Al-Baha province
الباحة al-Baha
|
|
---|---|
Basic data | |
Country | Saudi Arabia |
Capital | al-Baha |
surface | 9921 km² |
Residents | 397,336 (2010) |
density | 40 inhabitants per km² |
ISO 3166-2 | SA-11 |
politics | |
governor | Mishari ibn Saud ibn Abd al-Aziz Al Saud |
Coordinates: 20 ° 0 ′ N , 41 ° 30 ′ E
al-Baha ( Arabic الباحة, DMG al-Bāḥa , also al-Bahah ) is a province of Saudi Arabia . It is located in the south of the country near Mecca . The province is dominated both culturally and economically by the capital al-Baha and Baldschurashi . The al-Baha region is also home to the Ghamid and Zahran tribes .
etymology
The word al-Baha has different meanings. It can mean a large water supply, the inner courtyard of a house, an endless expanse or a tall, fertile palm tree . In stories, the term is associated with a very deep well in the fortress of al-Zafir .
geography
Mountains, plateaus, valleys and desert areas are typical of the region. Al-Baha is divided into the areas of Tihama , a coastal region on the west side and the mountainous region as-Sarawat . The as-Sarawat rise to an average of 1500 to 2450 m above sea level.
climate
The arid province is climatically divided into two parts due to its topographical characteristics. As-Sarawat are known for fog and clouds, as air masses move from the Red Sea to their higher regions, especially in winter. In spring and summer, however, the weather is usually pleasant and warm. The Tihama region is characterized by a typical coastal climate, hot summers and warm to mild temperatures in spring and winter.
population
The majority of the population is originally from the Azd Shanuʿa , who migrated from the south of the Arabian Peninsula to the west. Apparently most of the residents of the region have the same extended family as ancestors. This has probably migrated further and further under the influence of environmental influences and has increasingly branched out. Today, the majority of the former nomads live in cities with far better basic services and educational facilities than in the countryside.
Most of the region’s inhabitants belong to Sunni Islam . A large number of Arabic traditions and customs are still being cultivated today. The sheikh is still at the head of the countless sub-tribes today .
particularities
The supra-regional market of Baldschurashi, also known as Suq as-sabt , is a well-known Arab market where traders from the entire region offer their goods.
literature
- David E. Long: Culture and customs of Saudi Arabia . Greenwood Publishing Group, 2005. ISBN 0-313-32021-7