Imposing landmark in Riyadh a witness to city’s development

Jabal Abu Makhrouq, an imposing mountain in the center of Riyadh, is one of the historic landmarks in the capital city. It is a witness to the remarkable progress made by Riyadh over the past years.
According to a report carried by the Saudi Press Agency yesterday, Japanese traveler and historian Eigiro Nakano has mentioned about this mountain in his book titled “A Japanese Visit to the Arabian Peninsula 1358/1939).”
The mountain made of limestone rocks has a height of 50 meters and appeared in the form of an eagle, the agency said quoting Nakano. It was previously named as Kharba before assuming its new name of Abu Makhrouq.
Located on the pathway of caravans that pass by Riyadh in olden days, it has been used a resting place by travellers. It was from this mountain King Abdul Aziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, kept a watch over the city.
There is a park in the area, which is the oldest in Riyadh, where families spend their weekends and holidays. The park is complete with greenery and water fountains and distinguished for its stone constructions.