The Historic Town of Ushaiqer

WORDS BY RIHAN ABDU

Via Twitter

Ushaiqer is a historic town located in the central region of Saudi Arabia. Founded over 1,500 years ago, it became a significant stopover for pilgrims from Kuwait, Iraq and Iran, who came to perform Hajj or Umrah. It is located 200 kilometers northwest of Riyadh. The first mentions of Ushaiqer appear in the writings of Al-Hutay’a, a poet from the 7th century.

Images via @abahussaindiaries

The town was originally called “A’ekel”, but the name was changed to Ushaiqer – meaning "the Little Blonde" – to honor the nearby mountain that overshadows the town. It is home to various tribes and families in the Arabian Peninsula, including Al-Hussaini, Abahussein, Al-Elsheikh, Al-Thani, and Al-Bassam.

The town is known for its unique style of centuries-old Najdi architecture, featuring structures made of mud blocks and distinctive triangular windows and roofs, as well as ornately carved wooden doors. The town is characterized by winding alleys and timber walkways. A wall, watchtowers and a tamarisk-made main gate surround it. Additionally, the village is home to abundant produce, with an oasis and ancient farmlands surrounding it. Farmers use a complex irrigation system to fetch water from interconnected wells, preserving precious water while efficiently using it. The village is divided into seven districts, with palm trees and orchards complementing the picturesque scenery. Recently, the people of Ushaiqer restored the historical village to preserve its heritage, and built the Al Salem museum displaying various relics and pieces from the town.