Riyadh: Residents of Saudi Arabia's Al-Baha Region hold a rich archive of Hajj memories that continues to resonate with and educate future generations about their significant past, reflecting the lives and dedication of their fathers and grandfathers during the annual pilgrimage.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the people of the southern region, particularly Al-Baha, the Hajj seasons presented a unique opportunity: working as bearers of wooden, bed-like chairs known as "shabriya" within the Grand Mosque. Carried by four strong individuals, this physically demanding role was once a cornerstone of services for pilgrims and Umrah performers.
Saleh Al-Zahrani, a local in his sixties, reminisced: "As a young man, I worked for several years carrying pilgrims on wooden chairs alongside my father. We used them to transport the elderly during Tawaf and Sa'i. I still remember the call of 'wood, wood,' the phrase repeated by the strong young men carrying them." These chairs, crafted from sturdy wood to withstand various weights, featured a wooden bed stretched with hemp ropes, providing comfort and support to elderly or disabled pilgrims unable to perform the rituals themselves.
Mohammed Al-Zahrani, another local, noted the significant evolution of these transportation services at the Grand Mosque over the years. Initially, simple wooden chairs carried by several individuals facilitated Tawaf and Sa'i. These later evolved into handcarts made of wood and iron. Many Al-Baha residents inherited these carriages, which operated under official licenses and plates issued by relevant authorities, allowing for their sale and transfer. Subject to regulations within the Grand Mosque, these carts became a vital annual source of income for young men, particularly during Ramadan and Hajj, after obtaining the necessary licenses.
Saad Al-Ghamdi, in his eighties, recalled his first journey to work during Hajj over 60 years ago, describing it as "a difficult and arduous journey, starting with searching for transportation to Makkah, then finding a job in the carriages, which operated around the clock."
According to Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, a local cultural researcher, these wooden chairs are one of about 20 types of palanquins known since ancient times. Palanquins varied based on their carriers and contents, with some carried by animals such as elephants or camels, and others by humans. The Arabian Peninsula had several types, each named after what they carried.
Since the founding of the Saudi state, services during the Hajj and Umrah seasons have undergone significant developments. An integrated system involving various government agencies, operating under direct guidance and support, now ensures the comfort and ease of pilgrims, allowing them to perform their rituals seamlessly.