Time zone AST (UTC+3) Area 120 km² Area code 06 | Region Al-Qassim Region Website www.OyoonJiwa.com Population 26,544 (2011) | |
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Uyun AlJiwa (Officially: Uyun AlJiwa governorate | | Arabic: محافظة عيون الجواء) is a Saudi governorate that is located in northwestern Al-Qassim Region less than 30 kilometres (19 mi) northwest of Buraydah, the province capital city. The name literally translates to The Valley's Ponds, and it derives from the water ponds which used to surround the area. It is most famous for the past societies which used to live in the area and its ancient historic sites. People of Al Jiwa are distinguished from other people in Al-Qassim Region by their unique accent.
Contents
- Map of Uyun Al Jawa Saudi Arabia
- History
- Geography
- Archaeological and historic sites
- Agriculture
- Major facilities
- References
Map of Uyun Al Jawa Saudi Arabia
History
Many historic as well as pre-historic societies have settled in the Al Jiwa land. One example is Banu Abs who gave birth to the famous knight, adventurer, lover, and poet, Antarah Bin Shaddad. Moreover, Al Jiwa contains many Thamudic patterns (e.g. Thamudic Petroglyphs). In recent history, many of the region inhabitants' forefathers were among who are called Al Oqilat, which was a group that traveled long distances to trade, work for money, and bring back merchandise. Others were farmers and worked either in harvest or raising livestock. They were known for their loyalty, honesty, and hard work. The name of Al Jiwa has been mentioned (on record) in both Islamic and Pre-Islamic-era Arabic poetry by famous poets such as Antarah Bin Shaddad, Zuhayr bin Abi Sulma, Imru' al-Qais, Kumait Ibn Zaid, and Hassan Bin Thabit. This not only proves that Al Jiwa long-time existed, but it also proves that it held a type of status in the past.
Geography
It is important to distinguish between Al Jiwa and Uyun AlJiwa:
Besides that, the governorate consist of 8 other towns such as Ghaf Al Jiwa (Also called Al Ghaf), Rawdh Al Jiwa (Also called Ar Rawdh), Authal, and Al Slubiya. The families living in these different towns have had-and still do share strong ties with each other.
Archaeological and historic sites
Agriculture
Farmers grow and harvest many kinds of vegetable and fruit, such as dates, carrots, okra, and leeks, and they also raise livestock in Al Jiwa. Some bring what they harvest and raise to sell every Monday and Friday at Souq Al Athnain and Souq Al Jumaa, which are a types of weekly flea market in the region. There are many farms spread all around the governorate. Many of them belong to the older families of Al Jiwa, and some farms are hundreds of years old. For example, AlHitan Farms are very old farms that specialized in growing and harvesting palm trees.