Aṭ-Ṭā'if (Taif, اَلطَّائِفُ‎)

Aṭ-Ṭā'if (Taif, اَلطَّائِفُ‎)


Aṭ-Ṭā'if, or simply Taif, is Saudi Arabia's unofficial 'summer capital' in the Hijaz Mountains above Mecca. At Ta'if sits at an altitude of 1,879 m, resulting in a cool, refreshing climate and people mostly come there for the weather, the marvelous scenery and the relaxed atmosphere.

The central mosque is a good example of simple Islamic architecture. There are several other historical mosques in Aṭ-Ṭā'if.

The Shubra Palace is a traditional dwelling that was built at the end of the 19th century. It has been the residence of several Saudi kings. Nowadays it has been beautifully restored and houses the city's museum. The palace was used as the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia during the reign of King Faisal.

The Tailor's Souk is an alleyway lined with sandstone buildings, which house many small shops.

Aṭ-Ṭā'if is known for the manufacturing of traditional attar (or ittar, is an essential oil derived from natural sources). It is locally known as Madīnat al-Wurūd (مَدِيْنَة الْوُرُوْد‎), which means 'City of the Roses'.

Some 40 km (25 mi) is one of the largest pre-Islamic souks: the Souk 'Okaz. Not far from the souk are the remains of the Turkish Fort.

Another fort is Badawi Fortress. It is located in the southern reaches of East Ta'if.

Wadi Mitna is a wadi that, accodring to legend, was the location where Muhammad sought refuge from the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif in 619 AD, after they stoned him. The house where he sheltered was converted into a mosque.

In the south of Aṭ-Ṭā'if is Al-Rudaf Park, which includes a small zoo, a lake, fountains and cannons. The Ta'if rose plantation consists of rose fields with small fragrant pink roses. The flowers are distilled into expensive Ta'if rose oil. Not far from Al-Hada is the large Nuqbat al-Hamra' park.

In the mountains, at an elevation of more than 2,000 m (7,000 ft), is the small village of Ash-Shafā, where Taif's fruit gardens are located. Camel rides are available in the village and there are good views of Jabal Dakka (mount Dakka), the highest mountain in the area.

Saiysad National Park is located in New Taif.

There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Aṭ-Ṭā'if. A cable car takes visitors into the nearby mountains for stunning views over Taif. The city is 70 km southeast of Mecca and 750 km southwest of Riyadh. Aṭ-Ṭā'if is connected with the nearby resort town of Al-Hada via Highway 15.


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Miscellaneous Information

Latitude:    21°28' S
Longitude: 40°41' E
Elevation:  1,879 m (6,165 ft)

Population: 565,000
Cost-of-living compared to Washington D.C.: 127%

Hours from UTC: 3
Daylight savings time: n/a

City phone code: n/a
Country phone code: 966

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