Historical Treasures of Al-Jouf: From Ancient Castles to Neolithic Sculptures

   Sakaka, November 24, 2025, SPA -- Al-Jouf Region is rich in historical sites, making it a destination for archaeology and heritage enthusiasts.
   Among the prominent sites is Marid Castle in Dumat Al-Jandal Governorate, which dates back to the third century AD. Rising approximately 620 meters above sea level, the castle features two floors—mud on the upper level and stone on the lower—and is surrounded by defensive walls and four observation towers.
   In Sakaka, the Sisra Well, carved into rocks to a depth of 15 meters, supplies nearby farms with water via a rock-cut channel. Zaabal Castle, dating to the Nabataean period, includes four towers and served as a defensive structure for Sakaka and its trade routes.
   East of Sakaka lies the Camel Carving Site, featuring 21 life-sized rock carvings of camels and horses, one of the oldest known examples dating from the Neolithic period.
   The Rajajil standing stones, located south of Sakaka, attract visitors with about 50 stone columns, each approximately three meters high. Estimated to be 6,500 years old, this site reflects the region's rich civilizational heritage.
   Al-Jouf is also home to historical mosques with unique architecture, notably the Omar ibn Al-Khattab Mosque in Dumat Al-Jandal. Dating back to the early days of Islam, it features the oldest surviving minaret in Islam, standing 12 meters tall.
   -- SPA