Turaif’s Rich Historical Legacy From Pre-Islamic Landmarks to Industrial Heritage

Turaif:Turaif Governorate, situated in the Northern Borders Region, boasts a wealth of archaeological and heritage sites that illustrate its evolution through various historical epochs, from pre-Islamic times to the dawn of the oil industry and the development of modern educational and service facilities.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Dawqara Archaeological Palace, located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Turaif near Mount Aqran, is a significant site from pre-Islamic times. This is based on preliminary studies conducted as part of comprehensive surveys.

The Trans-Arabian Pipeline, known as Tapline, is a notable industrial heritage landmark in Turaif's history. Constructed to transport crude oil from the Abqaiq field in the Eastern Region to the port of Sidon on Lebanon's Mediterranean coast via Jordan and Syria, this project led to the establishment of several settlements and service facilities along its route. It was later recognized as Saudi Arabia's first industrial heritage site.

Among the landmarks from this era is Qaru Turaif, a water source created by Tapline Company in the 1950s to serve Bedouin communities and facilitate their settlement. It has been designated as a cultural heritage site by the Heritage Commission.

Additionally, Turaif is home to Hittin School, founded by Tapline Company in 1371 AH (1951), marking it as one of the oldest educational institutions in the Northern Borders Region and a key part of the area's early formal schooling development.

Turaif's old airport, built by Tapline Company in 1952, is another significant facility, playing a role in the history of air transport in the governorate. It operated international flights during its time.

These sites collectively reflect the various stages in Turaif's history, from ancient archaeological remains to the transformations heralded by the pipeline's construction, and the establishment of educational and service facilities that spurred the governorate's development.

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