Marashi al-Jawf wavering between security and fear [Archives:2005/861/Culture]
July 21 2005
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Marash district is administratively part of Jawf province situated to the northwest of the country. It is bound by Sa'adah on the north and Humaidat district on the south, Barat Rajouzah and Barat al-Enan on the east, and Harf Sifian (part of Amran province) on the east.
To travel to Barat means to risk difficulties. But with the paved road getting closer to the district, part of the burden is off.
Topography and climate:
The district is some sort of a mountain chain interrupted by a number of platuex and agricultural valleys such as Maranah, Dahnah, Haijan, and Mathab. The most famous mountain in this area is Tan which stands in the eastern part, Kaish mount in the northeast, Sawdat in the north, and Ashran. The climate can be described as hot in the summer and moderate in winter.
Population and key activities:
According to 2004 Population Census's indicators, the district's population reaches as many as 64,721 people, ranking fourth in the province after Khab, Sha'f and Barat Rajouzah. There is little activity in the area. Unemployment spreads while some are farmers and others work as shepherds raising camels and goats.
Agriculture can be said to be the main profession. However, locals do not have the capacities to improve their farms. Crops include wheat and vegetables.
Agricultural valleys:
There are several agricultural valleys across this district most important of which are:
– Maranah valley which stretches at the feet of the mountains of Barat al-Enan and Barat Rajouzah from which rainwater runs into this valley. It stretches along the eastern part of the district passing by Maranah and ending at Waghirah area at Humaidat district.
– Dahnah Valley: It is an agricultural valley starting Imarah area in Barat al-Enan district passing through Shu'ara and Qalafah districts meeting Sifian valley in Malahat district.
– Haijan and Nahian valleys: They pass through part of Haijan district stretching as far as Rwais district where they meet with Mathab valley.
– Neel valley: It is one of the agricultural valleys. It starts in Neel hill located at the beginning of Barat al-Enan's mountain chain. This valley passes through the district center.
– Mathab valley: This western valley is one of the famous agricultural valleys in the province. It receives the monsoon rain torrents coming from three provinces – Sana'a, Amran and Sa'adah.
Archeological sites:
Marash district enjoys a lot of historic cities and sites. Yet, it is not as famous as other Jawf districts. There are ruins in Shaqra' area where there are unearthed ancient archeological remains. There are historic remains also in Daryan district. Forts and citadels from ancient times and Islamic ages scatter across the district, in its center and other villages. There are many old mosques such as Hakami, Marqab and Omar, Shu'ara and Haijan mosques some of which are being degraded while the Ministry of Culture is motionless.
Nature of life:
Life is hard over there. Development requirements in Marash district are scarce. People dwell in clay-brick houses which are very appropriate in desert climates as they absorb high heat. These houses are usually cool in summer and warm in winter. Male residents are always strapped with arms because of revenge that jeopardizes even children. People have their fingers set on triggers ready for action. Revenge threatens the lives of safe generations.
A visitor can see the signs of misery and sadness in the faces of children. They cannot join education because there are no facilities. Even if schools are available, teachers and curricula tend to be absent.
Service projects from US:
ADRA Organization is implementing useful projects in this district in the health and education sectors, funded by the USAID.
Although this district is close to Saudi borders and its residents can easily move across borders, there are no vital projects in the area supported fully or partially by the Saudi government. Although some local personalities of distinction get salaries from Saudi Arabia, it seems that only the Americans have succeeded to gain people's respect in this forgotten district by means of development projects.
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[archive-e:861-v:13-y:2005-d:2005-07-21-p:culture]
