Daql Castle Restoration Project Revives Abha's Historic Citadel For Cultural Tourism

Daql Castle in Abha has undergone a significant restoration led by the Heritage Commission under the Ministry of Culture. This project aims to transform the castle into a key cultural and heritage site in the Aseer Region. Situated on a mountain at approximately 2,342 meters above sea level, the castle offers a strategic view of roads through nearby mountains.

The restoration project involved reconstructing collapsed sections of the castle's walls using original local stones while maintaining traditional design elements. Researchers believe that Daql Castle was built over 110 years ago. The initiative also included cleaning internal areas and passages to preserve its historical integrity.

Constructed on solid rocky terrain, the castle's architecture features a rectangular shape measuring 43.6 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with a semi-circular northern facade. Natural slopes and rocks enhanced its defensive capabilities. The layout includes three main units: command and control, soldiers' housing, and service areas, separated by a central corridor.

A large stone furnace within the castle was used for baking bread for troops stationed there. An underground silo was also present for grain storage. Local builders utilised materials from the surrounding environment, including erosion-resistant granite, juniper trunks for roofing, clay, reeds, and imported gypsum.

The exterior walls were finished with a final layer of gypsum to enhance aesthetic appeal and prevent water leakage. The use of these materials reflects the ingenuity of local builders in adapting to available resources while ensuring durability.

Future Plans for Daql Castle

Once further phases of the project are complete, Daql Castle will open to visitors, offering them an opportunity to explore its rich heritage. This initiative is expected to enhance Abha's heritage profile and underscore the cultural importance of Aseer's archaeological sites.

The strategic location of Daql Castle allowed it to monitor roads traversing surrounding mountain ranges effectively. Its construction on solid rocky terrain influenced its architectural layout significantly.

With inputs from SPA