There are a number of historical wells in Madinah, which is part and parcel of the city's Islamic heritage. The most famous among them are the wells of Othman Bin Affan, Khatim, Ehen and Gharas and then comes Bosa, Bidhaa and Hae wells. Residents of Madinah have criticized the authorities, especially the mayoralty, for neglecting these historical sites without giving them proper care and protection. "Historians have mentioned these wells and their significance in texts of Islamic history. Although thousands of Muslims from all over the world visit them every year, the authorities have not taken any concrete steps to protect these valuable antiquities," said one resident. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, had drunk water from some of these wells while the Islamic army had camped near them during campaigns against enemy forces. This shows that they are closely related to the Islamic history, Al-Madinah Arabic daily said in a report. Social media activists, meanwhile, called for transforming the well of Othman into a children's park. Many Madinah residents have supported the idea. However, some people have objected to the move since the place is an endowment property of the third Caliph of Islam. Supporters wanted to develop the site through private investment, saying it would bring additional revenue to the endowment. The mayoralty should rent the place from the endowment department and encourage investors to develop it into a major recreation center. Ibrahim Al-Hujaili, director general of the Agriculture Ministry's office in Madinah, denied suggestions that Bi'er Othman (well of Othman) was neglected. "We utilize this facility as a complete agricultural center and cultivate about 500 types of date palms," he told Al-Madinah. "We have developed the site into an integrated farm and there are various types of trees, including cedar and citrus. We also apply modern irrigation systems to boost agriculture," Al-Hujaili said, adding that the farm is managed in association with King Abdulaziz University. A number of greenhouses for trees, plants and flowers have been established in the site, which are made use of by government departments, schools and public resorts. About 70,000 plants and flowers have been distributed among citizens during the Tree Week. The site also contains a stretch of greenery and a model bee farm. There is a conference hall to hold lectures and seminars and a tent for meetings with farmers, he explained. Al-Madinah's correspondent Ahmed Al-Salim visited the historical wells in the city. He began from Bi'er Al-Ehen, located just 100 meters from the Quba Mosque. Being an abandoned for a long time, people throw leftovers in the well, thus a bad odor comes out of it. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has received the well as an antiquity for preservation and development. Bi'er Gharas is located close to a private school and is covered by an unsuitable wooden plank. There is a playground near the well and children may destroy it without knowing its historical importance. There is a sign board near the well explaining its history and significance. The Prophet Muhammad named this well Bi'er Al-Yusra, which is located along the Qurban Street, after the traffic light and before reaching Sawala Garden. It is now under the ownership of a farmer. Bi'er Othman is located in Azhari district. "The site is now closed and we were unable to reach the well," said Al-Salim, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture is now using the facility as a nursery and honey farm. Some people have filled the historic wells with garbage. Saudis and expatriates living near these wells have expressed their anguish over people's negative attitude toward such important historical sites that witnessed several historic moments in the lives of the Prophet and his companions. Hassan Al-Majrashi said the historic wells that are closely linked with the Prophet's life have become "totally forgotten sites." The general view of these sites does not augur well with our culture and civilization. There is nothing to prove that they are antiquities," he said. Adnan Abdul Qader called upon the SCTH to develop these historical sites like the Hejaz railway and construct protective walls around them. Ezzuddin Al-Maski, an Islamic researcher, said Madinah has historical significance as it was located along the age-old trade route that linked the Arabian Peninsula's north with its south. "There had been huge aquifers of fresh water, but the region has undergone many geological transformations." Apart from water, date palm fields also encouraged many ancient tribes such as Aus and Khazraj to settle in Madinah. "Even the Prophet Muhammad chose Madinah for migration," he said. Now that people's approach to dates has changed from staple food to fruit, he pointed out. Al-Maski stressed the importance of safeguarding Madinah's antiquities including its old wells that are related to the Prophet's life. "We should not ignore the significance of artesian wells despite the advancement achieved in water supply," he added. Islamic researcher Fouad Al-Maghamisi described the historical wells of Madinah as archaeological landmarks. "We can see only parts of these wells located in the northwestern and southern parts of Madinah but if we dig in those places we can still get water," he pointed out. Al-Maghamisi said Madinah would be declared the Capital of Tourism and Heritage in 2017 and many foreign guests would be visiting the historical sites and antiquities in the region. "It's the duty of authorities to preserve these historical sites in the best form." Al-Madinah contacted Saleh Abbas, director of SCTH's office in the holy city, for his comments on the measures taken for the protection of historical wells but he did not respond.
