Ancient Hajj Route: Vital Link Between Arabian Peninsula And Iraq For Arab Tribes

The ancient Hajj route "Darb Zubayda," also known as the Zubayda Overland Route, has long connected the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq. This corridor, first referenced in the third century BC, served as a vital passage for Arab tribes. According to Prof. Mona Abdul Karim Al-Qaisi from the University of Kufa's Faculty of Archaeology, the Akkadian peoples used this route to reach southern Iraq, particularly the outskirts of Warka city.

Throughout history, Darb Zubayda was marked with points and commercial centres linking the north of the Arabian Peninsula and the south of Iraq. The route saw significant activity during the Achaemenid Empire when it was known as "Al-Muthaqqaf." Later, it became known as Al-Hira Road, extending along the Euphrates River and connecting to the Silk Road. This path led from the Arabian Gulf to Nasiriyah, Dumat Al-Jandul, Seleucia (Ctesiphon), Hatra, Wadi Al-Tharthar, Sinjar, and Anatolia.

During the Islamic era, Darb Zubayda began in Kufa and extended to Makkah. Prof. Al-Qaisi highlighted the importance of excavation efforts to uncover road lines from prehistoric times. She noted that excavations between Samawah and Diwaniyah had yielded significant discoveries, including evidence of pre-Islamic Arabs and lines explaining the entry of ancient peoples into Sumer and Akkad.

Attending cultural events held on Darb Zubayda, Prof. Al-Qaisi stressed that these excavations have provided valuable insights into ancient migration patterns and trade routes. The findings underscore the historical significance of Darb Zubayda as a crucial link between various regions over millennia.

The ongoing research and excavation efforts continue to shed light on this ancient route's role in facilitating cultural and commercial exchanges between different civilizations. As more discoveries are made, they contribute to a deeper understanding of the historical connections that shaped the region's development.

With inputs from SPA