The Amazing History of Medina You Didn't Know About

Medina—A City Steeped Deep In Profound Significance And Rich Tales That You May Haven’t Known!

Medina, officially referred to as Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, is the fourth-largest city in the country, the capital of Saudi Arabia's Medina Province as well as considered as Islam's second holiest city. Situated in western Saudi Arabia's Hejaz area, approximately one hundred miles (160 kilometers) away from the Red Sea and 275 miles (445 kilometers) from Mecca via road, it serves as a significant point for thousands of Muslims from all over the globe who travel Saudi Arabia to complete the pilgrimage. Other names for Medina include "the city of the Messenger of God" and "the enlightened city." This is because it is the final resting place of Prophet Muhammad, who sought refuge in the city after fleeing Mecca. These are only a handful of the many intriguing aspects of the history of Medina. In case you're eager to discover more like what histories are hidden throughout its medieval streets? What makes the city's scenery so unique, and much more? The facts about the city's unique history are provided below!

The beautiful city of Medina is located 625 meters above sea level in a rich oasis and is surrounded on its eastern side by a large lava field, some of that originating from an eruption of volcanoes in 1207 Ce. The remaining three sides of the city are surrounded by desert hills from the Hejaz mountainous range.
 

• The Weather
  Medina's weather is defined by a dry and hot climate. The town has extreme temperatures all year, with averages fluctuating between 30-40°C in the summer to 15-25°C in the winter.

• Cultural and Religious Importance
  Medina's significance is enormous as it is regarded as a sacred city in Islam and is also the location of the Holy Prophet's grave. The city's historic core is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and several ancient sites, notably the 2nd-holiest mosque within Islam, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi are located there.

• The City's Demographics
  Around 1.5 million individuals call Medina home, with Muslims making up a large portion of the population. The majority of the city's revenue comes from religious tourism; countless Muslims come to the city each year to fulfill the pilgrimages of the Hajj and Umrah.

Did you know Medina also boasts a long and fascinating agricultural history? Renowned for its spiritual importance, the great economy of Medina is centered on the production of vegetables, grains, and fruits to augment the revenue obtained from housing pilgrims.
 

• The Medina Land
  The rich oasis surrounding Medina provides a major supply of food to the metropolis and its neighboring regions. The area's main crops consist of olives, dates, figs, citrus fruits, pomegranates, as well as vegetables. Medina is recognized for growing good-quality dates which are desired all over the globe.

• Conventional Agricultural Techniques
  Throughout Medina's history, agriculture has been practiced with conventional techniques including hand harvesting and flood irrigation. However, in the past few decades, innovations have been deployed to boost efficiency and production. Mechanical irrigation pumps, which have been in operation since the Ottoman era in the early twentieth century, have almost completely replaced the traditional draw wells. Although the farming methods have evolved, an aqueduct is still supplying drinking water from a spring near the oasis's southern edge.

• Obstacles in the Industry
  Even with the agricultural industry's advancements, the city still faces a number of obstacles, including soil erosion, water shortages, and climate change. Sustainable agricultural approaches are being used in an attempt to tackle these issues.

Medina is well-known for its jewelry, armory, and metallurgy throughout the early Islamic era but these industries were never really large-scale, and until the middle of the 20th century, the majority of activity was related to agricultural technologies. The main pursuits in the city include auto repair, welding, carpentry, and tile and brick construction.

The metropolis has a strong transportation history dating back to the seventh century when the Prophet Muhammad lived. It is a historical voyage where new inventions are made at every turn. Here is some further information:
 

• Rides on Camel
  During the Prophet's time, the main form of transport in Medina was walking or riding on a camel or donkey. The metropolis was also linked to the adjacent city of Mecca via a route used by travelers during the Hajj.

• Creation of the Hejaz Railway
  Medina's transportation system grew significantly in the early twentieth century, following the finding of oil on the Arabian Peninsula. The Hejaz Railway, which connects Medina to Damascus, Syria, was built in 1908 and served as a crucial transit link for both people and freight, contributing to the region's economic success.

• First Airport's Establishment
  The initial airport of Medina, Prince Mohammad bin Abdul-Aziz Airport, was built between the 1950s and 1960s. The airport was originally utilized for military use, but it eventually developed into a commercial airport, serving as a hub for both local and international flights. Medina now boasts a contemporary transportation system that comprises an extensive system of highways and roads, a high-speed train, and a larger airport.

The sacred city of Medina is often referred to by the name “City of the Prophet”, it is because Prophet Muhammad moved there from Mecca in the year 622 CE. Medina's history is deeply entwined with the journey of the Prophet Muhammad and the early Islamic times. Below is the further information:
 

• The Islamic Calendar's Inception and the First Hijra
  The Hijra, or migration of the Prophet Muhammad along with his followers from Mecca to Medina, occurred in 622 CE. This marks the start of the calendar of Islam. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) founded a society in Medina that followed Islamic beliefs and teachings. He was a political, religious, and social leader who shaped Medina Islam's history.

• The Treaty of Jewish Origin
  The Prophet Muhammad negotiated an agreement with the Jewish communities of Medina, which granted them certain privileges and safeguards. However, the pact was eventually breached, resulting in tension among the Muslim and Jewish populations.

• The Conflict of Badr
  The Battle of Badr was fought in 624 CE between Medina's Muslims and the Meccan Army. The Muslims won the war, which strengthened their dominance in Medina and assisted in spreading Islam across the Arabian Peninsula.

• The Prophet's Demise
  The Holy Prophet (PBUH) passed away in the year 632 CE in Medina, after establishing Islam as a dominant religious and political force throughout the peninsula of Arabia.

Medina's history spanned several centuries and included various conflicts and battles. Following are a few of the major wars in Medina's history:
 

• Battle of Bu’ath
  The Battle of Bu'ath took place in 617 AD between the 2 clans of Aws and Khazraj, before the birth of Islam. The Khazraj tribe emerged victorious after the war.

• Battle of Uhud
  The Battle of Uhud occurred in 625 AD among the Medina Muslims and the Meccans. Muslims were directed by Prophet Muhammad, while Meccans were guided by Abu Sufyan. The fight caused a momentary defeat for the Muslims, however, they were able to reorganize and ultimately win the war.

• The Trench Battle
  The Battle of the Trench, additionally referred to as the “Battle of the Confederates,” occurred in 627 AD. The Muslims of Medina, led by Prophet Muhammad, built a trench around the city to prevent the Meccan army from advancing. This strategic defense played a crucial role in securing a decisive victory for the Muslims in the conflict.

• Mecca’s Conquest
  During 630 AD, Muslims captured Mecca without using violence. Prophet Muhammad conducted a huge Muslim force from Medina towards Mecca, where the Meccans submitted without resistance.

• Battle of Hunayn
  The Battle of Hunayn happened around 630 AD, just after the capture of Mecca. The Muslims, who became overly confident following their triumph at Mecca, were attacked off guard by the Hawazin tribe's massive army. The Muslims found the fight tough at first, but they were finally able to change the tide and win.

• Ridda Wars
  The Ridda Wars, additionally referred to as the Wars of Apostasy, occurred in 632 AD in Medina, following the demise of Prophet Muhammad. Several Arabian tribes declined to pay the nascent Islamic state's zakat (Islamic tax), and some even claimed themselves to be prophets. Abu Bakr, Islam's first Caliph, commanded an army to subdue the uprising, and the conflicts lasted around 2 years.