Uyun AlJiwa Uyun AlJiwa Governorate or Al Uyun |
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Governorate | |||
Sakhrat Antarah historic site
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Location of Uyun AlJiwa | |||
Coordinates: 26°29′55″N 43°37′56″E / 26.49861°N 43.63222°E | |||
Country | Saudi Arabia | ||
Region | Al-Qassim Region | ||
Government | |||
• المحافظ | محمد بن عبدالله الحجاج | ||
• Governor | Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Hajjaj | ||
Area | |||
• Total | 120 km2 (50 sq mi) | ||
Population (2011) | |||
• Total | 26,544 | ||
• Density | 221.2/km2 (573/sq mi) | ||
Time zone | AST (UTC+3) | ||
Area code(s) | 06 | ||
Website | www.OyoonJiwa.com |
Uyun AlJiwa (Officially: Uyun AlJiwa governorate | a.k.a. Al Uyun, Al Jiwa, and Oyounaljewa | Arabic: محافظة عيون الجواء) is a Saudi governorate that is located in northwestern Al-Qassim Region less than 30 kilometres (19 mi) northwest of Buraydah, the province capital city. The name literally translates to The Valley's Ponds, and it derives from the water ponds which used to surround the area. It is most famous for the past societies which used to live in the area and its ancient historic sites. People of Al Jiwa are distinguished from other people in Al-Qassim Region by their unique accent.
Many historic as well as pre-historic societies have settled in the Al Jiwa land. One example is Banu Abs who gave birth to the famous knight, adventurer, lover, and poet, Antarah Bin Shaddad. Moreover, Al Jiwa contains many Thamudic patterns (e.g. Thamudic Petroglyphs). In recent history, many of the region inhabitants' forefathers were among who are called Al Oqilat, which was a group that traveled long distances to trade, work for money, and bring back merchandise. Others were farmers and worked either in harvest or raising livestock. They were known for their loyalty, honesty, and hard work. The name of Al Jiwa has been mentioned (on record) in both Islamic and Pre-Islamic-era Arabic poetry by famous poets such as Antarah Bin Shaddad, Zuhayr bin Abi Sulma, Imru' al-Qais, Kumait Ibn Zaid, and Hassan Bin Thabit. This not only proves that Al Jiwa long-time existed, but it also proves that it held a type of status in the past.