jan 1, 1100 - Role of the monsoon in the development of the
trade and in the fortune of Jeddah’s harbour
Description:
12th century sources, like the great geographer Idrisi, who lived at Ruggero’s court in Sicily, for the first time underlined the role of the monsoon in the development of the trade and
in the fortune of Jeddah’s harbour:
“Jeddah is the port of Makkah, the two cities
being about 40 miles apart. Jeddah is well
populated and its commerce is considerable;
therefore its inhabitants are rich. The monsoon
blowing before the pilgrimage season is very
favourable to the city as it brings in (ships carrying) a great amount of supplies and
merchandises of value*. It is, after Makkah, the
most important city in the whole of Hijaz. There
is a governor who acts in name of the Prince of
Makkah and oversees all administrative needs.
Jeddah owns a great number of ships navigating
to different destinations. Fishing is abundant and legume crops plentiful. It is said that Eve went there after the exit from Eden, and it is there that her mortal remains are buried.”
Source: UNESCO nomination document, SCTA
Added to timeline:
Jeddah
Timeline of important events in the Jeddah city
Date:
