al-Khardj

الخرج al- Khardj
al-Khardj
Coordinates	24 ° 9 ′  N , 47 ° 18 ′  E Coordinates: 24 ° 9 ′  N , 47 ° 18 ′  E
Basic data
Country	Saudi Arabia
province	Riad
Residents	234,607 (2010)

al-Khardj ( Arabic الخرج, DMG al-Ḫarǧ ) is a city in the province of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia . It is located 77 km south of Riyadh . The population in 2010 was around 230,000. It is connected to both Riyadh and Dammam by a railway line . The main attractions of the city include the historic water fountains as well as the King Abdulaziz Palace and the mosque. It is a closed city due to the Prince Sultan Air Base , which is located in the city.

history

Although the agricultural character of the settlement remained dominant, al-Khardj became a commercial and political center early on because of its proximity to Wadi Hanifa and the old trade route. With the rise of Islam , the oasis city became a popular stopover for pilgrims traveling from the Arabian Gulf area in the east to the holy cities of Medina and Mecca . By the 18th century, al-Khardj had become increasingly urbanized and become a center for Islamic scholars.

During the second Saudi state in the 19th century, al-Khardj was a stronghold of supporters and later a base for the Al Saud family . After his historic victory in Riyadh, the founder of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud , built a palace with a farm and a stud in al-Khardj . Many Bedouins moved to the city in the 21st century and it grew into a big city.

economy

Thanks to its comparatively fertile soil, the region around the city is traditionally an agricultural center. Under the leadership of King Abdulaziz, who was the first to take the initiative to produce milk in the kingdom, an experimental farm was set up in al-Khardj in 1938. Since then, it has grown into a thriving agricultural oasis producing grain, dates, vegetables and fruits. Other economic activities are cattle and poultry breeding and horse breeding.

The state armaments manufacturer Military Industries Corporation (MIC) is located in the city. There were also weapons made by Heckler & Koch .

Individual evidence

1. ↑ General Authority for Statistics. Retrieved January 13, 2020 . 
2. ↑ Saudi Arabia Summer 1999 Magazine: Al-Kharj Ancient Roots Nourish Mod ... December 20, 2014, accessed February 23, 2020 . 
3. ^ Al-Kharj | oasis, Saudi Arabia. Retrieved February 23, 2020 .