The iconic watchtower of Qassim Province
On the southwest of the city of Al-Rass in Qassim Province is an unexpected architectural feature. On the top of a small hill where the desert starts stands the slender silhouette of a watchtower. This elegant 27 meter high mud-brick tower is a brilliant example of Qassim traditional architectural heritage, the Al-Shinanah Tower (to be pronounced Ash-Shinanah) that has been preserved till today.
Al-Shananah Tower (photo: Florent Egal)
Al-Shananah Tower (photo: Florent Egal)
If its function as a watchtower is verified, it is unclear when it was built. Dates ranging from the 12th to the early 19th century are proposed, which make this building at least 200 years old. If the earliest dates may look surprising for a place that was still so remote at the beginning of the 20th century they are in fact credible given the importance of Al-Rass as one the main permanent water points in the center of the Arabian Peninsula, along major trade and pilgrimage roads.
The strategical importance of Al-Rass in controlling the center of the Arabian Peninsula made it a regular battlefield between tribes, Ottomans and Arabs, and more recently in 1904 when King Abdulaziz’s forces expended their control of the Najd into Qassim Province.
Quite remarkably the Al-Shinanah Tower witnessed all these battles without being destroyed and survived until today, which is probably a proof of its importance as all parties would want to keep it after the war.
At worst it was systematically rebuilt and an indispensable feature for the rulers of the area. It is said that during one battle the tower suffered intense artillery fire and had to be rebuild afterwards but it was reduced from its original height of 45 meters to the nearly 27 meters that it stands as of today.
How to visit Al-Shinanah Tower
The location of Al-Shinanah is available on Google Maps. The site of Al-Shinanah Tower is fenced but can be opened to visitors upon request by the guard, if available on site (don't come during prayer times). In order to ensure your access, the best option is to let one our guides arrange the access for you.
