JEDDAH: The northwestern and western towns in Asir province are renowned for their large number of historical sites and villages that host Islamic and pre-Islamic monuments and gold mines.

One of the most important sites is Al-Ablaa Center, which contains many treasures that are still being investigated by archaeologists.

Al-Ablaa is a white mountain overlooking Ranya Valley. The mountain’s name has come to include neighboring archeological sites that are famous for the presence of a market during the pre-Islamic era.

The market’s remnants are still visible, and the mountain is surrounded by villages and a gold mine.

There are three carved wells at the top of the mountain. The depth of one of them is 80 meters, and was used for metal extraction.

Asir attracts people who are interested in archaeology and history, said researcher Dr. Mohammed bin Jerman Al-Awaji.

Work by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) recently revealed the foundations of a mosque dating back to the early Islamic era in Al-Ablaa. The mosque is estimated to have covered an area of 616 square meters.