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Wadi Ranuna Dam

An Archaeological Witness to Madinah's Civilization

Madinah

Wadi Ranuna Dam, constructed from igneous and basaltic stones, is a historical landmark in Madinah. It was built by Abdullah bin Amr bin Uthman bin Affan. The dam’s inscriptions and restorations attest to the continuous care it received over successive periods.

Wadi Ranuna Dam is considered one of the significant monuments that still bear witness to Madinah’s ancient archaeological past and history.

It is located south of the Quba scheme (al-Hijra district) and north of Mount Ayr.

It was constructed using igneous and basalt rocks of various sizes and a deep black hue, reflecting a construction style characterized by both simplicity and durability.

This dam was constructed by Abdullah bin Amr bin Uthman bin Affan, who passed away in Egypt in 96 AH. The dam constitutes a practical way to manage and benefit from flash flood waters.

In the modern era, Professor Abdul-Quddus al-Ansari verified the antiquities of Wadi Ranuna, specifically the dam, along with several Islamic inscriptions between 1347 and 1353 AH.

These efforts contributed to drawing attention to the value of this archaeological site.

Notable inscriptions include a poetic inscription and a foundation inscription for the dam's restoration during the Ottoman era, dated 1289 AH / 1872 AD, indicating a sustained commitment to the dam’s maintenance across various eras.