Riyadh Unveils the Remarkable History of the Zubaida Trail
Venture back in time to explore the legendary pilgrimage route, the Zubaida Trail, which linked the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq. This historic path was not just a mere trail, but a bustling hub of trade points and centers that served as a vital passage for Arab tribes, remaining active throughout the ages.
Dr. Muna Abdulkarim Al-Qaisi, an expert in ancient archaeology and a professor at the prestigious University of Kufa in Iraq, sheds light on the significance of this route. Records indicate that various travelers journeyed along this road, with the earliest reference dating back to the third century B.C.
In an exclusive interview with the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Qaisi detailed how the Akkadian peoples, originating from the Arabian Peninsula, made their way to southern Iraq, specifically on the outskirts of the ancient city of Uruk, via the Zubaida Trail.
The route witnessed a resurgence during the Achaemenid era, known then as Al-Muthaqaf, and later renamed as the Al-Hira route, stretching along the enchanting Euphrates River. It connected with the renowned Silk Road, linking prominent destinations such as Nasiriyah, Dumat Al-Jandal, Seleucia (Ctesiphon), Hatra, the Tharthar Valley, Sinjar, and Anatolia. In the Islamic era, the Zubaida Trail commenced from Kufa and led all the way to the revered city of Makkah.
Al-Qaisi emphasized that excavations conducted between Samawah and Diwaniyah have unearthed remarkable findings, providing evidence of ancient peoples traversing the region and exploring the lands of Sumer and Akkad. Further excavations hold the promise of unveiling extraordinary archaeological and historical discoveries.
Renowned tour guide, history professor, and archaeology enthusiast, Khalaf Al-Ghufaili, delved into the origins of the Zubaida Trail. He highlighted how the Akkadian Arabs were the trailblazers of this ancient trade route, migrating from the Arabian Peninsula towards Mesopotamia in the fourth millennium B.C. They settled alongside the Sumerians, who had already established their presence in Mesopotamia.
The Akkadian Arabs adopted the Akkadian Arabic language, and alongside the Sumerians, Assyrians, and Babylonians, they played a pivotal role in shaping the rich history of Mesopotamia, as Al-Ghufaili eloquently expressed.