OLD VILLAGES OF KHAYBAR

Khaybar has preserved the remains of its adobe citadel in three villages. They are all located to the north-west of the present-day town.

First village. As you drive up into Khaybar town, follow the sign for "Khaybar Cultural Village". This is the most recent of Khaybar's villages, and the last inhabitants left in 1974. It overlooks the palm grove planted in the wadi and the fields. The village was surrounded by a defensive wall. Some of the houses feature beautifully carved palm wood doors.

The fortress and the second village. When Mohammed decided to drive the Jews out of Khaybar, there were several fortresses in the area. It is highly probable that this fortress existed at the time of the Prophet, even if the ruins of the present building are more recent. The fortress occupies a dominant position and was erected on top of a basalt hill. It dominates the second village of Khaybar, of which all that remains are the outer walls of the houses, some of which are in a very poor state of repair. The layout of the village and its maze of alleyways are still clearly visible. The village is surrounded by fields and palm groves.

The third village, further north, is slightly set back from the old road linking Medina to Tabouk. The remains of this village, built on a basalt plateau, are in a very poor state of repair. Only a few walls are still standing.

In early 2024, archaeologists discovered an ancient fortification dating back 4,000 years.