[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="Relic of a legendary love story etched in stone" ids="104788,104789,104790,104791"] FOR many people the iconic rock that stands out in Oyoon Al-Jawa in the central region of Qassim is a symbol of love because the famous pre-Islamic poet Antara Bin Shaddad Al-Absi used to meet his love Abla, who was his cousin, in its shade. The rock has become a major attraction of tourists who visit Buraidah from different parts of the Kingdom and nearby Arab countries. Those who are accustomed to tampering with landmarks and public property did not leave the Rock of Antara alone. They tarnished the rock face with graffiti. "This huge rock represents intimate human relations. It enlivens the memory of one of the most famous love stories in the Arab world," said Dr. Hamad Al-Suwailem, president of Qassim Literary Club, while speaking to Al-Watan Arabic daily. The Rock of Antara is not just a rigid mass, Al-Suwailem said, adding that the rock has livened up, witnessing the love and affection of young couples. "It also deepens the values of love and peace," he added. Al-Suwailem expressed his hope that the authorities would preserve the rock as a symbol of love in this modern era when such eternal feelings have started disappearing, giving way to conflicts, killings and torture. Saleh Al-Radi, a tour guide, spoke about the war that made Antara famous in his tribe. "The area of Qusiba was rich in water, and there were seven natural water springs including the spring of Abs which was named after the Abs tribe. Then the war of Dahis and Ghabra broke out between the tribes of Abs and Dhubyan. During this war, Antara played a heroic role to make his tribe victorious," Al-Radi said. Al-Radi also spoke about the passionate romance between Antara and his cousin Abla. This marvelous love story has been passed down generations. Abdul Rahman Al-Subaihi, who is a researcher in history, said: "This Rock of Antara represents the symbol of love in our region, because it is where the couple Abla and Antara met. Antara's love for Abla was matchless as he used to walk a distance of 50 kilometers to meet her. Even today many girls in the region carry the name of Abla." Antara's poem forms part of the Muallaqat, the collection of the legendary "seven hanging odes", which were suspended on the walls of Holy Kaaba in Makkah. His poems highlighted chivalry, courage and heroism in battle as well as his love for Abla. His poetry's historical and cultural importance stems from its detailed descriptions of battles, armor, weapons, horses, desert and other themes of the time. A tourist guide, who requested anonymity, said many of his colleagues used to avoid taking tourists to the Rock of Antara, giving unacceptable reasons. "I hope the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage would give greater care to this historical relic that dates back to hundreds of years and take measures to preserve it for coming generations. The SCTH should impose fines on people who vandalize the rock." The guide said he was deeply saddened by the graffiti on the rock as it lessens its historical value and importance. Researcher Abdullah Al-Mosleh said "Husat Al-Nasla" and "Orjoun Mansour" are two other historical rocks in Oyoun Al-Jawa governorate, adding that the engravings on the rocks make them valuable. "We were about to lose those engravings due to drawings on the rock," he added. He said the area has become a meeting place for lovers. "Since the rock is closely attached to the legendary romance between Abla and Antara, it should be preserved from those who try to tamper with it," he added. Ibrahim bin Ali Al-Mushaiqeh, acting director general of SCTH in Qassim, highlighted his organization's efforts to promote domestic tourism and preserve historical relics and sites across the Kingdom. "Investment in national heritage sites is one of our tourism strategies," he told Al-Watan. He said many historians and researchers have agreed that the Rock of Antara belonged to the historic warrior and poet Antara and his tribe Bani Abs. "It has been registered among the heritage sites of the commission," he pointed out. He said SCTH has arranged visits of experts to the rock considering its historic importance. "All tourists are welcome to visit the Rock of Antara, which is one of the sites recommended by the Regional Tourism Development Council." He said the commission has been promoting the site through exhibitions and brochures. "The authorities have included the Rock of Antara among places for visit by VIPs who come to the region," he added. "We have prepared the place for tourists to visit by removing the writings on the rock."
