The Historic City of Al-Harirah: A Jewel of Qais Island, Al-Ahwaz
The ancient city of Al-Harirah is one of the most prominent landmarks on Qais Island in the occupied Arab state of Al-Ahwaz. Dating back to the 5th century AH, it represents a key part of Al-Ahwaz’s Arab heritage and identity.
History and Location
Al-Harirah is situated on Qais Island in the Arabian Gulf and has origins rooted in the medieval period, with construction dating back to the Abbasid era. Located in the Qais area, under the port city of Lengeh, it is one of the notable sites in the Hormoz province in the southern region of Al-Ahwaz. In the northern part of Qais Island, near the Olympic sports complex, one can see various remnants that serve as reminders of ancient Al-Harirah.
The city’s golden age spanned from the 4th to the early 10th century AH, covering an area of 120 hectares. Based on archaeological findings, the ancient site comprises a coastal complex, a noble palace, a historic bathhouse, a mosque, a glass workshop, and ancient canals. Al-Harirah’s remains reflect Al-Ahwaz’s rich Arab heritage and a history of cultural and commercial exchanges across centuries.
The city of Al-Harirah is mentioned in numerous historical sources. For example, Yaqut Al-Hamawi, a 7th-century AH geographer and historian, described it as a beautiful city built on Qais Island, surrounded by grand palaces and vibrant gardens, frequented by ships sailing between India and the Arabian Gulf. The city also had large reservoirs to store rainwater and five thriving markets.
Currently, remnants of Al-Harirah, including tall chimneys, clay, and brick structures, can still be seen. The buildings were constructed with shell deposits, limestone, and coral stones. Some structures stand over 6 meters high, indicating the presence of multiple floors. Horizontal and underground canals and various wells are scattered across Al-Harirah, likely related to fishing activities, such as pearling and coral diving, facilitating access to the sea.
A pier and dock can be found near the shoreline, featuring semi-circular supports leading to the sea, with stone passages, openings, and stairways. The inlet and outlet canals are still intact, thanks to the use of limestone and coral stones, although the dock structures have undergone physical and chemical erosion. Next to the dock is a building the locals call a “palace,” and historical inscriptions suggest there was once a grand palace named Qasr Malik on Qais Island.
The presence of a mosque in Al-Harirah indicates a Muslim settlement. Covering an area of 2,000 square meters in the center of the city, Al-Harirah Mosque features Seljuk architecture and was renovated over time. The mosque has a courtyard, a high circular minaret, and a reservoir, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a gathering place where merchants could stay for a time.
The city also contains a bathhouse covering 500 square meters located in the northwest of the main residence. This bathhouse underwent three phases of construction, expansion, and restoration, including walls, courtyards, a service area, storage rooms, a workers’ room to the north, and bath areas with two large and small heating rooms to the south.
Heritage Conservation
Protecting the historic city of Al-Harirah requires a dedicated focus on preserving its historical sites while carefully managing environmental and climate-related challenges that could affect its heritage. It is essential to raise awareness of the importance of this conservation effort and encourage Ahwazi citizens and tourists alike to take part in preserving this cultural legacy.
As one of the most notable tourist sites on Qais Island, the ancient city of Al-Harirah, with its unique structures, is a significant cultural tourism destination in the region. This site holds immense potential for visitors wishing to explore Ahwazi Arab history and enjoy the distinctive architecture.
