Saudi Arabia: Visitors experience ancient inscriptions and culture at AlUla
Ikmah
Mountain, also known as Jabal Ikmah, one of AlUla’s most significant
archaeological landmarks, is welcoming visitors to a unique nighttime
experience this week as part of the Winter
at Tantora programme, which runs until Jan. 10.
Located near the ancient city of
Dadan, Ikmah underscores AlUla’s importance as a cultural and religious hub
long before the rise of the Nabataeans.
Now, the historic site is being reimagined after sunset through a new immersive
experience titled “Ikmah After Dark: Secrets of the Scribe.”
Often described as an “open-air
library,” Ikmah is home to hundreds of ancient inscriptions carved into canyon
walls thousands of years ago. During the experience, visitors are given the
opportunity to carve their own names using ancient scripts on a stone block
they can take home, creating a tangible link to the past.
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The inscriptions, written mainly in
Dadanitic and Lihyanite, once documented religious dedications, laws, royal
names, and aspects of everyday life. Together, they offer rare insights into
the beliefs and social structures of early Arabian kingdoms.
Arab News was guided through the
expansive outdoor setting by Gen-Z AlUla local Omer Mohammad, one of the hosts
of the “Secrets of the Scribe — Ikmah After Dark” experience.
“When guests arrive, we welcome them
and offer tea so they can refresh,” Mohammad explained. “If the group is large,
we divide them into two. One group learns how to carve, while the other
explores the gorge.”
The gorge itself is an elevated
pathway softly illuminated by candles lining both sides, enhancing the
atmosphere under the night sky.
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“In the scripts and descriptions
carved into the mountains, visitors learn about Dadani life and what people
used to do here,” Mohammad said.
After completing the walk, both
groups reunite at a gathering point where guests are encouraged to relax,
socialize, and enjoy dates, tea, and light refreshments.
Although the experience is new,
Mohammad emphasized that its roots are deeply historical.
“Storytelling was very important
here 3,000 years ago,” he said. “People from all over the world would come with
their animals and rest here. There was a river, water, and everything they
needed.”
Dressed in period-inspired attire
and speaking in poetic prose, Mohammad and his fellow guides lead visitors
through the site, illuminating the past against the backdrop of the darkened
mountains.
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“It means a lot to me personally to
work on this project,” Mohammad said. “I want people to come here, get excited
about what’s happening, enjoy our stories, and learn more about Dadani life.”
He added that the experience has
also deepened his own connection to local history.
“This is the land of my ancestors. I
really love history, and I want to know more about it — especially my own,” he
said. “I only learned about this ancient history three years ago when I started
working here.
“When I discovered it, I was so
happy. It was an amazing feeling. Everyone should come.”
Source: Arab News
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