تحصينات المدينة المنورة بين العمارة و التاريخ

Abstract EN

The main purpose of the current study is to highlight the fortifications of Al- Medina, whether natural fortifications or military fortifications.

The researcher used the descriptive, historical method of studying and examining the historical documents that dealt with these fortifications.

The study consists of two chapters and a conclusion.

In the first chapter, the researcher described the natural fortifications of the mountains surrounding the city, such as Mount Uhud, north of the city, and Mount Eir, located south of the city and then the mountains located within the vicinity of the city such as mountain Sal'a.

Among the natural fortifications that the researcher also described accurately were Harrat (Black volcanic components of a rugged nature covering large areas and surfaces of the earth) or Labbat, such as Waqim in the east of the city, Wabar in the west and Shoran in the south.

These natural fortifications have played a major role in protecting the city and its population from external aggression.

The second chapter dealt with the military fortifications represented by the ramparts or fortresses, walls, castles and courtyards that were built along the history of Al-Madinah, pointing out that the first to build the ramparts and fortresses were Al-Amaleqah, the first inhabitant of Al-Madinah.

As for the walls, the researcher described the main wall of Al-Madinah, which was built in 263 AH and renewed in 367.

He further explained that Al-Madinah had a two walls: an internal wall known as the Great Wall and an external wall known as the new wall or the wall of the Ibn Zinki, named after Sultan Nur Ad-Din bin Zinki.

Castles played a great role in protecting Al-Madinah.

They were built along with the construction of the internal and external walls.

The most important castle is the Sultanic Castle, located in north Manakha, and Al- Qashla in the western region.

Besides, there were the castles built by the Ottomans on the tops of the surrounding mountains.

As for the courtyards (a group of houses around an open courtyard that can be controlled by a gate), the researcher stated that their aim was to protect the surrounding housing units.

He mentioned 71 courtyards.

The researcher concluded the study with simple sentences, noting the importance of these fortifications in the protection of the city and its inhabitants throughout history