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Beit al-Jarmal

A Resilient Archaeological Building on Qummah Island

Jazan

Beit al-Jarmal is an archaeological building on Qummah Island. It is believed to have been constructed by the Germans during World War I to serve as a coal warehouse for refuelling ships. It remains robust despite the passage of time.

Beit al-Jarmal, attributed to the Germans, is located on Qummah Island, situated about six kilometres southwest of the Farasan Governorate headquarters.

The structure is believed to have been constructed by the Germans in 1319 AH / 1901 AD, during their alliance with the Turks against Great Britain and its allies during World War 1.

The purpose of its construction was to serve as a coal warehouse to meet the needs of German and Turkish steamships crossing the Red Sea between the Suez Canal and Bab el-Mandeb.

It is a rectangular building, approximately four meters high, with four entrances. Internally, it contains two parallel rows of square-shaped columns.

Its exterior walls were solidly constructed using carefully dressed local stone, thereby endowing the building with an authentic appearance that combines structural durability with architectural refinement.

It appears that the construction of this house was halted before completion due to the defeat of Germany and its ally, Turkey. Over time, it has been affected by erosion, and its internal columns have fallen, except for one that still stands today.

From the outside, the effect of salinity is evident on the lower portions of the walls; otherwise, they remain intact and resilient, with deterioration limited to the edges framing the eastern entrance.

This house remains eye-catching due to its sturdiness and strength, serving as a witness to the ingenuity of ancient architecture and its ability to withstand the passage of time.