Abha, December 10, 2023, For over eight decades, the art of gathering mountain honey in the Asir Region has witnessed a decline in interest. However, the enduring monuments and tools associated with this challenging yet profitable occupation bear witness to the strength and determination of the people who once harvested honey from steep and rugged locations.
During a recent field tour conducted by the Saudi Press Agency in Ahad Tharban mountain, west of Al-Majardah Governorate in the Asir Region, wooden beehives dating back decades still stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. These strategically placed hives were ingeniously designed to attract bee colonies in the high mountains and extremely rugged locations.
Musa Al-Shehri, a resident of Ahad Tharban, reminisced about the significance of these beehives, emphasizing that they were once a primary economic resource for the local community. In their heyday, a small quantity of honey extracted from these hives fetched high prices owing to its exceptional quality and rarity.
Ahad Tharban, known for its fertile agricultural and grazing lands nourished by the region's valleys, boasts attractive tourist sites. The mountain is renowned for its hot spring, located 8 kilometers south of Ahad Tharban, attracting visitors from across the Kingdom and the Gulf countries.
To enhance the appeal of the hot spring, the Municipality of Al-Majardah has made improvements to its surroundings, installing umbrellas to provide shade and comfort for visitors.
Among the notable attractions of Ahad Tharban are small stone buildings perched atop massive, smooth volcanic rocks scattered on the high peaks. According to Al-Shehri, these structures were erected in the past to store grains harvested from the farms.
The elevated location and solid volcanic rocks ground serve to preserve corn, barley, sesame, and other grains, protecting them from spoilage for extended periods. These stone houses, designed without windows to prevent moisture seepage, feature a small door that is tightly closed when filled with grains.
Ahad Tharban also hosts a popular market every Sunday, catering to several villages and residential units in the area. As visitors explore this region, they are treated not only to the natural beauty but also to a rich tapestry of history and traditions that have shaped the livelihoods of the local community over the years.
