Najran City: The Role in Ancient History - Research Paper Example

 Narjan City is a modern city in Saudi Arabia which played a role in ancient history. Currently, it has grown to a modern city priding itself with many tourist spots. However, the current status is not the only reason that makes the place attractive. It is not only a center of trade and industry but it also has a rich history that makes it unique from other places in the country. The city also embodiesAl Ukhdood, an important place in the migration of merchants and a ditch where many Christians were believed to have been massacred. This paper aims to discuss a short history of Narjan and discover the importance of Al Ukhdood in the historical narrative of this interesting place as well as discuss the geography, climate and agriculture of the city. The article entitled Najran City Profile which is published on The Saudi network mentions that historically, Najran is believed to have been inhabited for more than 4,000 years and it served as a stopover for the merchants who were trading frankincense. It also claims that the city has been a prosperous trading place during the first and second centuries. The article explicates that the city is mentioned in ancient scriptures and historical books, marking its ancient existence. Moreover, the city’s profile claims that it once was named Nagva Metropolis which shows that Najran’s fame and success reached even the strong and powerful Greece during ancient times. According to Najran City Profilewhich is found on The Saudi Network, “the most important and biggest civilization in the southern Arabian Peninsula inside Najran is Al-Ukhdood”. The article asserts that the place is popularly known to have derived its name from the massacre of Christians during the rule of the Yemeni king, Thou Nawas in 523. It explains that narratives are commonly said that Christians were asked to renounce their faiths otherwise they will be killed and be buried in the ditch or Al Ukhdood in Arabic. The article goes on to expound that as expected, the Christians did not give up their faith so they were killed and were buried in the ditch and made the place famous. Najran City Profile also points to historical artifacts found in Al Ukhdoodand explains that those prove early civilization. In addition, the article says that stone buildings with carved images also reveal the kind of success Al Ukhdood enjoyed during its glorious days. It further claims that the stone buildings are said to resemble those which were used to build the famous great pyramids of Egypt and the inscriptions reflect the literacy of early dwellers. As stated in the Najran City Profileissued by The Saudi Network, the geographical characteristics of Najran made it an important trading center for early merchants. It says that the verdant valleys produced fruits not only for consumption of the locals but for export as well. It adds that the city also served as an ideal resting place for the merchants. The article claims that frankincense is the famous product commonly exported from southern Arabia to countries such as Jordan, Syria and Egypt which explains the “Frankincense Route”, the passage followed by the merchants who were exporting the said product. The article points out that Najran is obviously an important location not only for modern Saudi Arabia but even for the early dwellers in the kingdom. It portrays Najran as geographically arranged so that it has served as a center for trade and industry in the kingdom and its surrounding countries. The article also suggests that as an agricultural area, Najran served as an ideal resting area for merchants who got more products for their journey. Moreover, the report also observes that the city has a moderate climate which makes it grow agricultural products. In addition, it also points to the scenic views of the city which do not simply help in its agricultural needs but in the tourism industry as well. The report notes that such scenic views include the Abi Al-Rshash valley where water gushing from its rocks is used for irrigation and household needs. According to the aforementioned article, the city of Narjan is the capital of the Narjan region which is inhabited by most not only because of the commerce occurring in the place but also for its moderate climate. The article also explains that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is known for its warm climate with its temperature reaching 120 degrees Fahrenheit or even higher during the summer. However, the site also indicates that Narjan is one of the cities where the temperature is moderate during the summer, averaging a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures, the article continues, make certain that Narjan is also known for its agricultural products because various food plants can thrive in the area.One of the most important attractions which has agricultural importance in the city that the article mentions is the range of rocky mountains including Abu Hamdan, the highest mountain in the range. The report also speaks of the well-known Abi Al-Rshash valley in the city where water gushes out from its rocks to irrigate surrounding areas and provide water for the people’s washing, bathing as well as other needs. The site proposes that as a desert area with its climate and availability of water, Narjan is a potential agricultural land for Saudi Arabia which produces peaches, apricots, apples, grapes, lemons and oranges. This makes Narjan, the article explicates, play an important role in the economic stability of the kingdom, maintaining food products for the citizens as well as earning more dollars in the hospitalization and tourism industry. In conclusion, Najran is presented as a city tracing its history to ancient times, playing an important role in the economic development of Saudi Arabia. The ditch called Al Ukhdood does not only make the city’s history colorful but it also plays an important role in its trade and industry. Lastly, the geographical position of the city gives it a climate perfectly suitable for agricultural products. Reference The Saudi Network.“Najran City Profile”.The Saudi Network: Saudi Arabia Trade and Business directory. n.d. Web. April 2, 2014. Read More