Muawiya Dam

Muawiya Dam () is a water dam located in Wadi al-Khanq, east of Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Geography

It lies in a narrow passage between two mountains near the village of Al-ʽUqul, about 15 kilometers from Medina.

History

• It was built around the year 50 AH during the reign of Caliph Mu'awiya I.
• Inscriptions on the dam indicate its date of construction and the names of those who participated in building it.

Engineering Dimensions

• Its original length is about 30 meters.
• Its height from the valley floor to the surrounding ground level is about 20 meters.
• The width of the dam wall at the base is estimated at 10 meters.
• Terracing appears in the dam's construction, which helps strengthen its base due to its height.

Significance

• It is considered a testament to Islamic civilization in hydraulic engineering and agriculture at the time.
• The dam is part of an ancient network of dams that protect the city from valley floods.

See also

• List of dams in Saudi Arabia
• Mu'awiya I
• Medina
• Al-ʽUqul

External links

References