The Road to Ta’if

The city of Ta’if has always had close ties with Makkah since ancient times. Only an hour’s drive away from one of the holiest cities in the world, one can reach Ta’if via a newly renovated highway connecting the two cities.

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The modern road to Ta’if is along one of the busiest routes in Saudi Arabia’s West-to-East network. Previously only a one lane road, the winding passes were known to be a death trap for motorists, with fatalities being reported almost weekly. The modern road is both safe and fast. Barring encounters with Badoos (inside joke for Saudis!).

The Donkey Trail

Of course, there were no two-lane highways going up mountains in ancient times. Unverified sources also claim there were no cars (:P). Connecting Ta’if to traders, travelers and potential invaders was a tiny donkey trail that wound its way up the cliffs to the mountain city. While much of the trail has been lost to flooding, restoration works have begun on the ancient highway, one that very likely the Prophet Muhammad himself may have used in the well known story of his expulsion by the people of Ta’if.

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These tiny winding roads made it almost impossible for invaders to siege Ta’if. After the Battle of Hunayn in 630AD, Muslim forces would attempt to capture Ta’if. The siege was unsuccessful, and only after all of Ta’if’s surrounding allies were defeated would the city surrender.

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With the modern motorway so close-by, it seems hard to believe that Muhammad himself may have traveled up these very cobblestones to meet with Ta’if’s elders. And it is on this road that the angel would have approached him to ask if Ta’if should be crushed beneath the mountain.

A Third Route

A third way for travelers to climb up the mountain would probably have blown the minds of the people who were used to donkey trails and horseback riding. Two words: Cable Cars. Yes, this unholy creation of tourism has made its way to the mountainside of Ta’if, connecting a waterpark (!!) at the base of the mountain to the city of Hada above and a Ramada Hotel above.

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Uhhh… thats a long way down 0_0 Yes, we rode the cable car. And yes it was fun!

The Fruit Market of Ta’if

Well technically not Ta’if, but Hada Ta’if is well known for being the source of some of Saudi Arabia’s finest produce. Local farmers will sell what they grow (along with some non-local fruit!) to people traveling to and from Makkah. This fruit market, the last stop before entering the Ta’if proper, offers some very colorful sights!

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A myriad of colors! Farmers have been selling their fruits to people traveling to and from Makkah for centuries.

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A major export of Ta’if is the ‘prickly pear’. This fruit grows on cactus plants, and is considered a refreshing snack for travelers due to its water content.

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The spines on the prickly pear can be painful if swallowed, sellers will often peel the fruit before presenting it to unaware travelers!

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The locals love to have their pictures taken. Every shopkeeper I met would strike a pose for the camera. Some would even call me over, and give free fruits for a quick shot. And as we all know, I’m a sucker for free food ;P

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Ending on a comedic note, this man thought it would be hilarious to pose with a fruit in his mouth. The fruit is a large grape, a produce of Taif.

It’s not over, Click Here to see all articles on the photohike in Western Saudi Arabia.

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