Al-Zulfi is the most populous city in the Al-Zulfi Governorate, which encompasses the Al-Zulfi Emirate of Riyadh Province within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is situated in the center of the governorate, on the periphery of Shuaib Samnan, between the Tuwaiq Mountains and the sand dunes of Nafud al-Thuwairat. The city's population is 68,317.

Name The etymology of the name Al-Zulfi is unclear, with multiple proposed explanations. One hypothesis suggests that it derives from the name Al-Zlifat, derived from the Tuwaiq Mountains, which were thought to be the source of the name. However, Ibn Khamis offers an alternate interpretation. It has been proposed that the term 'Zulfi' refers to the villages that surround Al-Zulfi, as documented by Ibn Balihad. Additionally, some have proposed that the term originated from Izdelaf, an Arabic word denoting movement from one location to another. In his dictionary, Ibn Balihad stated: "I am aware of the location referred to by al-Hatti'ah in this verse, which is identified as Zalifat in relation to its geographical position and the surrounding villages". These are known as the city of Al-Zulfi, also known as Zlifat, which has been referenced in both Arabic poetry and historical texts. It retains this designation to this day.(Al-Akhbar al-Najdiyya) by: Muhammad bin Omar al-Fakhri, T: Abdullah Al-Shibl, Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University.Middle East - The five pillars of Saudi Arabia's historians come to life with their original manuscripts Archived April 18, 2014, at Wayback Machine.

History Al-Zulfi is a frequently referenced location in Arabic poetry and literature, and archaeological evidence indicates the presence of human activity in the area dating back to the Stone Age. In the third century AH, Al-Isfahani noted that Al-Zulfi was a member of the Bani Tamim of Mudar from the Adnan tribe. Al-Hattiha is regarded as one of the most prominent poets of satire.

Historical events In the year 1098 A.H., the Al Muhaddith of Bani Al Anbar from Tamim successfully overthrew the Farahid of Alaqa. This was despite the fact that the latter had previously expelled them with the assistance of Al Madlaj.History of some incidents in Najd by: Ibrahim bin Saleh Issa, T1, 1386, Dar Al-Yamama - Riyadh. From P. 57 to 146

In the year 1113 AH, Al Rashid, the proprietor of Al-Zulfi and Al Asyah, assumed control of Al-Zulfi and expelled the Al Madlaj, who had previously occupied it.History of Zulfi - Aref Encyclopedia

In the year 1128 AH, Hamad bin Othman, a shepherd from Al Majmaa, perpetrated a robbery against Al-Rashid in Al-Zulfi.

In the year 1164 AH, Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Al Saud spearheaded an incursion against Al-Zulfi, situated at Al-Hasi water, and directed Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman to spearhead the incursion.

In the year 1165 of the Islamic calendar, Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Al Saud, known as Faisal, arrived in Sudair, Munikh (Majma'ah), Al-Zulfi, Wusham, and Dhafir. He was accompanied by Faisal bin Faisal and proceeded to conquer the villages of Ragha and Mahmal.

In the year 1165 A.H., the Battle of Rawdat Al-Sabla was fought against Al-Dhafeer from the Banu Khalid, led by Abdullah bin Turki bin Muhammad bin Hussein Al-Hamid. Al-Dhafir was ultimately defeated."King Abdul Aziz (Ibn Saud) Information Resource - Battle of Sibilla (1)". Archived from the original on 2011-08-20. Retrieved 2011-10-01.

In the year 1167 A.H., Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Al Saud launched an incursion into Al-Zulfi from Al-Kharj, yet failed to assume control.Alnajm Allamea Lelnawader Jamea, second edition.- By Muhammed Al-Aly Alabeed.

1174 A.H. Imam Abdul Aziz stole the sheep of the people of Al-Zulfi, and they caught up with him and recovered them.

In the year 1182 A.H., King Saud bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia launched an initial invasion of Zulfi, subsequently advancing to Sabeel at Hayer Nasah and Al Marra at Qana, situated to the north of Al Duhi.

