The villages of “Al-Khalaf and Al-Khalif” are among the oldest archaeological villages in the Qilwa governorate in the Al-Baha region, as they date back to the early third century AH, and there are many residential houses distributed in them, some of whose walls are still standing until now, while the two villages also enjoy a charming nature and a pleasant atmosphere.
The Al-Baha region is characterized by the mixture of nature and heritage in many sites, as it embraces a number of villages and historical and heritage sites, which are located in the bosom of a rich nature, allowing the tourist and visitor a unique experience in enjoying the nature and the charming atmosphere, while getting to know the heritage and historical monuments of the region, which I proposed. The Saudi Tourism Authority within its “Saudi Summer” program, which it launched on the twenty-fourth of last June, and will continue until the end of next September in 11 various tourist destinations in the Kingdom, in addition to more than 500 tourism experiences and packages provided by more than 250 partners from the private sector, to provide Interesting and enjoyable tourist experiences.
Al-Khalaf and Al-Khalif include many archaeological sites represented in ancient forts and buildings, the historical Al-Khalaf Mosque, which represents a unique architectural style, as well as the well of Dghifaqa, which is located approximately 100 meters to the west of the village near the foot of the mountain on which the village stands. Al-Khalaf, and the well was famous for its abundant water hundreds of years ago, and the villages of Al-Khalaf and Al-Khalif together were famous for their wonderful architectural style that relied on the local “hard” stone, embroidered with arches and red plaster, some parts of which still exist to the present day.
The villages of Al-Khalaf and Al-Khalif are distinguished by many ancient Islamic inscriptions, which are estimated at about 27 inscriptions in a number of basalt stones, bearing the Basmala, Quranic verses and supplications, dating back to the first half of the third century AH, until the second half of the fifth century AH, all inscribed in graded Kufic script. From simple to lush and then blooming, in addition to the presence of many cemeteries in the two villages.
The village of Al-Khalif is called by this name, meaning the stampede of valleys, due to the abundance of its water. Al-Khalif shares fame with the village of Al-Khalaf, which is located directly south of it, and both villages were distinguished by their ancient archaeological character.
Among the features of the village of Al-Khalaf is the mosque, whose area is estimated at 324 square meters, and it has four facades and one minaret, located in the southeastern corner of the courtyard of the mosque. It has steep gorges on the northern and western sides, while the level of the mosque’s land is close to that of the village on its southern and eastern sides. In the middle of the mosque’s courtyard is a water pond estimated to be two and a half meters wide in a square shape and three meters deep or slightly more, built with hard local stone in order to provide clean water. To drink for the worshipers and the people of the village.
The villages of Al-Khalaf and Al-Khalif are a historical site that occupies an advanced place in the list of the best archaeological sites in the Al-Baha region, in addition to their charming nature that makes visiting them a rich and enjoyable experience.
Okaz (Al-Baha)
