Murtaza Mahmud's Photography

02/07/2021

Jab-e-Sor in the backdrop

26/06/2021

Vicinity of

02/04/2021

24/01/2021

-e-Hanifa

21/11/2020

Today, I am going to Taif from Makkah via route 15. Taif, is a city in the Makkah Province of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

It is located at less than 100 kilometers from Makkah. A journey of about one hour via route 15 will take you to Taif. Speed limit on route 15 is 80 KM per hour while going up or down. I could see only one traffic board limiting the speed to 80 km per hour. Considering the elevation drop while going down, this should even be lower than 80 km per hour.

Taif is located at an elevation of 1,879 m, in the slopes of Hejaz Mountains.

Taif has an estimated population of around 689 thousand people, making it the 6th most populous city in the Kingdom.

The city was visited by Muhammad (PBUH) sometime in the early 7th century and was inhabited by the tribe of Banu Thaqif and is still inhabited to this day by their descendants.

The location of Taif on ancient travels route is still visible today along the 4 kilometers of the Kara ancient road. It is divided into two parts, the first one for pedestrians and the second for the animals. About 1700m of this road have been restored and rehabilitated.

The strategic location of Taif at the crossroads of the Hejaz's trade and pilgrimage roads made of it a very disputed place that saw many different rulers. The first famous conquest of the city took place in 631 CE after Makkah and Tabuk were seized by Muslims armies. Therefore, people of Taif accepted to destroy their idols and embraced Islam. The prophet Muhamad (PBUH) was given a sanctuary in Wadi Al Mathna in a small house which is now used as a mosque.

Taif stands out from the rest of the Hejaz region as it is a city that plays an active role in the agricultural output of Saudi Arabia and is known for cultivation of grapes, pomegranate, figs, roses and honey. Taif is also very active in the manufacturing of traditional Ittar, and is known locally as the City of Roses (Arabic: مدينة الورود).

The city has been called the unofficial summer capital of Saudi Arabia and has also been called the best summer destination in Saudi Arabia as it enjoys a moderate weather during summer, unlike most of the Arabian Peninsula.

The city is connected to the nearby resort town of Al-Hada. A cable car station starting at Al-Kurr water-park village leads to the top of Al-Hada Mountain which includes a restaurant and hotel with a great view of the surrounding valley.

Today, I am going to Taif from Makkah via route 15. Taif, is a city in the Makkah Province of Kingdom o...

05/11/2020

Wadi-e-Hanifa located in south of Riyadh is yet another tourist attraction. Its clear and smoothly flowing water is mesmerizing. I could sit for hours there just looking at the flow of water.

Wadi-e-Hanifa located in south of Riyadh is yet another tourist attraction. Its clear and smoothly flowing water is mesmerizing. I could sit for hours there ...

20/10/2020

Driving through Wad-e-Jin, Madinah. Wadi Al-Baida, also called Wadi Al-Jinn, is a mysterious valley where cars move without drivers touching them. The valley is situated some 30 km northwest of Madinah. It draws the attention of thousands of locals and visitors from around the Kingdom and abroad. Many city dwellers travel to this natural park and erect tents for a few days, especially during the weekend.

Traditionalists believe the power of jinn is present in Wadi Al-Jinn. Among the many peculiar stories about this valley are those about vehicles moving upward in the mountainous roads, without any need to push the accelerator. Even when the driver would switch off the engine, the car would move. Many people related this to the power of jinns in the valley but it is also claimed that the mountains in this region have some special type of magnetic powers.

Geological experts point out that this phenomenon, known as reverse gravity, is also evident in other regions in the Kingdom, including the southern regions of Asir and Najran. It is regarded as a natural phenomenon taking place usually in some rocky mountainous regions.

Wadi Al-Baida, also called Wadi Al-Jinn, is a mysterious valley where cars move without drivers touching them. The valley is situated some 30 km northwest of...

05/10/2020

Driving through Sulimaniyah

Location/ Coordinates: 2530-2458 Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12222 If you have found the video useful or interes...

22/09/2020

Yesterday on 21 SEP 2020, we experienced a sand storm in Riyadh with very low visibility.

Yesterday on 21 September 2020, we experienced a big sand storm in Riyadh. Visibility was quite low as you can witness from the video. It's not a routine vid...

20/09/2020

Driving on the main road.

King Fahad is the main road in Riyadh City and hosts many sky scrappers on both sides including Kingdom Tower. Tim...

12/09/2020

Walk around Wadi Hanifa, Riyadh

Wadi Hanifa Park is yet another attraction in Riyadh for outdoor lovers. It is situated on Makkah-Jeddah Road. This park offers good facili...

05/09/2020

Location/ Coordinates: MJ64+93 Al Safarat, Riyadh

Wadi Hanifa Park is yet another attraction in Riyadh for outdoor lovers. It is situated on Makkah-Jeddah Road. This park offers good facilities for everyone including families. It is best for jogging, cycling, walking and B.B.Q. Like normal, one must appreciate security arrangements to avoid any unpleasant experience.



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Location/ Coordinates: MJ64+93 Al Safarat, Riyadh Wadi Hanifa Park is yet another attraction in Riyadh for outdoor lovers. It is situated o...