Al-Bida’ Well on Zubaydah Trail Has Been Quenching Pilgrims’ Thirst for Centuries

Rafha: Al-Bida' site, also known as Al-Tha'labiah, located 90 kilometers south of Laynah village in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders Region, is an unearthed treasure trove of history and architecture. Part of the Darb Zubaydah (Zubaydah Trail), a historic Makkah-Kufa pilgrimage route submitted to the UNESCO tentative list in 2022, the site boasts significant cultural and archaeological significance and lies within the vast Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. Al-Bida' features over 120 architectural units. Its crown jewel is the magnificent circular stone well that exceeds 12 meters in diameter. The well stands out for its unique entrance -- a one-meter-wide and two-meter-high corridor located at the base of the well -- that leads to the ground surface on the western side. Remarkably, the well has provided fresh water for centuries, quenching the thirst of travelers along this historic route. The surrounding area is dotted with numerous additional wells, while three fortresses and various architectural st ructures of varying sizes and purposes hint at the site's former bustling activity. The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, which encompasses a staggering 91,500 square kilometers, protects over 400 kilometers of the Zubaydah Trail. Besides Al-Bida', the reserve shelters numerous significant landmarks within its boundaries. These historical, archaeological, and cultural gems, most centered around the Zubaydah Trail, offer a glimpse into the past, with remnants whispering tales of pilgrims and traders who traversed this path for centuries. The reserve's diverse topography, encompassing valleys, mountains, and the vast Nafud Desert, further enriches the visitors' experience. Source: Saudi Press Agency