Madinah Province
Historical Site

Khaybar Fort - Madinah Province

3.9Reviews
Khaybar Historical City خيبر مدينة القديمة Saudi Arabia
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Description

Khaybar Fort is located near the city of Khaybar in Saudi Arabia and is just a two hours’ drive away from Medina. The Fort is famous for the historical battle of Khaybar that took place here in 629 AD.

Importance in Islam and Architecture

The Khaybar Fort has a significant place in Islamic history as it is where the jews barricaded themselves during the famous battle of Khaybar. Muslims marched on the Fort and were able to force a surrender from the jews, which marked the end of the famous battle. The Fort is located on a hill and is surrounded by palm trees. The ruins of the Fort are a mixture of black stone (basalt) and mud. However, you can tell how majestic this Fort would have been in its heyday from the remnants. 

Planning the Trip

Before visiting the Fort, it is important to check whether the site is going through any restoration work as the Fort had recently been closed down and cars had to be parked 1 km away from the Fort, meaning tourists had to hike to visit the castle. Tourists are often not allowed to go into the Fort and can only view it from the outside. However, for those who are able to embark on this adventure, it is recommended that you wear full sleeves along with a hat or a cap to avoid sunburn. Also, wearing suitable footwear will help make your hike through the rocky and uneven area much easier. There are no facilities near the Fort, which is why you should always keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated. 

 

Destination Type
Historical Site
Islamic History

Location

Khaybar Historical City خيبر مدينة القديمة Saudi Arabia

Reviews

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Reviews
Agharia Enayatali

Agharia Enayatali

11/16/2019 12:04

Google review

The Battle of Khaybar took place in May/June 628. The Jewish Banū *Naḍīr of *Medina, who claimed to be descendants of Aaron the priest, owned lands in Khaybar and had castles, fortresses, and their own weapons there. After Muhammad expelled them from Medina in 625, their leaders moved to their estates in Khaybar in order to prepare for war against Muhammad and to recruit the aid of Arab tribes. Muhammad first sent disguised guests to the homes of the leaders of Banū Naḍīr who then killed their hosts. Muhammad's victory over the Jews of Khaybar in the subsequent battle was also aided by the distance of the settlements and their castles from one another, the absence of coordination between the fighting forces, the death of the leader Sallām ibn Mishkam, and a Jew who showed the Muslims the secret entrances to one of the fortresses. The castles of Khaybar had tunnels and passages which in wartime enabled the besieged to reach water sources outside the castles. Between 16-18 Muslims and 93 Jews were killed. After the Muslim victory, Muhammad, concerned that Khaybar would remain desolate and would not continue supplying its agricultural produce to the Hejaz, signed an agreement with the Jews which allowed many of its inhabitants to remain on their lands, while requiring payment of half their crops to the conquerors. From a legal point of view the pact was defective, since it did not define the situation of the Jews and did not say whether they were to remain the owners of the soil which they were to cultivate. In later years Muslim jurists defined this settlement as land tenure with rent paid in produce. One version of this agreement was copied by Joseph *Sambari in the 17th century. According to Muslim sources, Muhammad returned to the Jews copies of the Torah seized during the siege, since he opposed desecrating them. After captives of war and slaves from other countries were brought to Khaybar and the people of Hejaz became more accustomed to agriculture, the caliph Omar decided to expel the Jews of Khaybar in 642 under the pretense that before his death Muhammad had commanded that two religions could not exist simultaneously in the Hejaz.
Muhammad Ali Tariq

Muhammad Ali Tariq

09/11/2019 06:47

Google review

Great experience keeping in view the history associated with this place. However it's maintained and the the fort is trying into ruins and majority is ruined. Need to have some sort of conservation before the whole place turns to flat ground. Really need conservation and maps, since everything is for imagination of the tourist and rarely few buildings are fully intact.
Musthafa Muhammed

Musthafa Muhammed

12/24/2018 21:33

Google review

Khyber fort is historical. Good place to visit, the area is surrounded by dates trees. Recommend to wear full sleeves, hat/cap, jogger type footwear and keep a water bottle as you are going to the top of fort. Be aware of rocky and uneven step.
Abdul Samad

Abdul Samad

09/18/2018 18:24

Google review

Most beautiful and Nostalgiac historic place. More than 1500 years old. It should be more well maintained and they should stop burning those trees. You will be reminded of Hazrat Ali when you see it. And if there is any jew reading this then remember: It was obviously not our last chance. Very few tourists but i think this place will be crowded after some years. Hope this is a useful review.
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