The Zubaida Trail A Path of Faith and Generosity.

Zubaida Trail

Darb Zubaidah Map

THE STORY

When in the history of Islam the center of power shifted from Damascus to Baghdad, also the main route of pilgrimage dramatically changed. Muslim believers from the new capital city and the Eastern countries of the empire now had to cross 1.400 kilometers of mostly barren land to reach Mecca. Their way led through the Nefud desert, one of the driest regions in the world.

From the beginning, royal and private benefactors sought to remedy the life-threatening hardships of the new route. One of them being Zubayda bint Ja`far ibn al-Mansur (765-831 CE/AH 148-216), also known as Umm Ja`far. Given Zubayda's extraordinary commitment to provide water and shelter for the pious travelers, posterity named the route after the compassionate Abbasid Lady, who became the wife of the famous caliph Hārūn ar-Rashīd.

Zubayda made at least five pilgrimages to Mecca, her first one in 790 CE/AH 173. Our story will recount the challenges that the Lady and her fellow travellers from the Eastern provinces faced en route, keeping it uncertain, whether they will make it to Mecca. The dramatic narrative will be combined with documentary research on the archaeological remains of the Zubayda trail, giving evidence to the equally sophisticated and charitable measures that were undertaken to support and protect generations of pilgrims.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Pilgrim Route Project descpription The reason for travel might differ, yet pathways of pilgrimage have a similar impact on civilizational progress along their course as do traditional trade routes. In the case of Mecca, trade and pilgrimage routes even overlap. In pre-Islamic times, the Continue Reading {{title}} {{catlist_raw}} {{content:words:40}} Continue Reading Zubayda’s Vision and Legacy Project descpription Zubayda swore to remedy the situation and, after her happy return, had 27 main and 27 secondary way stations built along the route. The elaborate buildings serve to protect and provide for the pilgrims. The water supply facilities commissioned by Continue Reading Dr. Saad Al Rashid and the Preservation of the Legacy Project descpription Dr. Saad Al Rashid, Chairman of the Archaeological Association of Saudi Arabia, has dedicated much of his professional career to the way stations for pilgrims on the Zubayda trail. Dr. Saad will lead our cinematic research on the traces of Continue Reading

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Meccah pilgrims will be addressed as the main target audience. Aside from the impact of the Covid19 pandemic, yearly pilgrim numbers average between 20 and 30 million. We will reach pilgrims at sales points in Meccah, Medina, Jeddah, Riyadh, Hail, and through the on-board entertainment system of SAUDIA Airlines. PILGRIM NUMBERS

PREMIERE LOCATION

An Event Cinema Project will need an adequate location for its public launch. As it is expected to open in 2028, the Royal Diriyah Opera House could present the perfect surroundings for the DARB ZUBAYDA premiere. The architectural jewel will - among other auditoriums - feature a 450-seat multi purpose theatre, which will be equipped with state-of-the-art cinema screening facilities.

Darb Zubaida Book

We envision the book as a coffee-table sized paperback photo book. It will combine historical quotes from pilgrims, who made their Hajj on foot, with inspiring and associative images produced during the scouting tours and the filming on location.

The Evolution of Hajj Travel

The first image shows the historic Darb Zubayda, where pilgrims endured long, arduous journeys on foot or by camel. The second image highlights modern travel, with pilgrims reaching Mecca quickly by plane, train, and bus.