ALULA — Overlooking the northern part of Madinah, Hadiya Castle stands from a high vantage point between Wadi al-Tabaq and Wadi Khaybar. It embodies a rich historical legacy that tells the story of centuries of pilgrims and traders traveling from the Levant to Makkah. The archaeological site of Hadiyah Castle is one of the most prominent strategic points on the Levantine Hajj Route. It is likely that it was used as a station for pilgrims beginning in the pre-Islamic era, given its direct role in securing the route and providing comfort and supplies to caravans heading to Makkah. This made it a major transit point on this historic route. The castle was built in a strategic area overlooking a pond designated for collecting rainwater, making it an important source of water for pilgrims and a center for supplying them with provisions. The castle includes four defensive towers at its corners, three of which still stand, while the fourth has been affected by the effects of time. The traveler Ibn Battuta referred to this site in his documented journey in the year 726 AH, describing the location of the castle by saying: "It is a well of water in a valley where they dig, and water comes out, and on the third day they descend into the holy, noble, and honorable city," referring to the castle's proximity to Madinah and its pivotal position on the road. Historian and Islamic history researcher Dr. Fouad Al-Maghamsi explained that "Hadiya," located in Wadi Al-Tabaq, enjoys a strategic location between Madinah and Al-Ula, approximately 169 kilometers north of the city. It was a major stop for pilgrims and trade caravans in ancient times, thanks to its convenient location on one of the historical routes. He stated that the site gained additional importance at the beginning of the twentieth century with the launch of the railway line, when an official station called "Hadiyah" was established as part of a series of major stations along this vital stretch.
