Ancient Roots: Hajar and Gerrha

In antiquity, the Al-Ahsa region was known as "Hajar." Historical sources suggest it was one of the most important centers of settlement and trade in eastern Arabia, and some researchers link it to the city of "Gerrha," described by Greek geographers as a wealthy trading hub.

Early Islam: The Delegation of Abd al-Qays and Jawatha Mosque

The tribe of Abd al-Qays was the principal population of Hajar at the dawn of Islam, and its delegation is said to have come to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and embraced Islam willingly, without conflict. Following this delegation, Jawatha Mosque was built, and it is considered one of the oldest mosques in Islam — sources record it as the site of the second Friday prayer ever held in Islamic history, after the Prophet's Mosque.

The Qarmatian State: From Hajar to Al-Ahsa

In the late 3rd century AH (9th century CE), the Qarmatian movement rose in the region under the leadership of Abu Sa'id al-Jannabi. After his death, his son Abu Tahir al-Jannabi took power and, in the early 4th century AH, built a new city named "Al-Ahsa," which became the capital of the Qarmatian state.

The Jabrids, Bani Khalid, and Ottoman Rule

Al-Ahsa subsequently passed through the rule of successive local and regional powers, most notably the Jabrid state, before coming under Ottoman control. In 1080 AH/1669 CE, Barrak bin Ghurayr, leader of the Bani Khalid tribe, led an uprising that ended the Ottoman presence in Al-Ahsa.

Joining the Modern Saudi State

In 1331 AH/1913 CE, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud led his forces to Al-Ahsa and succeeded in driving out the Ottoman garrison entrenched in Qasr Ibrahim, where its governor surrendered on 4 June 1913, making Al-Ahsa part of the emerging Saudi state.

The Modern Era: Oil and World Heritage

Al-Ahsa gained further economic significance with the dawn of the oil era in the Eastern Province, owing to its proximity to the Ghawar field. This heritage standing was crowned in June 2018, when UNESCO inscribed the "Al-Ahsa Oasis" on its World Heritage List.