Darb Zubaydah: Reviving the legendary Hajj route from Iraq to Makkah

Saudi Gazette

22-05-2025

Saudi Gazette report
RAFHA — Stretching over 1,400 kilometers from the city of Kufa in Iraq to the holy city of Makkah, Darb Zubaydah is one of the most significant historical routes in the Arabian Peninsula.
Once a lifeline for pilgrims and traders alike, this ancient path winds through the northern reaches of Saudi Arabia, running parallel to the Northern Border Region's Rafha Governorate—its first Saudi waypoint.
Darb Zubaydah is more than a relic of the past; it's a striking example of the engineering brilliance that characterized early Islamic civilization.
What began as a trade corridor evolved into a crucial pilgrimage route during the Abbasid Caliphate, reaching its peak prominence in the early Islamic era.
Named after Zubaydah bint Jaafar, wife of Caliph Harun Al-Rashid, who famously financed much of its infrastructure, the road became known for its carefully planned stations, rest stops, and water collection systems.
Massive stone reservoirs and ponds were constructed at strategic intervals to store rainwater, offering relief to pilgrims braving the harsh desert terrain.
These waypoints not only ensured water availability but also served as shelters and supply hubs.
To guide travelers across the vast and often treacherous desert, a series of stone markers—known as almanar or flags—were erected.
These conical towers, made from stacked stones, stood prominently along the route, especially near water sources and crossroads.
The distance between each major station was typically around 24 kilometers (12 Islamic miles), with a guiding flag placed midway between stops, providing orientation and reassurance in the open wilderness.
In sandy regions, the road was paved with stones to provide traction and stability, preventing the slipping of caravans and animals. Key stations such as Al-Qaa, Zubala, Al-Shihayat, Fayd, Al-Ajfar, and Al-Qa'iya became vital centers of rest and resupply. They offered food, water, shelter, and even medical care, transforming the desert journey into a more humane and manageable pilgrimage.
Today, Darb Zubaydah is receiving renewed attention as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasizes the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. National heritage bodies are working to document, restore, and revive the path's key landmarks. These efforts aim to transform the ancient route into a living museum of Islamic history and architectural ingenuity, while also encouraging heritage tourism and enriching the Kingdom's cultural landscape.
With every marker restored and every stone relay brought back to life, Darb Zubaydah offers a tangible connection to the past—an enduring symbol of devotion, civilization, and the spirit of service that once guided millions on their sacred journey.