Al-Anbariyah area.
This area is south west of Masjid Nabawi, (the corner of the courtyard visible in the top right hand corner.) The current "tour" continues south west from the Al-Musalla (aqua) and Munakha (orange) areas discussed in "tour" 6.
I keep posting the satellite images with the colourful dots and squiggles to assist you with your bearings, and to see the various sites in relation to each other. Insha’Allah you are able to follow all this, and that these "tours" revive the time you may have been in this Shining City, or helps to prepare you for a future visit, or assists your understanding of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and her places of significance. May Allah Ta’ala bless all readers with calling you to the City of our Esteemed and Beloved Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam, who said in a Hadith: "And Madinah is best for them if only they knew."
There are many interesting buildings in this area. The two contemporary government structures; the imposing, almost complete Amarah (lime) housing the offices of the Governor, the Amir of Madinah and the huge bluestone construction, which is the other government building called Amaanat (blue) Masjid Anbariyah (red) and the recently restored railway complex (yellow circled area) are magnificent examples of Ottoman architecture.
Amarah, Amaanah and Masjid Anbariyah appear in this closer view,
with the Ottoman railway station (light blue), an amphitheatre (orange) included in this restoration project for performances by schools and other festivities, with the huge engine room (pink) at the western end of the large complex.
Looking at the elegant Ottoman railway station from inside the walled area. The amhpitheatre if the grey section to the right, while the bluestone dome and minaret of Masjid Anbariyah is behind the station and behind that is the new Amarah building. Insha’Allah I intend to post detailed photos of this Ottoman Masjid. It is a unique building amongst all the other examples of architecture. Alhumdulillah that these important features have been given due respect, unlike many other structures.
A photgraphic exhibition is housed inside this building. Chronicling some amazing insights into historical places, objects and inscriptions throughout the Kingdom. Insha’Allah the authorities catalogue this section and make it available for the public. It is SR5.00 per person to enter this whole complex. Refreshments are available, and there is limited car parking space inside for families who come for a picnic. Outside parking is plentiful.
The attention given to the garden is a refreshing delight, offering a pleasant contrast to the density of the city landscape. Note the bluestone building on the right and in the background. Many have been restored, displaying various aspects of workshop activities.
There are three restored steam engines, one has the side cut away so as to view the system of pipes and the workings of the engine. It is planned to have one of these engines running up and down the complex as a ride for visitors. This massive engine room also houses a restored carriage which you can enter and sit in, re-enacting how it must have been for the pilgrims to be squashed for some 55 hours travelling from Damascus to Madinah, as against more than two months by camel! The seats are very narrow, wooden and with a straight back. There is a tiny toilet area towards the back. Other carriages are on display outside; a water tanker, an animal carriage, as well as a long row of rusty engines and carriages.
However the main interest is the tiny Masjid Suqya (yellow dot) situated within the boundary wall of the railway complex. Suqya was land belonging to Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqas RadhiAllahu anhu. This place is now commemorated by a small three domed mosque also built during the Turkish Era. Rasulullah SallAllahu alaihi wasallam set off for the Battle of Badr from here, where he inspected and paraded the troops and returned the young and infirm.
Water was drawn for the Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam to drink and to perform Wudhu at the Suqya Well, also belonging to Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqas RadhiAllahu anhu which was just to the south of the position of the Masjid. He SallAllahu alaihi wasallam also prayed here, and this is where he made Du’a for Barakah for Madinah. There are numerous variations of this Du’a. I include the following, Allahu ‘Alum. I do not know which one is the exact one made at the time.
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Zaid: The Prophet SallAllahu alaihi wasallam said, "The Prophet Abraham made Mecca a sanctuary, and asked for Allah’s blessing in it. I made Madinah a sanctuary as Abraham made Mecca a sanctuary and I asked for Allah’s Blessing in its measures the mudd and the Sa as Abraham did for Mecca", and "O Allah! Bless them in their measure, and bless them in their Sa and mudd." He meant the people of Madinah.
This mosque is also referred to as the "Heads Dome" because according to some reports, bandits were beheaded by the Turkish, who put their severed heads inside this Masjid. And Allah Almighty knows best.
Also during the Caliphate of Umar RadhiAllahu anhu, Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib RadhiAllahu anhu was asked to perform Istisqa, the prayer for rain here.
They sometimes open this Masjid for the public to visit, the guide at the time saying the hours were not regular.
The following links provide a huge gallery of fascinating photographs, some old originals of times long gone. As well as a short over view of the tumultuous history at the time, and a comprehensive site on the enigmatic "Lawrence"
http://nabataea.net/medinalocos.html
http://nabataea.net/Medina.html
http://nabataea.net/oldhejaz.html
http://www.arab.net/saudi/sa_hejazrailway.htm
http://www.henrich-center.de/karte/sued.html
All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala Bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu alaihi wasallam. Ameen.
