Historic Al-Faqir Well in Madinah reopens after improvements to site
The Al-Faqir Well in Madinah, which is also known as the Salman Al-Farsi Well, has reopened to visitors following development work.
Dating back over 14 centuries, it stands as a historic landmark with links to Prophet Muhammad’s times, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Located in the Alya area of Madinah, the well is surrounded by orchards and it used pulleys for water extraction in the past.
Now under the supervision of the Madinah Region Development Authority and other relevant bodies, it boasts facilities such as a pool.
Historical researcher Fouad bin Dhaif Allah Al-Maghamisi said that the Al-Faqir Well is linked to the story of Salman Al-Farsi, who was initially a slave working in an orchard in the region. In the famous story, Prophet Muhammad freed him by paying a sum to the orchard owner, and the site became known as the Salman Al-Farsi Well, although it is now commonly referred to as the Al-Faqir Well. Al-Maghamisi said that water drawn from the well passes through conduits and across a bridge before reaching the well’s pool. From there, the water is distributed to the surrounding orchards.
The development work included the installation of an iron fence around the well and its conduits. Water paths, the bridge and the main gate have been reinforced with local stone from Madinah. The careful work has maintained consistency with the original construction.
The area has also witnessed the planting of palm trees, while the internal courtyard has been improved and stone benches installed for visitors.
An informative plaque has been added at the entrance, providing details about the location and its history.
In 2022, Saudi authorities announced a three-year package of projects to restore and develop more than 100 sites in Madinah with connections to the life of the Prophet and other important events in Islamic history.