1186 A.H. Al-Zulfi and Majma'a rebelled against Saud.

In the year 1188 A.H., King Saud bin Abdulaziz dispatched a military unit under the command of Adama bin Suwairi, a member of the Bani Hussein tribe, to Al-Zulfi. Upon arrival, the unit encountered an incursion by the local population, resulting in the complete annihilation of the enemy forces.

In the year 1188 of the Islamic calendar, Saud bin Aryar launched an assault on Al-Zulfi and Al-Qassim, which was met with resistance from supporters of the Al-Saud family and Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab.

In the year 1190 of the Islamic calendar, the Al-Saud camp was reinforced by the populace of Al-Zulfi and Munikh (Majmaa).Alnajm Allamea Lelnawader Jamea, second edition.- By Muhammed Al-Aly Alabeed.

In the year 1193 AH, Saadun ibn Areeer formed an alliance with the residents of Harama and Al-Zulfi with the objective of launching an attack on Majma'a, the center of the Al-Saud's supporters.

In the year 1194 AH, Saud invaded Al-Zulfi. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud also invaded the region, until the people of Al-Zulfi pledged their allegiance to him. Subsequently, a delegation was sent to Diriyah, where they pledged to listen and obey.

In the year 1195 AH, Mishari evaded capture by a family in Egypt and subsequently returned to Al-Qassim, where he amassed the support of the people of Al-Zulfi and Tharmada.

In the year 1196 A.H., Saadun bin Aryar arrived at Mbayed with the people of Al-Zulfi and proceeded to assume control of Al-Rawdah and the slaughter of the Mutawa'ah in Al-Qassim.

In the year 1217 AH, King Saud bin Abdulaziz arrived at Rawdat al-Sabla, where he gathered the wadis en route to Hejaz.

1235 A.H. Mishari bin Saud came to Al-Washm, then to Diriyah with men from Al-Qassim, Al-Zulfi, Tharmada and other slaves of Diriyah, with loads of rice and food.

In the year 1237 of the Islamic calendar, the people of Al-Zulfi invaded Munikh and Sudair with the intention of establishing themselves as rulers of these countries.

In the year 1239 AH, Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud invaded Sudair. The head of Al-Ghat, Ahmad bin Muhammad al-Sudairi, and the people of Al-Zulfi approached him and, upon his intention to depart, he mobilized the people of Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Munikh, and Sudair, subsequently taking them to Harimla.

In the year 1240 A.H., a caravan comprising individuals from Al-Washim, Al-Qassim, Al-Zulfi, and Al-Arid, led by Ali Al-Hamad, was intercepted by Shaaban bin Mughlith bin Hathal of Anza in Jarab.

In the year 1241 AH, Nasser al-Rashid, the Emir of Al-Zulfi, passed away.

In the year 1263 AH, Imam Faisal designated Muhammad bin Ahmad Al-Sudairi as the Emir of Sudair, Munikh, Al-Tuwairif, and Al-Zulfi.

In the year 1277 A.H., Abdullah bin Faisal Al Saud conducted an incursion into the territory of Ajman, situated in proximity to Al-Jahra. During this incursion, he apprehended Hamdi bin Saqyan, a prominent figure among the Bani Abdullah tribe, and proceeded to escort him towards Nafud Al-Zulfi. Subsequently, he conducted a further incursion into the territory of Arab bin Saqyan, situated to the east of Al-Mansaf village in Al-Zulfi.

In 1278 AH, Faisal bin Turki invaded the Ajman, joined by Mutair and Banu Hajar. Ibn Saqyan was subsequently defeated near Al-Mansaf in Al-Zulfi.

In the year 1299 A.H., Abdullah Al-Faisal laid siege to Al-Mujamah. The inhabitants of the city appealed for assistance to Muhammad Al-Abdullah bin Rashid. Upon receiving this appeal, Abdullah left Al-Zulfi and returned to Riyadh.

In the year 1301 AH, Abdullah Al-Faisal launched an assault on Al-Zulfi with an army comprising Shammar and Harb forces. He was joined by the Emir of Al-Qassim, Hassan al-Muhanna Abu al-Khail. Following this, they returned to Al-Zulfi and those with him from the people of Mahmal and Sudair.

