RIYADH: Carved into mountain walls in Al-Sail Al-Sagheer, a district in Taif governorate, ancient rock engravings offer a rare glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants who once roamed western Arabia.
These historical markings serve as compelling evidence of human presence in the region spanning multiple generations and civilizations.
Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency, heritage researcher and Taif historian Manahi Al-Qathami described the rock art as a crucial visual archive documenting shifts in environment, economy, and society over time.
According to Al-Qathami, the engravings support the theory that Al-Sail Al-Sagheer served as a key corridor for ancient communities, who settled there either temporarily or permanently, drawn by abundant natural resources and protective rock shelters.
Dr. Mastoura Al-Arabi, a professor of literature and modern criticism at Taif University, highlighted the governorate’s growing recognition among heritage preservation authorities for its wealth of historically significant archaeological sites.
In her remarks to the SPA, she characterized the rock art as an integral component of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and a pillar of national identity.
The preservation efforts, Al-Arabi noted, align closely with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of safeguarding archaeological treasures and boosting cultural tourism.
She called for urgent measures to protect the engravings from damage or vandalism, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific documentation and research that honors their civilizational significance as records of humanity's enduring bond with the land over millennia.
