Shanqal Fort

Shanqal Fort is a ruined fortification near Turubah in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Region, situated atop the plateau separating Wadi Turbah and Wadi Kara at 1,133 meters elevation. The fortified structure, known locally as al-Murabba'a (The Square), is surrounded by scattered archaeological houses indicating a broader ancient residential settlement. Historians attribute its construction to a wealthy prince of the Al-Baqum tribe, with historian Muhammad bin Ghanam dating it to 1729 as the residence of Sheikh Abdurrahman bin Sultan al-Badri. Built on the rocky slope forming the northwestern border of Al-Baqum tribal territory, it represents an important example of pre-modern Arabian fortress architecture.