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It is unclear when the Khaybar Dam
was originally built. There is evidence that it is pre-Islamic.
There are actually several dams at this site. On the left is
the dam known as Sadd Qasr al-Bint. Locals say it may have been
built by the Queen of Sheeba, reminiscent of the Marib
Dam in Yemen. This particular dam is around 135 meters long
and 20 meters high. |
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The front of the dam is plastered with yellow mortar. There
is evidence of sluice gates and other water controlling devices.
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The water from the dams at Khaybar
was used to irrigate large plots of date palms. These dates became
famous throughout the Arabian Peninsula. In time a large village
was established. It was mostly inhabited by Jewish people. During
the Muslim expansion under the Prophet Mohammed, Khaybar became
an important center, and the Battle for Khaybar is often mentioned
in the Hadith records. |
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Left: The fort at Khaybar.
When Mohammed and his troops took Khaybar the Jews retreated
to this fortress on the hill. It is rumored that the Jews survived
here for eight months living on dates and milk. We have searched
for historical reference to this event, but have not found any,
other than what is listed on this
page. If you know of any concrete references, please contact us. |
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There are many stories to feed the
imagination, tales of plague, witches, and treasure at Khaybar,
which is why all the roofs have been removed -- people believed
that the villages hid their treasure under their roofs. |
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All the photos on this page are
by Silvija Seres, 2002. Used with Permission. Please visit her
travel site (http://www.silvija.net) |
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