On the Slopes of Jabal Kara, Two Roads Separated by More Than a Thousand Years

2026-09-23

Taif, September 24, 2026, SPA -- Between stones laid across the slopes of Jabal Kara centuries ago and modern roads winding through its bends today, Aqabat Al-Hada west of Taif preserves a long story of human passage through some of the region’s most rugged mountain terrain.

The story began with travelers and caravans using the Darb Al-Jammalah. It evolved into a modern highway and became a major link between the highlands of Taif, Tihama, and Makkah.

From the mountain slopes, two distinct chapters in the history of transportation can be seen in the same place. The old stone trail follows the mountain's contours along a narrow, winding path. Nearby, Al-Hada Road stretches through its own curves, lanes, and engineering structures, offering a vivid picture of how roads and transportation in Saudi Arabia have evolved over the decades.

Known as Darb Al-Jammalah or Darb Kara, the old route dates back more than 1,000 years. It was built to follow the mountain’s steep slopes, with sections paved with stone to ease the passage of people and camels.

For centuries, the trail served as a route for caravans, Hajj pilgrims, and traders, carrying goods and products between the Taif highlands and areas below the Sarawat Mountains.

Crossing Jabal Kara was once more than simply a journey between two places. The steep terrain dictated paths that gradually followed the mountain's contours and wound around its rocks. Parts of the trail that have survived to this day offer a glimpse into how people adapted to the mountainous environment and shaped it to support travel and trade.

Head of the Taif History Center Latifa Al-Adwani emphasized to SPA that Aqabat Kara represents an important part of Taif’s historical memory. Its significance is rooted in the movement of people between the governorate's highlands, Tihama, and Makkah from early historical periods.

She said Darb Al-Jammalah reflects the transportation methods used by residents and travelers in the past, as well as their ability to navigate Jabal Kara's rugged terrain.