The love-hate relationship between Aja and Salma

The Arabian Peninsula is full of legendary figures and interesting stories, which are part of the culture and heritage, depicting the people, places, and lives of the past. In the series of articles "Stories Behind the Myths," these folk legends are introduced. These stories may exist in different regions of Saudi Arabia, but people have different views on the location, time, and events, so the details vary. The story begins with two people who fell in love, creating a legend that remains unforgettable. According to Laura Strachan, an anthropology professor at Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University in Dammam, these stories exist in different regions of the country, but their content can be similar.

Shanmaer Mountain Range - Ajia and Salma Peaks

In the northwest of Saudi Arabia's Ha'il Province, in the Shama'il Mountains, there are now two peaks called Aja and Salma. The names of these two mountains come from a tragic ancient love story. According to different versions of the story, Aja and Salma come from different tribes and their love is opposed. In the end, they choose to elope but are eventually murdered. Despite this, their love is still celebrated. It is said that the mountain moved so that they could be together. The locals still tell this story today, and people believe that the story of the two of them happened nearby, and the two mountains constantly approach each other because of the power of love.

The home of the Arabian legend Hatim Al Tai

Hatim Al Tai was a 6th century Arab poet from the "Tai" tribe, which was relatively large at the time. Due to his generosity, he became a respected idol in the local community. His deeds have even been mentioned in the famous "One Thousand and One Nights" stories, as well as in many poems, films, and TV series. Visitors can visit his former palace on the northwest slope of Aja Peak, which is still well-preserved today. There is also a small cemetery there, which is said to be Hatim's final resting place.

A brief introduction to the royal history of the Hail region

The three castles in the province of Ha'il are the highlights of exploration in the city center. The oldest building is the A'arif Fort, dating back to the 17th century, originally built by the Ali family and later expanded by the Al-Rashid family. This castle is located on a hilltop and overlooks the city from all angles. During the Saudi government authority period, this castle was used as a venue for local festivals, to observe the moon during Ramadan, and to celebrate the end of daily fasting with cannon fire from the high point. The second oldest historical monument is Barzan Castle, built in the 19th century. It once covered an area of up to 300,000 square meters. Unfortunately, most of the buildings were destroyed in 1921, leaving only a high tower as a historical monument for people to enjoy in the city center. The relatively recent Al-Qishlah Castle was built in the 1940s and was once used as a castle for territorial defense, later turning into a local prison. With the establishment of the Arab government, the castle has been transformed into a historical building for visitors to explore.