Archers' Hill (Aynayn Pass)

Aynayn Hill is believed to have derived its name from the two water sources (ayn) at its foot. Positioned at a strategic pass between the Valley of the Wings and Mount Uhud, the hill constituted the most critical geographical element of the Battle of Uhud. Before the Battle of Uhud (3 Shawwal AH / March 625 CE), the Prophet Muhammad planned a defensive line at the foot of Mount Uhud against the approximately 3,000-strong army of Mecca. To prevent the enemy's strong cavalry unit from surrounding the Muslims from behind, he stationed 50 archers at Aynayn Hill under the command of Abdullah ibn Jubayr. The Prophet gave these archers a very clear and precise order: "Whether in victory or defeat, even if the birds eat our corpses, do not leave this hill! As long as you stay here, we are considered victorious." In the initial phase of the battle, the Muslims gained the upper hand; the Meccan army began to disperse. Seeing this, the vast majority of the archers, forgetting the Prophet's explicit command, thought, "Let's collect the spoils, the battle is over!" and left the hill. Abdullah ibn Jubayr continued to stay with ten to fourteen men. At that moment, Khalid ibn al-Walid (who was not yet a Muslim) and Ikrimah ibn Abu Jahl led a cavalry unit through the empty pass and surrounded the Muslims from behind. This sudden attack completely changed the course of the battle; the Muslims suffered heavy losses as they found themselves caught between two fires, and the Prophet was wounded. The incident at Archers' Hill is regarded as one of the most striking lessons symbolizing the vital importance of obedience and adherence to commands in Islamic tradition. This hill remains one of the historical sites visited today. [Source: "Aynayn", TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/ayneyn; "Battle of Uhud", TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/uhud-gazvesi]