Hanging Village

The city where I live is on a high plato. I never realize how high till I travel to the escarpment where one can look down into the valley. It seems strange, because one doesn’t think of Saudi in terms of mountains.

The Hanging Village is precariously perched on the side of a mountain, at the bottom of a huge cliff, with an even bigger drop to the floor of the valley. God knows how the original inhabitants got there, and how they made a living. But they were safe from invading Turks, and that is probably all that mattered at the time. Apparently they used ropes and baskets to get themselves in and out of there. It has long since been abandoned, and in its place is a modern reconstruction. A cable car takes one down to the village.

The houses were made of stone and wood and as one wonders up and down the narrow pathways, it is still possible to find original remnants such as carved wooden doors and tools.

One thing is for certain, it is not for the fainthearted or those suffering from vertigo. Even today. The Saudis don’t seem to worry or care too much about railings and safety. I was intrigued and wanted to see everything, but I kept to the side of the mountain and had my feet firmly planted at all times. Carpets are scattered around on rooftops where one can sit down and have a picnic. I took pictures, but kept my distance. Zoom lenses are marvelous!

Of course the small mosque is definitely a more recent addition.

It was spring when we visited. How fortunate, because spring only lasts one day.

Across the valley on the other side of the mountain, a modern village is clearly visible. Don’t know how modern, but at least there’s life. Can’t imagine how one survives in such a harsh, inhospitable environment. But there it is.

We went on a quiet day. So quiet that I was struck by the awesomeness of the vast landscape. At some point the birds and the monkeys annoyed each other. Still not sure whether it was birds of prey or crows. But the sounds matched the scenery and provided us with a good soundtrack.

Saudi never ceases to amaze me. It is not merely a country of oil wells and armies; princes and sheiks; white robes and black abayas. If you care to explore, look at it more closely, venture out, you’ll find a beauty that can be treasured. Made more special by the fact that not many people get to see it. Ever.