Al-Baha الباحة is a very picturesque and awe-inspiring place. The amazing mountains, the stone forts, the numerous farms and gardens producing wonderful fruit such as figs, prickly pears, grapes, limes, bananas, pomegranates, dates, corn etc. The region is famous for its beautiful honey and traditional junubi (southern) brown bread too. The climate is wonderful too. In the heat of Summer we left Riyadh at 46 degrees celcius....al-Baha was a beautiful 30 degrees. The difference was much appreciated.
It is said that Baha has over 1000 old stone watch towers - some are in ruins but others are in good condition. They were built as watch towers to protect the villages from invading armies. All along the route you can spot them dotted on hills and mountains.
The warmth and friendliness of the people is humbling. The Ghaamidi and Zahraani tribes originate from Al-Baha الله يحفظهم.
We are indebted to Lamar 'Abdul Muhsin Al-Ghaamidi, her dear Parents and special Grandparents for their superb hosting of us and their tour of their village and surrounding areas. جزاهم الله خيرا في الدنيا والآخرة
Some places to visit include:
Dhee Ain Historical Village ذي عين (built 400 years ago, a breathtaking oasis among the barren mountains - see how Allaah provides for his servants subhaanAllaah ar-Razzaaq al-Lateef. There is a flowing stream from the mountains.)
Raghaden رغدن Forest (beauty plus adventure for those who enjoy zip lining between the mountains!)
Baljarashi بلجرشي - fertile farms, mountains and bee hive farms.
Janabayn Dam سد جنبين (similar to the lake district but the mountains are brown and rocky instead of green!).
The drive from Riyadh to Taif, Taif to Baha, Baha to Makkah and then back to Riyadh spanned 7 days and spanned 2600km...A very long drive but worth it alhamdulillaah. Some legs of the journey could have been shortened with less scenic or less scary mountain passes and roads but that would have been a loss in terms of experiencing the true Baha.
A taste of Dhee Ain:
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| village farm |
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| Fig tree |
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| running mountain stream |
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| village stone masjid |
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| houses made from stones |
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| Photo courtesy of Abu 'Ammaar Mumtaz |
To see a beautiful video of the village with the adhaan of 'asr
click here. (Courtesy of Abu 'Ammaar)
We ask Allaah for His Jannah. نسأل الله الجنة
Janabayn Dam:
Baljurashi and the surrounding areas of Hawala
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| prickly pears تين شوكي or برشومي |
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| Picnic on top of a mountain! figs, prickly pears, traditional southern brown bread with Baha honey. |
Beehive farm Baha
Watch Towers قصبة Qasbah
