Qal’at Shanaqil is one of the most prominent historical castles in the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, specifically in Turbah Governorate. It was built more than 250 years ago and served as the headquarters for the customary judicial rule of the Bani Qahtan tribe. The castle is built on a slope of the Dil Al-Subur rocky mountain range and overlooks Turbah Valley to the east.
Location of Qal’at Shanaqil
Qal’at Shanaqil is located in Al-Lubt village, east of Turbah Valley, in the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, west of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It rises approximately 1166 meters above sea level and is built on a slope of the Dil Al-Subur rocky mountain range, one of the northwestern borders of Harrat Al-Baqom. The castle is a few kilometers away from Turbah Governorate and can be reached by a regular car.
Castle Area and Description
The castle spans an area of approximately 3000 square meters, with its walls rising between 6 to 7 meters high. It includes about 30 rooms of various purposes: a council for justice, living rooms, a mosque, a prison, and storage for weapons and provisions. It also has a small stable for horses and an inner courtyard. The base and lower half are built of stone, the upper half of mud (adobe), and its roof was made of tamarisk branches, palm fronds, and palm trunks.
The castle is accompanied by a small fort called “Al-Murabba’a,” consisting of two floors located behind the castle at the top of Dil Al-Subur. It was used for monitoring and giving warnings by lighting fires at the top in case of danger, to alert other Bani Qahtan tribes.
Ghaliah Al-Baqamiya and Her Connection to the Castle
Qal’at Shanaqil is associated with the name of Princess Ghaliah Al-Badriyah Al-Baqamiya, one of the most famous women in the history of the region. Ghaliah was a supporter of the resistance against Ottoman campaigns in the 13th century AH. The family of Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Sultan Al-Badri (Ghaliah’s father) lived in the castle with several other families, and the castle served as the headquarters for governance and defense of Turbah. Some historians believe that the castle was built during the reign of Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Sultan Al-Badri by Sheikh Rajih bin Munif Al-Badri.
Customary Justice in the Castle
Qal’at Shanaqil was the headquarters for customary judicial rule among the Bani Qahtan tribe. The elders of Bani Qahtan gathered there to adjudicate disputes and settle conflicts, whether within the tribe or with neighboring tribes. Some of the most notable rulings issued from there include imposing an entry tax on the city of Turbah and its “Ramadan” market on some neighboring tribes, known as “Al-Tawridah,” due to repeated thefts. It was also used to delineate and confirm the boundaries of tribal lands.
The Role of the Castle in the Battle of Turbah
Before the historic Battle of Turbah in 1337 AH (1919 AD), Qal’at Shanaqil was attacked by the army of Abdullah I bin Al-Hussein, causing damage to parts of its roof and upper walls. Since then, the castle has been neglected for more than 95 years without attention from the authorities responsible for heritage. Despite this neglect, the castle still stands proudly, narrating tales of heroism and pride for the Bani Qahtan tribe.
How to Visit Qal’at Shanaqil?
The castle is located in Turbah Governorate, part of the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, about 180 kilometers southeast of Taif. It can be reached via the Taif-Turbah road. It is advisable to visit the castle in winter or early spring when the weather is moderate. The castle is currently open to visitors free of charge, but it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking and photography.
A Legacy in Need of Attention
Qanqal Castle represents an important yet forgotten part of Saudi history. Unfortunately, the castle has not received sufficient restoration and attention from the relevant authorities, despite its historical and architectural value. We hope it will be included in the programs of the Saudi Heritage Authority for restoration and preservation, to become a tourist and cultural destination that introduces visitors to the region’s authentic history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Qanqal Castle (FAQ)
Q: Where is Qanqal Castle located?
A: It is located in Al-Lubt village, east of Wadi Turabah, in Turabah Governorate, Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region.
Q: Who built Qanqal Castle?
A: It was built by Sheikh Rajih bin Munif Al-Badri Al-Baqami in the late 12th century AH (about 250 years ago), during the reign of Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Sultan Al-Badri.
Q: What is the area of Qanqal Castle?
A: The castle covers an area of approximately 3000 square meters, with walls reaching a height of 6 to 7 meters.
Q: Is Qanqal Castle open to visitors?
A: Yes, the castle is open to visitors and there is no entry fee, but it requires restoration.
Q: What is the connection between Ghaliyah Al-Baqamiyah and Qanqal Castle?
A: Princess Ghaliyah Al-Baqamiyah and her family lived in the castle, and she was a prominent figure in resisting Ottoman campaigns.
Q: Is there a fort attached to the castle?
A: Yes, the castle is accompanied by a small fort called “Al-Murabba’a,” which was used for monitoring and alerting by lighting fires.