In the year 1347 AH (19 Shawwal Al-Sabla), the flag of war was with Al-Sakran. At that time, Muhammad Al-Rashid Al-Badah was with Abdul Rahman Al-Saib. Subsequently, the campaigns of Hamoud Al-Tarz Al-Mutairi and Hamoud Al-Shayqi commenced.

Topography

Tuwaiq Mountain: Situated at an elevation of approximately 150 meters above sea level, forms the eastern border of the city of Al-Zulfi. It is composed of limestone."Geography and climate". World and Its Peoples. Vol. 1. Marshall Cavendish. 2007. pp. 8–19. . Nafud al-Thuwairat: The formation of sand dunes is influenced by a range of climatic factors, including the erosion and fragmentation of rocks by wind, the impact of precipitation and extreme climatic conditions on soil composition and fragmentation, and the transportation of these particles by wind to basin areas where they fall below the general level of the Earth's surface. In sheltered areas along rocky ledges, the wind velocity diminishes and continuously deposits its load of sand. It borders Al-Zulfi to the north and west."Al-Nafūd | Desert, Map, Saudi Arabia, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-06-19.

Valleys and grazing areas The region of Al-Zulfi is characterised by a multitude of valleys and grazing areas. Among these, the most notable are:

Semnan Valley

The valley is of great significance within the wider context of Al-Zulfi, as it originates from Tuwaiq Mountain and proceeds in a westerly direction. Prior to reaching Al-Rawda centre Al-Hitan, the valley divides into multiple branches that encircle the historic settlements within Al-Zulfi.Team, the desert (November 27, 2014). "From Al-Zulfi to Asyah (1): Wadi Semnan and a little history". Team, the desert (in American English). Archived from the original on 2022-09-25. Retrieved 2023-02-08. Semnan is an ancient water source and settlement that has been in existence since the Jahiliyya era. The name Semnan has been used consistently throughout this period, and the city has been referenced in ancient books and dictionaries. In his writings, Yaqut al-Hamawi states: Semnan is a village situated in the Diyar Tamim region, in close proximity to the Yamama oasis. In his Sahih al-Akhbar, Ibn Balihad identifies Semnan as a village situated at the northern extremity of the Yamama Mountain. The region has a longstanding reputation for its palm trees, a fact that has been documented since ancient times. The region of Semnan has been inhabited since ancient times, with a history of agricultural, commercial, and social activity."Indexed Gazetteer and Historical Dictionary of Zulfi Governorate, the first article is Wadi Semnan". An annual publication issued by the Scientific Committee of the Al-Farahid Family Forum.

Markh Valley

The longest valley of Al-Zulfi, named Murkh after the Murkh plant, is formed by the descent of a torrent from the Tuwaiq Mountains, which follows Al-Ghat in the east. The torrent then proceeds in a northerly direction until it overflows in Rawdat Al-Sabla. Ibn Balihad posited that The valley is situated on the eastern side of Al-Zulfi, in close proximity to Rawdat al-Sabla and Nafud al-Duwaihi. Merkh Valley is fed by numerous tributaries, including Shuaib al-Sayla, Shuaib Umm al-Ashash, Shuaib al-Haski, Shuaib al-Noum, Shuaib Jarallah, and others."Wadi Markh: A field study (its nature, tributaries and landmarks)". Riyadh newspaper. Archived from the original on 2020-01-12. Accessed on 2020-08-16.

Ararera Valley

One of the valleys of Al-Zulfi is situated at the foot of the Tuwaiq Mountains, where the torrential river flows westward, ultimately reaching the towns of Al-Zulfi. The area is characterized by palm trees and numerous water sources, which served as a vital resource during the Jahiliyyah period. Yaqut al-Hamawi makes reference to it in his writings, stating: "Ararera: water for Bani Rabia in Yamamah," as Al-Asmai observed. It is situated between the two mountains and the sand.

Jazra