A'Arif Fort: A historic landmark in Hail

Author: 
MOHAMMAD AL-SULAMI | ARAB NEWS
Publication Date: 
Tue, 2012-02-14 01:14

At later times, additions and restorations were made to the fortress until it took its present shape. Built with mud and clay, the rectangular-shaped citadel is 40 meters long and 11 meters wide and is occupying an area of about 440 sq. meters. It had openings and watchtowers to be used by soldiers to sight any approaching hostile elements. It also had prayer places, toilets, warehouses and other facilities that enabled citizens to stay for long periods.
The first construction of the fortress was made during the reign of the Al-Ali family at the end of the 11th Hijra century (17th century AD) and the additions and annexes were made to it during the rule of the Al-Rasheed family. During the Saudi rule, the fortress was used for the sighting of the Ramadan moon and for firing of the Iftar gun.
Built on a mountain peak, the fortress could be seen from anywhere in Hail. Visits to the fortress are organized for official foreign delegations and tourists from the Kingdom and abroad.

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