to Christian and Jewish communities in addition to Sulaymani Ismailis and Zaidis Christians have been absent from Najran for some centuries and the remaining Jewish community is Yemenite Jews that migrated to Najran and have left in 1949 following the establishment of the state of Israel Najran s Zaidi community in 2008 numbers around 2 000 The 2004 Saudi census put the number of inhabitants in Najran at around 408 000 Sulaymani Ismailis widely believed to constitute a large majority of the Najrani population share an identity based on historical cultural and religious roots In Najran city the Khushaiwa compound with its Mansura mosque complex is the spiritual capital of the Sulaymani branch of the Ismaili sect one of two major strands of contemporary Ismailism Most Ismailis in Najran belong to one of two tribes Yam and the Hamdan There are also some Sunnis of the Yam tribe both recent converts as well as those who have adhered to Sunni Islam for centuries Ancient Christian community Najran is known for being home to an ancient settlement of Christians in the Arabian peninsula They signed the Najran Pact in the 7th century with the Islamic prophet Muhammad promising them fair treatment as protected subjects dhimmi of the newly conquered territories The village is now abandoned CultureThis section does not cite any sources Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources Unsourced material may be challenged and removed May 2024 Learn how and when to remove this message Cuisine The local dishes in Najran include Al Burr a breakfast meal which consists of bread made from wheat and flour it is mixed and given the round ball shape and a hole is made to put milk honey or dates in it Al Wafed a thick kind of bread made of wheat and is also made in round shape it is served in Al Matrah beside Al Marg Al Maasooba made of corn flour meshed and some soup added is to make it soft and it is usually served in a special ceremonies Ar Ruksh a soft kind of bread which comes in the shape of slice and it is served in the pot made of stone and then it is mixed with the soup Al Margoog consists of dough which is cut into small slices and it is cooked with soup and vegetablesFolk arts Najran has some folk arts including traditional clay techniques citation needed The houses are built of light tan clay in the shape of a rectangle On the other hand Najran has different kinds of traditional dance For example which is an enthusiastic kind of poetry refers to special occasion in which so many men share together in the middle of a circle formed by old men The stanzas of are chosen carefully to express the subject for the occasion Furthermore is considered to express emotions and some time for apologies describes a dance which is used for wedding or for happy occasions Choirs come into rows and they sing poetry Al Razffah has a special time and special voice citation needed Between the two rows two men meet each other and they dance in specific movements holding stilettos or sticks in their hands Also there is another art that is Laa bat Ateran done by black men citation needed Mass shootings of Ethiopian refugeesSince 2014 refugees have been killed after crossing the Saudi border by the Saudi Border Guard Since 2023 at least several hundred Ethiopian refugees have been killed at the border between Yemen and the provinces Jazan ʽAsir and Najran The Saudis also used explosive weapons See alsoSaudi Arabia portalSouth ArabiaReferencesNajran Official page Ana Echague Edward Burke June 2009 Strong Foundations The Imperative for Reform in Saudi Arabia PDF FRIDE Spanish Think tank organization pp 1 23 Archived from the original PDF on 29 October 2013 Retrieved 15 April 2012 Saudi Arabia Regions amp Major Cities Population Statistics Maps Charts Weather and Web Information www citypopulation de The Ismailis of Najran PDF Human Rights Watch September 2008 Retrieved 16 April 2012 Frankfurter David 1998 Pilgrimage and holy space in late antique Egypt BRILL p 388 ISBN 978 9004111271 Saudi Arabia Mass Killings of Migrants at Yemen Border Human Rights Watch 2023 08 21 Retrieved 2023 08 21 Beaumont Peter 2023 08 21 Fired on like rain Saudi border guards accused of mass killings of Ethiopians The Guardian ISSN 0261 3077 Retrieved 2023 08 21 Minosa Tchekof Najran Desert Garden of Arabia Paris Scorpio Editer n dExternal linksWikimedia Commons has media related to Najran Province Travel through the province of Najran Splendid Arabia A travel site with photos and routes 17 29 30 N 44 07 56 E 17 49167 N 44 13222 E 17 49167 44 13222
