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Najran
Arabic: najrān
City and oasis in southern Saudi Arabia with 130,000 inhabitants (2003 estimate), at an elevation of 1,210 metres, capital of the Najran province. Some estimates place the population of Najran near or above 300,000, but this incorrect.
The region of Najran is relatively fertile, and the main produce are dates and grains used for stock raising. Trade, administration and border control are other important activities here.
Najran is well-connected with other urban centres of the country, Khamis Mushayt 150 km northwest, Abha 175 km northwest and Riyadh 850 km north. A nationals airport lies to the east of the city centre.
Najran is a city of several attractive quarters, in which traditional houses of styles close to Yemeni styles can be found. The centre is dominated by the Imara Fort. The area of Najran continues for about 60 km, beginning in the west between the mountains ending in the east where the desert of Rub al-Khali takes over. Most of the stretch is dominated by independent farms.
History
1000 BCE: Emerges as an important trading post for the export of myrrh to the Levant.
500 CE: A Christian colony is established here.
635: The Christian colony is ended by Muslim occupation.
1934: Region of Najran and around is annexed by Saudi Arabia from the ruler of Yemen, according to the Treaty of at-Ta'if.
1965: Is designated a New Town, involving governmental investments in Najran, and fast growth in population.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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