Hejaz, Geographic region in western Saudi Arabia
Hejaz is a region along the Red Sea coast in western Saudi Arabia, stretching from the Jordanian border to the southern Asir area. The landscape includes the Sarawat mountain range, flat coastal valleys, and dry plateaus where several major cities are located.
The territory remained under Ottoman rule until 1916, when an independent kingdom formed. In 1932, it merged with the Najd region, leading to the founding of present-day Saudi Arabia.
This area holds the two holy cities of Islam, drawing believers from all parts of the world who arrive during pilgrimage seasons. Architecture and daily life in many towns reflect the religious rhythms that have shaped the region's identity for centuries.
Major cities like Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and Taif are linked by highways and modern rail services, making travel within this area relatively straightforward. The climate can be humid along the coast and cooler in the highlands, so timing your trip varies by destination.
More than 2000 dormant volcanoes shape the landscape, leaving wide dark sand fields formed from cooled lava. These volcanic formations give the area a distinctive appearance rarely found elsewhere on the Arabian Peninsula.
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